Ezekiel 7:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; An evil {H7451}, an only {H259} evil {H7451}, behold, is come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Disaster, unique disaster - here it comes!

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Disaster! An unprecedented disaster— behold, it is coming!

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: An evil, an only evil; behold, it cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:5 delivers a stark and urgent divine declaration, signaling the inevitable and unparalleled arrival of God's judgment upon the land of Israel. The pronouncement emphasizes the unique and comprehensive nature of the impending calamity, asserting that this "evil" is not merely a misfortune but a specific, singular, and sovereign act of God, already at the threshold, marking the definitive end of a period of grace for a rebellious nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:5 is embedded within a chapter that serves as a climactic pronouncement of judgment against the entire land of Israel, moving beyond specific groups or leaders to encompass the whole nation. The chapter opens with the emphatic declaration, "An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land" ([Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come")). This sets an immediate tone of finality and urgency. The preceding verses detail the reasons for this judgment—widespread idolatry, violence, and moral depravity—while the subsequent verses describe the devastating effects of the impending doom, including desolation, famine, and the collapse of all societal structures. Verse 5 acts as a potent intensification of this message, underscoring the unique and overwhelming nature of the catastrophe that is about to unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, specifically after the first deportation of Judah in 597 BCE. His prophecies often addressed the false hope among the exiles that Jerusalem would not fall, and that God would somehow spare His temple and people despite their persistent sin. Culturally, Israel had deeply assimilated pagan practices, worshipping idols on high places and engaging in detestable rituals, as vividly described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Geographically, the judgment was directed at the entire land of Israel, from its "four corners" ([Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come")), signifying a comprehensive and inescapable disaster that would affect all its inhabitants, regardless of their location within the territory. This context highlights God's righteous response to a covenant people who had repeatedly broken their covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Ezekiel 7, and particularly in verse 5, is **Divine Judgment** and its **Imminence**. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" unequivocally establishes that the "evil" is not a random event but a direct, sovereign act of God, a righteous execution of justice upon a disobedient people. The emphatic repetition "An evil, an only evil" underscores the **Unparalleled Calamity** that is about to strike, signifying a unique and comprehensive disaster unlike any they had experienced before, designed to bring about total desolation and underscore the gravity of their sin. This judgment is the inevitable **Consequence of Sin**, specifically Israel's pervasive idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of God's covenant, as detailed in chapters like [Ezekiel 6](/ezekiel/6 "Ezekiel 6 - Judgment Against Idolatry") and [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). The declaration "behold, is come" conveys a sense of immediate and unavoidable arrival, emphasizing that the time for repentance has passed and the consequences are at hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word denotes something bad or (as a noun) evil, encompassing adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, or harm. In Ezekiel 7:5, it specifically refers to a devastating misfortune or disaster, rather than moral wickedness, though it is the direct consequence of moral wickedness. Its repetition underscores the severity and nature of the impending judgment.
* **only (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** From H259, this numeral properly means "united" or "one," but can also signify "alone," "unique," or "single." When used with "evil" (raʻ), as here, it emphasizes the singular, unparalleled, and unique nature of the calamity. It suggests a disaster of such magnitude and specificity that it stands alone in its severity, marking a distinct and decisive act of God's judgment.
* **come (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** From H935, this primitive root means "to go or come" with a wide variety of applications, including to arrive, befall, or enter. In this context, "is come" signifies the absolute certainty and imminent arrival of the judgment. It is not a distant threat but an immediate, unavoidable reality, already at the threshold, indicating that the time for delay or escape has passed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a formal divine oracle, asserting the absolute authority and origin of the message. "The Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) combines two sacred names for God, emphasizing His sovereign lordship and covenant faithfulness. It establishes that the following declaration is not a human prediction but a direct, infallible word from the Almighty, ensuring its certainty and gravity.
* **"An evil, an only evil,":** This is the core declaration of the verse, employing powerful repetition and emphasis. "An evil" (raʻ) refers to a profound calamity or disaster. The immediate repetition, "an only evil" (raʻ ʼechâd), intensifies the message, signifying that this impending disaster is singular, unparalleled, and unique in its severity and scope. It suggests a judgment unlike any Israel had previously experienced, a definitive and comprehensive catastrophe.
* **"behold, is come.":** The interjection "behold" (hinneh) serves to draw immediate attention to the urgency and certainty of the following statement. "Is come" (baʼ) uses the perfect tense in Hebrew, indicating an action that is already complete or imminently certain to happen, as if it has already begun or is at the very doorstep. This conveys an undeniable sense of imminence and inevitability, signaling that the judgment is not a distant threat but an unavoidable, present reality.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic "An evil, an only evil." This reiteration of "evil" (raʻ) coupled with "only" (ʼechâd) serves as a rhetorical amplifier, highlighting the singular, unique, and unparalleled nature of the coming calamity. It is not just *an* evil, but *the* evil, a definitive and comprehensive judgment. This also functions as a form of **Intensification**, building a sense of dread and finality. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and divine origin to the prophecy, underscoring that this is God's word, not Ezekiel's. Finally, the concluding "behold, is come" utilizes **Imminence** and **Certainty** as literary tools. The interjection "behold" demands immediate attention, while the perfect tense verb "is come" portrays the future event as already accomplished or so certain that it is as good as done, creating a powerful sense of unavoidable and immediate doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:5 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine judgment as the inevitable consequence of persistent sin and rebellion against God's covenant. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves His chosen people. The "only evil" signifies a unique, comprehensive, and decisive act of God that brings an era to its definitive end, demonstrating that divine patience has limits and that warnings, when unheeded, lead to certain and severe repercussions. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is not to be trifled with, and His holiness demands a response of obedience or will inevitably lead to judgment.

