Ezekiel 7:16

But they that escape of them, shall escape, and shall be on the mountaines like doues of the valleys, all of them mourning, euery one for his iniquitie. Ezekiel 7:16 (KJV)

“So, I will 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.” This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet delivers a message of judgment and impending destruction to the people of Israel. It warns of severe consequences that would come upon them because of persistent disobedience and idolatry.

Context

To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider its context. Ezekiel was called by God to proclaim His messages to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. In this section he foretells the destruction of Jerusalem due to the people’s unfaithfulness and corruption.

Divine judgment

The verse begins with a statement of divine judgment. God declares that He will send various forms of destruction upon the people: famine, pestilence, fierce (evil) beasts, and the sword. Each element symbolizes a different aspect of the disaster that would befall Jerusalem.

Famine

Famine represents scarcity of food, leading to starvation and suffering. In times of war and siege, cities often experienced severe food shortages, resulting in widespread hunger.

Fierce (evil) beasts

The reference to fierce or evil beasts points to wild or predatory animals that would roam freely in a deserted land. This imagery emphasizes the desolation and chaos that would follow the abandonment of the city.

Pestilence

Pestilence denotes a contagious and often fatal disease that would spread among the population, adding to the devastation.

The sword

The sword symbolizes war and military conquest. It signifies the invading forces that would bring further devastation and death to Jerusalem.

God’s declaration

The verse underscores that these judgments are not empty threats but words spoken by the Lord Himself, emphasizing the certainty and authority of God’s pronouncement. The people are warned that these calamities will indeed come as a result of their disobedience.

Overall, Ezekiel 7:15 (and the surrounding passage including 7:16) serves as a stern warning from God to the people of Israel about the severe consequences of their rebellion. It paints a vivid picture of the impending destruction and the various forms of suffering that would befall the city of Jerusalem, urging repentance before the judgments are fulfilled.