Ezekiel 7:14

KJV

They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have blown {H8628} the trumpet {H8619}, even to make all ready {H3559}; but none goeth {H1980} to the battle {H4421}: for my wrath {H2740} is upon all the multitude {H1995} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The shofar has sounded, everything is ready, but no one goes out to the battle, for my wrath is coming to all her many people.

Berean Standard Bible

They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but no one goes to war, for My wrath is upon the whole multitude.

American Standard Version

They have blown the trumpet, and have made all ready; but none goeth to the battle; for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:14 powerfully depicts the tragic and complete paralysis of Judah in the face of God's impending judgment. Despite the urgent call to arms sounded by the trumpet, signifying readiness for battle, no one responds. This profound inaction is not due to a lack of preparation or awareness of the threat, but rather an overwhelming spiritual and physical incapacitation directly attributed to the fierce and righteous wrath of God descending upon the entire multitude. The verse underscores the futility of human resistance when divine judgment is fully unleashed, revealing a people utterly demoralized, stripped of their will to fight, and resigned to their inescapable doom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 unfolds as a relentless and unyielding prophecy of the "end" for Jerusalem and Judah, a theme emphatically declared from the chapter's outset in [Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come"). The chapter is characterized by a drumbeat of repetition, emphasizing the finality and inescapability of God's divine reckoning through the Babylonian invasion. Verses 1-4 establish the overarching theme of the "end" and God's unwavering resolve to execute judgment, leaving no room for escape. Verses 5-9 intensify this message, reiterating the swiftness and totality of the impending destruction, while verses 10-13 describe the pervasive moral decay and the coming "rod" of wickedness that will strike the land. Within this escalating narrative of doom, [Ezekiel 7:14](/ezekiel/7-14 "Ezekiel 7:14 - The Futility of Resistance") serves as a poignant climax, illustrating the utter despair and paralysis that grips the people. It follows earlier descriptions of their futile attempts to find refuge or sustenance, highlighting the complete demoralization that precedes their ultimate downfall. This verse acts as a powerful testament to the overwhelming nature of God's wrath, rendering all human preparations, military might, and defensive strategies utterly useless.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically to the Jewish captives already deported to Babylon. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem was still standing but under severe threat, facing its final siege and eventual destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, which culminated around 586 BCE. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the trumpet (often the _shofar_ or _chatzozerah_) was an indispensable instrument for military communication. Its loud, piercing sound served as a crucial signal for rallying troops, issuing commands, and, most importantly, initiating battle. The phrase "to make all ready" reflects the customary military preparations of the era—arming soldiers, organizing ranks, and positioning forces for engagement. Culturally, the immediate and vigorous response to such a call to arms was an absolute expectation for any defending army. However, the shocking reality presented in [Ezekiel 7:14](/ezekiel/7-14 "Ezekiel 7:14 - A Call Unanswered") is the complete and unprecedented absence of this expected response. This highlights a unique and terrifying situation where the usual human courage, defensive instincts, and military protocols are utterly shattered, not by surprise or lack of warning, but by a deeper, spiritual affliction that renders the people incapable of defending themselves against their divinely ordained fate.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 7:14](/ezekiel/7-14 "Ezekiel 7:14 - The Paralysis of Judgment") profoundly contributes to several core theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and wider prophetic literature. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **Futility of Human Resistance** against divine judgment. Despite the traditional call to battle and extensive preparations, the people are utterly paralyzed, demonstrating unequivocally that no human strength, military strategy, or defensive measure can withstand God's righteous anger. This theme resonates with other prophetic warnings, such as God's declaration in [Jeremiah 21:5](/jeremiah/21-5 "Jeremiah 21:5 - God Fights Against Jerusalem") that He Himself will fight against Jerusalem. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**. The explicit reason given for the people's paralysis is "my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof," emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate active agent in their destruction, using external forces like Babylon as His instruments. This reinforces the profound truth that God is sovereign over history and justly punishes persistent sin. Finally, it vividly portrays the **Consequences of Persistent Sin**. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come") meticulously detail Israel's pervasive idolatry, violence, and corruption. Verse 14 serves as the stark, inescapable culmination of their rebellion, demonstrating that a people hardened in sin will ultimately face a judgment so overwhelming that it strips them of even the will to survive or defend themselves.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blown (Hebrew, _tâqaʻ'_):** Akin to a primitive root meaning "to clatter" or "clang" an instrument, this verb specifically refers to the act of "blowing a trumpet." In this context, it denotes the forceful and decisive action of sounding an alarm or issuing a call, traditionally for the immediate commencement of battle. The use of this word emphasizes that the signal for war was not merely whispered but clearly and powerfully proclaimed, indicating that all initial human efforts to prepare for conflict were indeed undertaken.
