Ezekiel 7:2

KJV

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} unto the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}; An end {H7093}, the end {H7093} is come {H935} upon the four {H702} corners {H3671} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As for you, human being, here is what Adonai ELOHIM says about the land of Isra'el: 'The end! The end is coming to the four corners of the land!

Berean Standard Bible

“O son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says to the land of Israel: ‘The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto the land of Israel, An end: the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:2 delivers a powerful and unyielding divine declaration to the land of Israel, proclaiming the absolute certainty and imminent arrival of a comprehensive judgment. This verse serves as the stark opening to a prophetic chapter that meticulously details the nature and scope of God's impending wrath against the nation, emphasizing that the long-awaited "end" for their persistent sin and rebellion has finally come, leaving no part of the land untouched.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:2 marks a dramatic shift in tone and focus within the book of Ezekiel. Following a series of highly symbolic visions and actions in chapters 4-6 that graphically depicted the siege and famine Jerusalem would endure, chapter 7 moves from symbolic representation to direct, unequivocal pronouncement. The repetition of "An end, the end is come" serves as a powerful, almost liturgical, declaration, setting the stage for the detailed exposition of judgment that follows throughout the chapter, which outlines the various facets of destruction, from economic collapse to the desecration of the temple. This verse is the thesis statement for the chapter's relentless message of doom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a critical period, roughly 593-571 BC. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem had not yet fallen, but its destruction was imminent (it occurred in 586 BC). The people of Judah, both those in exile and those remaining in the land, clung to a false sense of security, believing that God would not allow His temple or His chosen city to be destroyed. Their spiritual condition was characterized by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a profound disregard for God's covenant commands, as detailed in earlier chapters (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Idolatry in the Temple")). The "land of Israel" primarily refers to the kingdom of Judah, as the northern kingdom had already fallen centuries earlier. The "four corners" imagery evokes the totality of the land and its inhabitants, signifying that no one would escape the impending catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative of judgment and restoration. The most prominent is the **Imminent and Certain Judgment**, conveyed through the emphatic repetition of "end," signaling that God's patience has run out and His righteous wrath is now unleashed. This judgment is an act of **Divine Sovereignty**, as it is explicitly declared by "the Lord GOD," underscoring that historical events are not random but are orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes and uphold His justice. Furthermore, the phrase "upon the four corners of the land" highlights the **Comprehensive Scope** of this judgment, indicating that it would affect every part of the nation and every individual, leaving no refuge from God's decree, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings of widespread desolation, such as those found in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **end (Hebrew, _qêts'_):** From H7093, meaning "an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after; [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process." In Ezekiel 7:2, the repetition of _qêts_ ("An end, the end") serves to emphasize the finality and absolute certainty of the impending judgment. It signifies not merely a conclusion but a divinely ordained cessation of the nation's current state, a point of no return where God's patience has reached its limit and His decreed punishment is about to be executed.
* **come (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** From H935, a primitive root meaning "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way." The verb _bôwʼ_ here denotes an active, forceful arrival. It is not a passive waiting for an end, but the end itself has actively "come," implying a dynamic, unstoppable force of divine judgment that has already begun its work or is on the very threshold of manifestation.
* **corners (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** From H3671, meaning "an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle; [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed)." When used in the phrase "four corners of the land," _kânâph_ conveys the idea of the furthest reaches or extremities. It signifies comprehensiveness and totality, indicating that the judgment will extend to every part of the land of Israel, leaving no area or person untouched or unaffected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also, thou son of man":** This phrase serves as God's consistent address to Ezekiel (from H1121, _bên_, "son" and H120, _ʼâdâm_, "man"). It emphasizes Ezekiel's human frailty and his role as a mortal messenger receiving divine revelation, setting him apart from the divine speaker and highlighting the authority of the message he is about to deliver.
* **"thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel;":** This is a standard prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin and authority of the message. "The Lord GOD" (from H136, _ʼĂdônây_, "the Lord" and H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_, "YHWH/God") combines the titles for sovereign master and covenant-keeping God, underscoring both His absolute authority and His faithfulness to His promises, even when those promises involve judgment for covenant breaking. The address "unto the land of Israel" (from H127, _ʼădâmâh_, "land" and H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_, "Israel") signifies that the judgment is directed not just at the people, but at the very territory that was given to them as a covenant blessing, which they have defiled.
* **"An end, the end is come":** This is the core declaration, a powerful and emphatic statement. The repetition of "end" (Hebrew _qêts_) underscores the absolute certainty, finality, and immediacy of the impending judgment. It conveys a sense of divine patience reaching its limit and a decreed outcome that is now irrevocably set in motion.
* **"upon the four corners of the land.":** This phrase signifies the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment. "Four corners" (from H702, _ʼarbaʻ_, "four" and H3671, _kânâph_, "corners") is a merism or hyperbole indicating totality, meaning the judgment will affect every part of the land (from H776, _ʼerets_, "land"), from its geographical extremities to every person within its borders. No one and no place will be spared from the coming reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its urgent and dire message. The most striking is **Polyptoton**, the repetition of a word in different forms or cases, though here it's a direct repetition of the same word "end" (Hebrew: _qêts_) for emphatic effect: "An end, the end is come." This device powerfully conveys the absolute certainty and finality of the judgment, leaving no room for doubt or escape. The phrase "thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic example of a **Prophetic Formula**, serving as an authoritative declaration of divine origin, lending immense weight and unquestionable authority to the message. The address "thou son of man" is a consistent **Divine Address** used throughout Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's human status in contrast to the divine majesty, yet also designating him as God's chosen messenger. Finally, "upon the four corners of the land" employs **Merism** (or hyperbole), where two contrasting parts represent the whole, or an exaggerated statement for effect. Here, "four corners" signifies the entirety and comprehensiveness of the land, emphasizing that the judgment will be total and inescapable, reaching every border and every inhabitant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:2 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign prerogative to bring judgment upon nations that persistently rebel against His covenant and commands. It underscores the principle that divine patience has limits, and unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe consequences. This verse highlights the seriousness of covenant breaking and the reality that God holds His people accountable, even those He has chosen. The "end" signifies not annihilation, but a drastic, divinely orchestrated disruption and reordering, paving the way for future restoration only after the purification of judgment. This concept of a decisive "end" leading to a new beginning is a recurring theological motif throughout Scripture.

