Ezekiel 7:7

KJV

The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble [is] near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.

KJV (with Strong's)

The morning {H6843} is come {H935} unto thee, O thou that dwellest {H3427} in the land {H776}: the time {H6256} is come {H935}{H935}, the day {H3117} of trouble {H4103} is near {H7138}, and not the sounding again {H1906} of the mountains {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Doom has come to you, you who live in the land! The time has come, the day is near, for tumult, not joyful shouts on the mountains.

Berean Standard Bible

Doom has come to you, O inhabitants of the land. The time has come; the day is near; there is panic on the mountains instead of shouts of joy.

American Standard Version

Thy doom is come unto thee, O inhabitant of the land: the time is come, the day is near, a day of tumult, and not of joyful shouting, upon the mountains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:7 delivers a chilling pronouncement of God's imminent and inescapable judgment upon the land of Israel, specifically Judah. It declares that the long-foretold "morning" or appointed time of reckoning has arrived, ushering in a "day of trouble" that is near at hand. This divine visitation will be so absolute that it will silence all sounds of joy, celebration, or normal life, signifying a complete and devastating desolation. The verse underscores the certainty, immediacy, and comprehensive nature of the impending catastrophe as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:7 is embedded within a chapter that serves as a relentless and unyielding declaration of "the end" for the land of Israel. Following the initial pronouncement in [Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - An End Has Come"), where God declares, "An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land," the chapter systematically dismantles any hope of reprieve. Verses 3-6 reiterate the finality and proximity of judgment, emphasizing that God's wrath will be poured out without pity, not for a partial correction but for a complete reckoning due to the nation's abominations. Verse 7 specifically uses vivid imagery of a "morning" and a "time" to underscore the arrival of this predetermined judgment, transitioning from the general declaration of "the end" to the specific nature of the "day of trouble." The subsequent verses, such as [Ezekiel 7:10-13](/ezekiel/7-10 "Ezekiel 7:10-13 - The Rod Has Blossomed, The Time Is Come"), further detail the pervasive chaos, economic collapse, and spiritual despair that will accompany this day, confirming that the "sounding again of the mountains" will indeed cease.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 7:7 was delivered by the prophet Ezekiel to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, likely between 593 and 586 BCE. This period was marked by the impending final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar. The people, both in exile and still in Jerusalem, harbored false hopes of a quick return or divine intervention, often clinging to the belief that God would never allow His Temple or chosen city to fall. Culturally, the "sounding again of the mountains" could evoke images of joyful harvest celebrations, shepherd calls, or the shouts of people during festivals that would echo through the valleys and hills of Judah. The cessation of such sounds would signify the utter disruption of normal life, agricultural prosperity, and religious festivities—a profound cultural shock. The judgment described here is a direct consequence of Israel's long history of covenant breaking, idolatry (as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple")), social injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 7:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. It highlights the **imminence and certainty of divine judgment**, emphasizing that God's patience has reached its limit and the appointed time for reckoning has definitively arrived. This verse underscores God's **sovereignty and unwavering justice**, demonstrating that the impending disaster is not a random calamity but a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion and sin, making clear that God is righteous in His dealings with His people, even in severe judgment. Furthermore, the verse vividly portrays the **comprehensive nature of the desolation** that sin brings, signifying a complete cessation of all joy, normalcy, and societal function, thus serving as a stark reminder of the severe and unavoidable **consequences of forsaking God's commands and covenant**, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic warnings found in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Warnings and Lamentations") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morning (Hebrew, _tsᵉphîyrâh'_):** This word, typically meaning "crown" or "diadem," is used metaphorically here to denote a "turn of affairs" or "mishap," specifically the appointed time or "dawn" of a dreadful day. It's not a pleasant morning but the dawning of an inevitable, calamitous event, indicating that the predetermined moment for judgment has arrived.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _mᵉhûwmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be hot," this term signifies "confusion," "uproar," "destruction," "discomfiture," "tumult," or "vexation." It describes a state of utter chaos, panic, and disarray, far beyond mere hardship, highlighting the psychological and social breakdown accompanying the judgment.
* **Sounding again (Hebrew, _hêd'_):** This word, often linked to _hêydâd_ (a shout), refers to a "shout" or "sounding again," typically associated with joyful acclamations, harvest shouts, or celebratory cries that would echo. Its negation ("not the sounding again") emphasizes the complete absence of any joyful or normal human activity, replaced by an eerie silence of desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land":** This clause personifies the land of Israel, directly addressing its inhabitants. The "morning" here is not a hopeful dawn but the arrival of a predetermined, dreadful day of reckoning. It signifies that the time for judgment, long foretold, has finally arrived for those who reside in the land, implying an inescapable visitation.
* **"the time is come, the day of trouble [is] near":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the preceding declaration. "The time is come" emphasizes the absolute certainty and immediacy of the event, leaving no room for delay or evasion. The "day of trouble" (Hebrew: _yom mehûmâh_) specifies the nature of this arrival: a day of utter confusion, tumult, and distress, indicating a period of profound national crisis and suffering.
* **"and not the sounding again of the mountains":** This powerful negative statement paints a picture of utter silence and desolation. The "sounding again of the mountains" typically refers to the joyful echoes of harvest shouts, celebratory cries, or the calls of shepherds and workers that would reverberate through the hills of Judah. Its absence signifies that all normal life, prosperity, joy, and celebration will cease, replaced by a profound and ominous quietude, indicative of complete devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:7 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending doom. **Personification** is evident in the direct address, "O thou that dwellest in the land," treating the land and its inhabitants as a single entity capable of receiving the divine pronouncement. The phrase "The morning is come" uses **Metaphor**, where "morning" is not a literal dawn but a symbolic representation of the appointed, dreadful time of judgment, a "dark dawn" rather than a hopeful one. The entire verse is infused with **Foreshadowing**, building suspense and certainty about the impending catastrophe. The final clause, "and not the sounding again of the mountains," is a striking example of **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, painting a vivid picture of absolute silence and desolation that surpasses normal experience, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction. This imagery also functions as **Merism**, where the absence of all joyful sound implies the absence of all life and prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:7 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's unwavering justice and the inevitability of divine judgment when sin reaches its full measure. It underscores that God is not indifferent to the moral state of His people or the world; His patience has limits, and His warnings are not idle threats. The "day of trouble" signifies a divinely appointed reckoning, a time when the consequences of persistent rebellion against His covenant are fully realized. This verse reminds us that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His holiness demands that sin be addressed, and His righteous character ensures that justice will ultimately prevail. The complete cessation of joy and normalcy highlights the profound disruption that sin brings, not just spiritually but also socially and culturally.

* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - The Day of the Lord is at Hand")
* [Jeremiah 16:11](/jeremiah/16-11 "Jeremiah 16:11 - Consequences of Forsaking God")
* [Lamentations 2:10](/lamentations/2-10 "Lamentations 2:10 - Elders of Zion Sit in Silence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:7 serves as a sober and timeless reminder of the gravity of God's warnings and the certainty of His justice. It compels us to consider the moral and spiritual health of our own lives, communities, and nations. The declaration that "the time is come" underscores the urgency of responding to God's word, recognizing that opportunities for repentance are not infinite. Just as Israel faced a day of reckoning for its persistent idolatry and injustice, so too are we called to examine our allegiances and actions. This verse challenges us to live in alignment with God's righteous standards, understanding that disobedience carries real and often devastating consequences, both individually and corporately. It calls for a profound humility and a vigilant awareness of God's sovereign hand in history, reminding us that His purposes, whether in judgment or blessing, will ultimately be fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "morning" or "appointed time" might God be calling to our attention in our personal lives or in the world today?**
* **How does the concept of a "day of trouble" challenge our complacency or false sense of security?**
* **What "soundings of the mountains"—joys, celebrations, or normal activities—might be threatened by our collective or individual disregard for God's ways?**
* **In what ways can we actively respond to God's warnings with repentance and obedience, rather than waiting for an inevitable "day of trouble"?**

### FAQ

**What does "the morning is come unto thee" signify in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 7:7, "the morning is come unto thee" is not a literal, pleasant dawn but a powerful metaphor for the arrival of a predetermined, dreadful day of reckoning. The Hebrew word _tsᵉphîyrâh_ (H6843), translated as "morning," can also mean "turn of affairs" or "mishap." Thus, it signifies the dawning of an inevitable, calamitous event—the appointed time for God's judgment to be fully executed upon the land and its inhabitants. It emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of the impending doom, indicating that the period of grace has ended and the consequences of sin are now at hand.

**What is the meaning of "not the sounding again of the mountains"?**

Answer: This enigmatic phrase signifies the complete cessation of all joyful sounds and normal human activity. The "sounding again of the mountains" would typically refer to the echoes of celebratory shouts, such as those from harvest festivals (cf. [Isaiah 16:10](/isaiah/16-10 "Isaiah 16:10 - Joy and Gladness Cease")), shepherd calls, or the general bustling sounds of a thriving society that would reverberate through the hills and valleys of Judah. Its absence therefore implies utter desolation, silence, and the complete disruption of life, prosperity, and any occasion for happiness. It paints a vivid picture of a land emptied of its people and its former vibrancy, replaced by an eerie quietude that testifies to the severity of God's judgment.

**Why is God's judgment so severe in Ezekiel 7?**

Answer: God's judgment in Ezekiel 7 is portrayed as severe because it is the culmination of prolonged and persistent rebellion, idolatry, and injustice on the part of Israel. The nation had repeatedly broken its covenant with God, defiled His temple, and ignored prophetic warnings. This severity underscores God's holiness and righteousness; He cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. The judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence, a "day of trouble" that reflects the depth of their spiritual decay. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful, His justice is unwavering, and He will ultimately hold His people accountable for their actions, as seen in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 7:7 pronounces a devastating judgment, its message of an appointed "day of trouble" and the certainty of divine reckoning finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the final judgment but also in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "day of trouble" for Israel foreshadows the ultimate "Day of the Lord," a theme prevalent throughout scripture, which culminates in Christ's return (e.g., [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come")). However, Christ Himself bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In His crucifixion, Jesus experienced the ultimate "day of trouble," enduring the silence of abandonment and the tumult of divine wrath, so that those who believe in Him might be spared the "sounding again" of eternal judgment. Through His atoning sacrifice, the "morning" of salvation dawned, offering a new covenant where sin is forgiven and reconciliation with God is possible, transforming the "day of trouble" into a "day of grace" for all who trust in Him (cf. [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-9 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Ultimately, while Ezekiel warns of the consequences of rejecting God's covenant, Christ offers the fulfillment of that covenant, providing the only escape from the "day of trouble" through His perfect obedience and sacrificial love (e.g., [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Will Appear a Second Time")).

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 22:5

For [it is] a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

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.

Ezekiel 12:28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Genesis 19:15

¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Ezekiel 12:23

Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

Ezekiel 12:25

For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.