* **goeth (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root, akin to _yālak_, means "to walk" in a broad range of applications, including to "come," "depart," or, as here, to "go." The phrase "none goeth" signifies a complete and shocking absence of movement or response to the urgent call. It implies a total paralysis, a failure to advance, engage, or participate in the expected action of going to battle. This reveals an utter lack of resolve, courage, or even physical ability to respond to the imminent threat.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** Derived from _chârâh_, this noun describes a "burning of anger" or "sore displeasure." It denotes an intense, fierce fury, specifically representing God's righteous indignation and consuming anger against sin. Its prominent placement in the verse identifies the ultimate, divine cause of the people's inexplicable paralysis: an overwhelming, consuming divine anger that strips them of all will, courage, and capacity to resist or defend themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready;":** This initial clause sets the scene by describing the conventional and expected preparations for warfare. The trumpet's blast, a universal signal, clearly indicates that the call to war has been issued, and all necessary arrangements—arming, gathering, and positioning troops—have been made. There is an outward appearance of readiness, suggesting that the people are fully aware of the imminent threat and have taken the initial, customary steps to defend themselves.
* **"but none goeth to the battle:":** This is the shocking and pivotal turning point of the verse, introducing a profound reversal of expectation. Despite the clear call and the visible preparations, there is a complete and utter lack of response. No one advances, no one engages, no one fights. This profound inaction reveals a deep-seated, pervasive paralysis—not merely a tactical retreat or a lack of skill, but a total collapse of morale, courage, and the fundamental will to resist.
* **"for my wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.":** This final clause provides the divine and ultimate explanation for the inexplicable paralysis. The reason for their inaction is not a superior enemy force, a strategic blunder, or a lack of military prowess, but the overwhelming, demoralizing, and incapacitating presence of God's fierce wrath. His anger has so utterly consumed the "multitude" (the entire population) that it has stripped them of their ability to respond, rendering all human efforts, preparations, and military might utterly futile.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 7:14](/ezekiel/7-14 "Ezekiel 7:14 - A Study in Divine Judgment") masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of inescapable judgment and divine sovereignty. **Irony** is strikingly evident, as the verse presents a stark and unsettling contrast between the active, conventional preparations for war ("blown the trumpet," "make all ready") and the complete, shocking inaction that follows ("but none goeth to the battle"). This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the utter futility of human effort when directly confronted with a divine decree. The explicit declaration "for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof" functions as a clear statement of **Divine Causality**, unequivocally asserting God's direct involvement as the ultimate reason for the people's paralysis, rather than attributing it to natural military defeat or human weakness alone. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "none goeth to the battle," emphasizing the absolute and pervasive nature of the fear and paralysis that grips the entire population, suggesting a complete and universal breakdown of will rather than just a few isolated individuals. Finally, the vivid imagery evokes an overwhelming sense of **Despair** and **Doom**, painting a chilling picture of a people utterly helpless, stripped of all agency, and resigned to their fate under the crushing, irresistible weight of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:14 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the inescapable reality of human accountability. It reveals that God's wrath is not merely a passive state of displeasure but an active, overwhelming, and consuming force that can strip humanity of its very will to survive or defend itself. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating that when He determines to execute judgment, all human strength, preparedness, and resistance become utterly futile. It profoundly challenges any notion of self-reliance or the ability to withstand the consequences of persistent sin, emphasizing that true security and deliverance come solely from God's mercy and grace. The spiritual and physical paralysis described here vividly illustrates the ultimate consequence of a people who have continually rebelled against their Creator, reaching a point where their capacity for self-preservation is divinely removed, leaving them exposed and helpless before His righteous anger.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - Hiding from the Lord's Terror")
* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Hiding from the Lamb's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:14 serves as a profoundly sobering reminder of the gravity of God's judgment and the inescapable consequences of sustained rebellion against His holy character. For believers today, it underscores the critical importance of living in humble obedience, genuine repentance, and complete reliance on God. The chilling futility of human resistance against divine wrath compels us to recognize that our ultimate security and hope lie not in our own strength, meticulous preparations, or worldly alliances, but solely in our right relationship with God through Christ. This verse prompts deep introspection: Are there areas in our lives where we are resisting God’s truth, ignoring His warnings, or relying on our own resources and ingenuity instead of His sovereign power and provision? It calls us to examine our hearts for any lingering pride, self-sufficiency, or spiritual apathy that might blind us to the seriousness of sin and the absolute necessity of divine grace. True wisdom acknowledges God's absolute authority, embraces His merciful offer of salvation, and seeks His favor before His just judgment is fully revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "none goeth to the battle" reveal about the ultimate, demoralizing effect of God's wrath on a people, beyond mere physical defeat?**
* **How does this verse challenge our modern tendencies to place ultimate trust in human ingenuity, military might, economic stability, or self-sufficiency for security and well-being?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a community of faith, be "blowing the trumpet" of outward religious activity or preparation but failing to "go to battle" in areas where God calls us to genuine spiritual action, radical obedience, or deep repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why does God's wrath cause such complete paralysis, rather than just defeat in battle?**