* [Amos 8:2](/amos/8-2 "Amos 8:2 - The End Has Come for My People Israel")
* [Jeremiah 1:16](/jeremiah/1-16 "Jeremiah 1:16 - God's Judgment Against Idolatry")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:2, though rooted in a specific historical context of ancient Israel, carries profound and timeless implications for all who seek to live under God's authority. It compels us to recognize the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine accountability. The "end" for Israel was a physical and national catastrophe, but for us, it serves as a spiritual warning: persistent rebellion against God's revealed will, whether individually or corporately, invites His righteous judgment. This verse calls us to a posture of humility, repentance, and earnest obedience, understanding that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His holy character and His desire for His people to walk in righteousness. It reminds us that while God is merciful and slow to anger, His justice is also absolute, ensuring that sin will not go unpunished. Therefore, we are urged to take God's word seriously, to examine our hearts and lives, and to align ourselves with His purposes before the "end" comes for our own seasons of opportunity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be taking God's patience for granted, similar to ancient Israel?**
* **How does the concept of a divine "end" for unrepentant sin shape my understanding of God's character and my own responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure my life is aligned with God's will, in light of the certainty of His ultimate judgment and justice?**

### FAQ
**What does the repetition of "An end, the end is come" signify?**

Answer: The repetition of "An end, the end is come" (Hebrew: _qêts ba' haqqêts_) is a powerful literary device known as polyptoton or emphatic repetition. It signifies absolute certainty, finality, and immediacy. It is not merely a warning that an end *might* come, but a declaration that the end *has* come or is actively arriving. This emphasizes that God's patience has reached its limit, and the decreed judgment is now an unalterable, imminent reality for the land of Israel due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. It leaves no room for doubt or escape, underscoring the severity of God's righteous wrath.

**Who is the "son of man" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the book of Ezekiel, "son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is God's consistent address to the prophet Ezekiel himself. It is used over 90 times in the book. This title emphasizes Ezekiel's human frailty and mortality, contrasting him with the majestic and omnipotent "Lord GOD" (from H136, _ʼĂdônây_, "the Lord" and H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_, "YHWH/God") who speaks through him. It highlights that Ezekiel is merely a human messenger, dependent on divine revelation to deliver God's powerful and often terrifying messages to His people, underscoring that the message's authority comes from God, not from the prophet's own wisdom or power.

**What is the significance of "upon the four corners of the land"?**

Answer: The phrase "upon the four corners of the land" signifies the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending judgment. "Four corners" (from H702, _ʼarbaʻ_, "four" and H3671, _kânâph_, "corners") is a common biblical idiom representing the totality or entirety of a geographical area, much like saying "from north, south, east, and west." In this context, it means that no part of the land of Israel (from H776, _ʼerets_, "land"), and by extension, no person within its borders, would be exempt from the coming destruction. It underscores that the judgment would be widespread, affecting every city, village, and individual, leaving no place of refuge from God's decree against their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 7:2 speaks directly of God's judgment upon ancient Israel, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who brings both the definitive "end" to the old covenant order and inaugurates the new. Christ is the ultimate "Son of Man" (a title He frequently used for Himself, as seen in [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming with Power")), not merely a human messenger, but the divine Son who embodies God's judgment and salvation. He came at the "end of the ages" (as described in [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared Once for All at the End of the Ages")) to deal with sin once for all, bringing an end to the sacrificial system and the Mosaic Law as the primary means of relating to God. Furthermore, Jesus is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father, as declared in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). The "end" for Israel foreshadows the ultimate end of all things when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom, bringing a final judgment upon all unrighteousness and creating a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells, as envisioned in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, the "end" proclaimed in Ezekiel points forward to Christ, who is both the righteous Judge and the gracious Redeemer, bringing an end to sin's dominion and ushering in an eternal future for those who trust in Him.

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

Amos 8:2

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

Ezekiel 7:3

Now [is] the end [come] upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Amos 8:10

And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

Ezekiel 11:13

And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

Ezekiel 7:5

Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

Ezekiel 7:6

An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.