Ezekiel 6:14

KJV

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

So will I stretch out {H5186} my hand {H3027} upon them, and make {H5414} the land {H776} desolate {H8077}, yea, more desolate {H4923} than the wilderness {H4057} toward Diblath {H1689}, in all their habitations {H4186}: and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will stretch out my hand over them and make the land wherever they live into a desolate waste worse than the Divlah Desert. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

And I will stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate and waste, from the wilderness toward Diblah, throughout all their habitations: and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 6:14 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against the idolatrous land of Israel, emphasizing the comprehensive desolation that will be wrought by God's own hand. This severe devastation, extending even beyond the barrenness of the wilderness, serves a singular, profound purpose: to compel the inhabitants to an undeniable, experiential recognition of Yahweh's supreme authority, unique identity, and unwavering sovereignty as the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 6:14 concludes a powerful prophetic oracle of judgment that begins in chapter 6, specifically targeting the "mountains of Israel" and their pervasive idolatry. This chapter immediately follows a series of symbolic actions ([Ezekiel 4-5](/ezekiel/4-5 "Ezekiel 4-5 - Symbolic Actions and Siege Prophecy")) that graphically depict the siege, famine, and scattering of Jerusalem's inhabitants. Chapter 6 shifts the focus from the city to the land itself, particularly the "high places" and altars where pagan worship flourished. The repeated phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" (found over 70 times in Ezekiel) functions as a theological refrain, underscoring the revelatory purpose behind God's punitive actions. Verse 14 acts as a climactic summary, declaring the ultimate scope and intent of the judgment described throughout the chapter, setting the stage for further pronouncements of desolation in [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 6:14 is delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, following the first deportation in 597 BC. The people of Judah, including those remaining in Jerusalem, were deeply entrenched in syncretistic practices, blending the worship of Yahweh with the veneration of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah. High places, originally legitimate sites of worship, had been corrupted into centers of idolatry, often involving abhorrent rituals. The reference to "Diblath" (H1689), possibly a variant of Riblah, a significant location for judgment in [2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6-7 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding at Riblah"), or a symbolic term for extreme desolation, underscores the historical reality of impending Babylonian invasion and the resulting destruction. This judgment was a direct consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, as outlined in the curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty** are paramount; God's "stretched out hand" signifies His direct, powerful, and decisive intervention in human history, demonstrating His absolute control over the fate of nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. Secondly, **Extreme Desolation** highlights the severity of God's response to persistent rebellion. The land becoming "more desolate than the wilderness" paints a vivid picture of utter ruin, a consequence directly tied to the people's spiritual barrenness. Lastly, and most significantly, the **Purpose of Judgment is Revelation**. The recurring declaration, "they shall know that I am the LORD," reveals that God's judgments are not merely punitive but redemptive and revelatory. Through the experience of desolation and its bitter consequences, the people would be forced to abandon their false gods and come to an experiential, undeniable knowledge of Yahweh's true identity, power, and unique status as the one true God, as seen in other passages like [Ezekiel 7:27](/ezekiel/7-27 "Ezekiel 7:27 - Knowing the LORD Through Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This primitive word, referring to the closed hand (in distinction from _kaph_, the open palm), signifies power, means, and direction. When God's "hand" is stretched out, it denotes a direct, active, and forceful intervention. In this context, it represents the exercise of His sovereign power in judgment, a decisive and unavoidable act that brings about the prophesied desolation. It is a powerful anthropomorphism conveying divine agency and authority.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _mᵉshammâh'_):** (H4923) Derived from the root meaning "to be waste or astonished," this word signifies devastation, ruin, and astonishment. It describes a state of utter emptiness and ruin, often accompanied by a sense of shock or horror at the extent of destruction. The repetition and intensification ("more desolate than the wilderness") underscore the unprecedented and severe nature of the coming judgment, far exceeding natural barrenness.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root means "to know," properly "to ascertain by seeing." It encompasses a deep, experiential, and often relational knowledge, including observation, care, and recognition. Causatively, it can imply instruction or punishment. In the context of "they shall know that I am the LORD," it means to come to an undeniable, often painful, understanding of God's true character, power, and sovereignty, born out of the consequences of their actions and His faithful execution of His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So will I stretch out my hand upon them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency and intentionality. The "stretching out of the hand" is a common biblical idiom for God's powerful intervention, whether in salvation (e.g., the Exodus) or, as here, in judgment. It signifies a direct, deliberate, and irresistible act of God against His rebellious people, indicating that the coming devastation is not accidental but a divinely orchestrated consequence.
* **"and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath,"**: This describes the extent and severity of the impending judgment. The land, once fertile and blessed, will be rendered utterly waste. The comparison to "the wilderness" emphasizes extreme barrenness, while "more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath" intensifies this, suggesting a desolation beyond natural expectation. "Diblath" is a geographically uncertain location, possibly a textual variant of Riblah (a known site of judgment) or a symbolic place representing ultimate barrenness, serving to underscore the unprecedented nature of the ruin.
* **"in all their habitations:"**: This phrase clarifies the comprehensive scope of the desolation. It will not be confined to specific areas but will impact every place where the people dwell, signifying a complete and inescapable judgment that touches every aspect of their lives and settlements. It emphasizes the totality of the impending ruin.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD."**: This is the ultimate purpose and theological climax of the verse. The judgment is not an end in itself but a means to a revelatory end. Through the experience of utter desolation and the collapse of their idolatrous systems, the people will be forced to acknowledge, experientially and undeniably, the unique identity, power, and sovereignty of Yahweh (the LORD). This "knowing" is a profound realization of His true nature, distinct from the false gods they worshipped.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "stretch out my hand," attributing a human physical action to God, thereby making His direct and forceful intervention more comprehensible and impactful. The phrase "make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Simile**. The hyperbole intensifies the description of desolation beyond natural limits, emphasizing the unprecedented severity of the divine judgment. The simile, comparing the land's future state to a wilderness, vividly paints a picture of utter barrenness and ruin. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," functions as a **Leitmotif** or **Refrain** throughout the book of Ezekiel. Its repeated use underscores the primary theological purpose of all God's actions—to reveal His true identity and sovereignty to His people and the nations, even through the crucible of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:14 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God's judgments, while severe, are always righteous, purposeful, and ultimately revelatory. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion. The desolation described is a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, a profound violation of the very first commandments. Yet, even in this devastating pronouncement, God's ultimate aim is not merely punishment but the restoration of a right relationship, compelling His people to abandon false worship and truly "know" Him as the sovereign, living God. This knowledge is not intellectual assent but a profound, experiential realization of His unique identity and power, leading to repentance and a renewed understanding of His holiness and justice.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 45:6](/isaiah/45-6 "Isaiah 45:6 - God's Uniqueness")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:14 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual rebellion and idolatry. It challenges us to examine our own lives for "high places"—areas where we elevate anything above the worship and sovereignty of the one true God, whether it be wealth, power, comfort, reputation, or even self. God's holiness demands a response, and His justice ensures that persistent turning away from Him will lead to a form of spiritual desolation, a barrenness in our souls and lives. Yet, even in the severity of this warning, there is a profound pastoral truth: God's ultimate desire is for us to truly "know" Him. Sometimes, it is through the stripping away of false securities and the experience of consequences that our eyes are opened to His true identity, power, and love. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to humble ourselves, repent of any idolatry, and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord, trusting that His ultimate purpose is always our true knowledge of Him, leading to life and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or idols might exist in my own life or in our contemporary culture that provoke God's righteous judgment?**
* **How does the concept of God's "stretched out hand" in judgment deepen my understanding of His sovereignty and holiness?**
* **In what ways might God be seeking to bring me to a deeper, more experiential "knowing" of Him, even through difficult circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle idolatry in my life and ensure that God truly is the LORD of all my habitations?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Diblath" in this verse?**