Answer: The paralysis described in [Ezekiel 7:14](/ezekiel/7-14 "Ezekiel 7:14 - The Paralysis of Judgment") signifies a judgment far deeper than mere military defeat; it represents a spiritual and psychological incapacitation directly inflicted by God's wrath. It's not simply that the enemy is too strong, but that the people themselves have lost the will, courage, and even the physical capacity to fight. This is a more terrifying and comprehensive judgment, where God's anger so utterly consumes the "multitude" that it strips them of their very ability to react, organize, or defend themselves. This total demoralization serves to emphasize the absolute sovereignty of God in judgment, demonstrating that He can break the spirit and resolve of a rebellious people before any physical blow is even struck. It underscores that when God's righteous indignation is fully unleashed, it affects not only external circumstances but also the inner resolve and capacity for action within humanity, rendering all human efforts and preparations utterly futile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:14, with its stark portrayal of a people paralyzed by divine wrath and utterly unable to stand in their own defense, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human condition apart from Christ and highlights the absolute necessity of His atoning work. Humanity, by its pervasive sin, stands condemned under the righteous wrath of a holy God, utterly incapable of saving itself or resisting the just judgment due. Just as Judah could not "go to the battle" against God's overwhelming wrath, so too are all people inherently helpless to overcome the power of sin and death through their own efforts, preparations, or good deeds. However, the New Testament reveals the glorious truth that God's wrath, which was justly due to humanity, was fully and completely poured out upon His own Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ") declares with profound assurance that we are "saved from wrath through Him," and [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath") speaks of Jesus as the one who "delivers us from the wrath to come." Christ, the true Lamb of God, willingly entered the "battle" against sin, death, and divine judgment, bearing the full, consuming fury of God's righteous anger so that all who trust in Him would never experience the paralyzing wrath described in Ezekiel. Through His perfect sacrifice, He provides the only true refuge, the only way to stand reconciled and confident before a holy God, transforming a state of helpless paralysis into one of confident peace and eternal security in Him, as beautifully articulated in [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled to God Through Christ").

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

Jeremiah 4:5

¶ Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

Jeremiah 7:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

Jeremiah 6:11

Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with [him that is] full of days.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

Ezekiel 7:11

Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them [shall remain], nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither [shall there be] wailing for them.

Ezekiel 7:12

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.