Ezekiel 16:40
“And they shall bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.”
Context: They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. Ezekiel 16:40 (KJV)
Ezekiel 16:40 is part of a larger passage where the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God to Jerusalem, using the metaphor of an unfaithful wife. This verse specifically speaks of judgment and punishment that will come upon Jerusalem due to its unfaithfulness and idolatry.
To better understand the verse, let’s consider its context. In the preceding verses, Ezekiel portrays Jerusalem as a woman who was abandoned as an infant and then raised by God, who cared for her and made her beautiful. However, instead of remaining faithful, Jerusalem turned to idolatry and engaged in immoral practices.
In Ezekiel 16:40, God pronounces judgment on Jerusalem by stating that a company or a mob of people will rise up against her. They will stone her with stones and thrust her through with their swords. This vivid imagery illustrates the severity of the judgment and the violence that will befall Jerusalem as a consequence of her unfaithfulness.
The stoning with stones and thrusting through with swords are symbolic of the violent destruction that Jerusalem would experience at the hands of its enemies. These actions represent the judgment and punishment that God would allow to come upon the city because of its spiritual unfaithfulness and rebellion.
It is important to note that the book of Ezekiel contains prophecies and messages that were specific to the historical context of the ancient nation of Israel. While these prophecies have relevance and can provide lessons for believers today, it is crucial to interpret them in light of their historical context and the overall message of the Bible.
Overall, Ezekiel 16:40 serves as a warning of the consequences that can come upon a nation or individuals who turn away from God and engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God’s commands to avoid the destructive consequences of sin.