* [Amos 8:2](/amos/8-2 "Amos 8:2 - The End Has Come")
* [Jeremiah 25:29](/jeremiah/25-29 "Jeremiah 25:29 - Judgment Begins with God's House")
* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - The Day of the Lord Is Near")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:5 stands as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of God's justice. For ancient Israel, it was a declaration that their persistent rebellion had brought them to a point of no return, where divine judgment was not merely a threat but an imminent reality. For us today, while living under the new covenant of grace, this verse still holds profound spiritual lessons. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness and a serious consideration of our own lives. It reminds us that God is not only loving but also perfectly just, and that His warnings, whether through Scripture, conscience, or the circumstances of life, are to be taken with utmost seriousness. The "only evil" that came upon Israel serves as an eternal principle: continued disobedience leads to dire consequences. It should motivate us to live lives of repentance, seeking to align our hearts and actions with God's will, understanding that true peace and security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "an only evil" challenge our assumptions about God's patience and judgment?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's warnings too lightly, presuming upon His grace?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate consequences of national or societal rebellion against divine standards?**
* **How should the certainty of God's judgment, as expressed here, shape my prayer life and my commitment to sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does "an only evil" mean in this context?**

Answer: "An only evil" (Hebrew: *raʻ ʼechâd*) signifies a calamity that is singular, unique, and unparalleled in its severity and scope. It's not just one of many misfortunes, but *the* definitive and comprehensive disaster that marks a final, decisive act of God's judgment. It means that the judgment coming upon Israel was unlike anything they had experienced before, designed to be total and inescapable, bringing their period of rebellion to a catastrophic close. It underscores the profound gravity of their sin and God's righteous response, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come").

**How does this verse relate to God's character, particularly His love and justice?**

Answer: While seemingly harsh, Ezekiel 7:5 profoundly reveals God's character, especially His perfect justice and holiness. It demonstrates that God's love does not negate His justice; rather, His justice is an expression of His holy character, which cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. This "evil" is not arbitrary but a righteous consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. It shows that God is faithful to His covenant, both in blessing obedience and in judging disobedience. The severity of the judgment underscores the depth of His commitment to righteousness and His ultimate sovereignty over all things, including the consequences of human choices. This balance of love and justice is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from the warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") to the ultimate display of both at the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 7:5 describes a specific historical judgment upon ancient Israel, its profound theological principles find their ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Christ. The "evil, an only evil" that came upon Israel foreshadows the ultimate "evil" of sin that separated humanity from God, an evil so pervasive and singular that it required a unique and definitive solution. This solution is found in Jesus Christ, who became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross, experiencing the ultimate "evil" of separation from God so that those who believe might be spared. The "end" declared in Ezekiel also points to the end of the Old Covenant era, fulfilled in Christ's establishment of a [new covenant in His blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"). Furthermore, the certainty of judgment in Ezekiel 7:5 serves as a solemn reminder of the future and final judgment at Christ's return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow"). Thus, the "evil" of Ezekiel 7:5, while a historical event, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ as the one who absorbed the "evil" of sin and who will one day bring all things to their just and final "end."

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

2 Kings 21:12

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

2 Kings 21:13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish, wiping [it], and turning [it] upside down.

Nahum 1:9

¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Ezekiel 5:9

And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations.

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Amos 3:2

You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.