Answer: The exact location of "Diblath" (H1689) is debated among scholars. Some suggest it is a textual error for "Riblah" (רִבְלָה), a significant place in Syria where Babylonian kings executed judgment, notably where King Zedekiah's sons were killed and he was blinded ([2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6-7 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding at Riblah")). If so, it would signify a place associated with severe judgment. Others propose it is a symbolic reference to a region known for its extreme barrenness, emphasizing the unparalleled and utter desolation that would befall the land of Israel. Regardless of the precise geographical identification, its inclusion serves to underscore the hyperbole of the judgment: the land would become so desolate that it would surpass even the most barren wilderness.

**Why does God use such severe judgment, like making the land "desolate," to achieve His purpose?**

Answer: God's judgment, though severe, is always righteous and purposeful. In Ezekiel 6:14, the desolation is a direct consequence of Israel's persistent and widespread idolatry, which was a profound breach of their covenant with Yahweh. God, as a holy and just God, cannot tolerate sin indefinitely, especially when His people continually reject Him for false gods. The severity of the judgment is a proportional response to the gravity of their sin. Furthermore, the explicit purpose stated is "they shall know that I am the LORD." The desolation serves as a stark, undeniable demonstration of His power, sovereignty, and uniqueness, forcing His people to abandon their illusions and acknowledge Him as the one true God. This painful "knowing" is intended to lead to repentance and a return to a right relationship with Him, ultimately for their good.

**What does it mean to "know that I am the LORD" in the context of Ezekiel?**

Answer: In Ezekiel, the phrase "to know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: _yadaʻ Yᵉhôvâh_) signifies far more than intellectual assent to God's existence. It refers to a profound, experiential, and often painful realization of God's true identity, power, and sovereignty. It means to acknowledge His unique status as the only true God, to recognize His justice in judgment, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises and warnings. For Israel, it meant abandoning their false gods and coming to a full, submissive understanding of Yahweh's absolute authority over all things. This "knowing" is born out of the consequences of their actions, where God's actions (both in judgment and later in restoration) undeniably prove who He is. It is a call to a transformed relationship based on a deep, personal encounter with His unchallengeable reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 6:14, with its pronouncement of desolation and the ultimate purpose of making Israel "know that I am the LORD," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The judgment and desolation against sinful humanity, foreshadowed here, were ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became the "desolate" one, taking upon Himself the full wrath and curse of God against sin, so that those who believe might escape the judgment and experience true life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "stretching out of God's hand" in judgment against sin culminates in the crucifixion, where divine justice and divine love perfectly converge. Furthermore, the purpose of "knowing that I am the LORD" is fully realized in Christ. Through Him, we come to truly know God, not primarily through devastating judgment, but through the revelation of His Son. Jesus Himself declared, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). In Christ, the desolate spiritual landscape of sin-cursed humanity is transformed into a vibrant, living reality, a new creation where God truly dwells among His people ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). The ultimate "habitation" is not a desolate land, but the new heaven and new earth, where the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth as the waters cover the sea ([Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - Knowledge of the Lord Fills the Earth")), all made possible through the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Ezekiel 20:33

¶ [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

Ezekiel 20:34

And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

Isaiah 9:12

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Ezekiel 16:27

Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary [food], and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Jeremiah 48:22

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,