Ezekiel 5:17
“I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I the LORD have spoken.”
Ezekiel 5:17 Meaning
In Ezekiel 5:17, the Lord is delivering a prophetic message to the people of Israel, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience and rebellion. The verse speaks of the judgment that will come upon Israel in the form of famine, wild beasts, plague, bloodshed, and the sword. These calamities will be a result of their unfaithfulness and rejection of God’s commands.
Ezekiel 5:17 Commentary and Explanation
Ezekiel 5:17 is a verse that carries a profound message for us, emphasizing the gravity of the consequences that result from disobedience and unfaithfulness in our relationship with God. In this commentary, we will explore the meaning of this verse in the context of the broader biblical narrative.
The verse begins with a stark declaration: “So I will send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave you; pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword upon you. I am the LORD; I have spoken.” These words are a culmination of God’s warnings to Israel throughout the book of Ezekiel. The consequences mentioned here are a reflection of the curses that were outlined in the covenant between God and His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 28.
- Famine and Evil Beasts: God’s judgment includes the infliction of famine upon His people. This is a significant punishment as it directly affects their sustenance and well-being. The mention of evil beasts highlights the chaos and danger that will surround them. This aligns with Leviticus 26:22, where God warns of wild beasts as a consequence of disobedience.
- Pestilence and Blood: The occurrence of pestilence and blood signifies a severe outbreak of diseases and suffering. In the Old Testament, plagues and pestilence were often seen as divine judgments, as evidenced by the plagues in Egypt during the time of Moses (Exodus 7-11). This mirrors the idea that disobedience leads to God’s judgment in the form of calamities.
- The Sword: The mention of the sword signifies warfare and conflict, which is another aspect of God’s judgment when His people turn away from Him. Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah also spoke about the sword as a consequence of rebellion and unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 15:2, Isaiah 3:25).
The verse concludes with a powerful statement: “I am the LORD; I have spoken.” This reaffirms the authority and sovereignty of God. It emphasizes that these consequences are not idle threats but a certainty when His people persist in their disobedience. Throughout the Bible, we see that God is faithful to His word, whether in blessings or in judgment.
In Ezekiel 5:17, we are reminded of the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and maintaining a close relationship with God. It serves as a solemn warning that the consequences of turning away from God are severe and encompass various aspects of life, from physical suffering to societal collapse.
As we reflect on this verse, let us also remember the message of hope and redemption found throughout the Bible. Even in the midst of judgment, God’s desire is for His people to return to Him in repentance and experience His mercy and restoration (Ezekiel 18:30-32). This verse challenges us to examine our own lives, seek God’s forgiveness when we stray, and renew our commitment to walk in obedience and faithfulness before Him.
Also Read: Ezekiel 4:12 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Ezekiel 5:17
To fully understand the context of Ezekiel 5:17, it is important to consider the historical background. At this time, the people of Israel had continually rebelled against God, worshiping false gods and engaging in idolatry. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, they persisted in their sinful ways, abandoning the covenant they had made with God.
As a result of their disobedience, the Lord allowed the Babylonians to conquer the southern kingdom of Judah and take its inhabitants into captivity. This period of exile was a time of great suffering and loss for the Israelites. In the midst of their captivity, Ezekiel prophesied the judgment that would befall them for their disobedience.
Lessons From Ezekiel 5:17
Ezekiel 5:17 teaches us several important lessons:
The Consequence of Disobedience: The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from our disobedience to God’s commands. The Israelites faced judgment because of their rebellion, demonstrating the seriousness of turning away from God.
God’s Judgment is Just: The verse showcases God’s justice in dealing with sin. He is not indifferent to our actions but holds us accountable for our choices. It is a reminder that God is both loving and just, and His judgments are righteous.
God’s Warnings are a Call to Repentance: Through this verse, we see God’s desire for repentance and restoration. The prophecies were given to warn the people of the impending judgment, providing an opportunity for them to turn back to Him and seek forgiveness.
The Importance of Faithfulness: The verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands. By adhering to His ways, we can avoid the dire consequences of rebellion and experience the blessings of obedience.
Biblical Translations of Ezekiel 5:17
Ezekiel 5:17 King James Version (KJV)
“So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee: and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it.”
Ezekiel 5:17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“I will send famine and violent animals against you, and they will leave you childless; also plague and bloodshed will pass through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the Lord God, have spoken!”
Ezekiel 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
“I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will rob you of your children. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword upon you. I am the LORD; I have spoken.”
Ezekiel 5:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
“So I will send against you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
Ezekiel 5:17 New Living Translation (NLT)
“I will send famine and wild animals to eat you up. Plague and disease will wipe you out. And I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Ezekiel 5:17 The Message (MSG)
“Yes, I’m sending famine and wild animals against you. They will rob you of your children. Plague and murder will stalk you. And yes, I’ll deliver you to mass death because you’ve polluted this country with vile obscenities. Got it? I, God, have spoken.”
Final Thoughts
Ezekiel 5:17 serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences that can result from disobedience and rebellion against God. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful, as well as the justice and righteousness of God’s judgments. As we reflect on this verse, let it serve as a motivator to seek a close relationship with God and to live in obedience to His commands. May we turn to Him in repentance and trust in His unfailing love and forgiveness.