Ezekiel 7:5

Ezekiel 7:5 is a stark declaration from the Lord God, emphasizing the certainty and severe nature of an impending disaster upon the land of Israel. It is part of a series of pronouncements detailing the comprehensive judgment that would befall the nation due to its persistent sin and rebellion.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 7, which delivers a powerful and urgent message of judgment against the land of Israel and its inhabitants. The prophet Ezekiel, ministering during the Babylonian exile, conveys God's word that the "end is come" (Ezekiel 7:2) upon the land. The preceding verses paint a picture of God's anger and the desolation that awaits, making it clear that the time for punishment has arrived. Verse 5 intensifies this message, highlighting the unique and overwhelming nature of the calamity.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" unequivocally establishes that this "evil" or calamity is not a random event but a direct, sovereign act of God. It is His righteous judgment being executed upon a disobedient people.
• Unparalleled Calamity: The powerful repetition, "An evil, an only evil," emphasizes the singular, severe, and comprehensive nature of the impending disaster. It signifies a unique catastrophe, unlike any they had experienced before, designed to bring about total desolation and underscore the gravity of their sin.
• Imminence and Certainty: The declaration "behold, is come" conveys a sense of immediate and unavoidable arrival. The judgment is not a distant threat but an imminent reality, already at the door, signaling that the time for repentance has passed and the consequences are at hand.
• Consequences of Sin: While this verse itself focuses on the judgment, the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy makes it clear that this "evil" is the direct and inevitable outcome of Israel's widespread idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of God's covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "an evil, an only evil" is ra'ah achat, ra'ah yechidah (רָעָה אַחַת, רָעָה יְחִידָה). The word ra'ah (רָעָה) in this context refers to a calamity, disaster, or misfortune, rather than moral wickedness. The repetition and the use of yechidah, meaning "only" or "unique," serve as a strong rhetorical device to emphasize the unparalleled and singular nature of the impending doom. It signifies that this particular judgment is unique in its severity and scope, a final and decisive blow.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 7:5 serves as a solemn and enduring warning about the consequences of persistent disobedience to God. It highlights several timeless truths:

• God's Justice is Real: This verse reminds us that God is not only loving but also just. He will ultimately hold individuals and nations accountable for their actions and rebellion against His standards.
• Warnings Should Be Heeded: The certainty of the "evil" coming emphasizes that divine warnings, often given through prophets or scripture, are not idle threats but declarations of what will surely transpire if people do not turn from their sin.
• The Gravity of Sin: The "only evil" underscores how seriously God views sin and unfaithfulness. It leads to severe and unique consequences.
• Call to Repentance: While this verse speaks of an "evil" already come, the broader message of the Bible consistently calls for repentance and a return to God. Understanding the severity of His judgment should motivate us to live in obedience and faithfulness.
• For believers today, while we are under grace through Christ, this passage reinforces the principle that God is sovereign and righteous, and His word is true. It encourages us to live lives that honor Him, knowing that He is a God of both immense love and perfect justice.