Ezekiel 7:19
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
Ezekiel 7:19 (KJV)
Context
The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. It contains messages from God to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. The prophet Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and warning to the people of Israel, who had turned away from God and were engaging in idolatry and other sinful practices. In Ezekiel 7, the prophet announces the nearness of God’s judgment on Israel for their persistent disobedience.
Meaning
In Ezekiel 7:19, the prophet describes a future time of great distress and judgment upon the people. One of the key aspects mentioned is the worthlessness of material possessions such as silver and gold. The people would cast their precious metals into the streets, indicating a state of desperation and futility. This is a consequence of their idolatry and sinful practices, as they had placed their trust and security in their wealth rather than in God.
The verse emphasizes that the silver and gold, which were highly valued in that society, would be of no use in delivering the people from the “day of the wrath of the LORD.” This indicates that the judgment and calamity that would come upon them would be so severe that no amount of wealth or possessions could protect or rescue them. Their riches, which they relied upon for security and satisfaction, would fail them completely. The imagery of silver and gold being thrown into the streets also conveys that these treasures would be treated as unclean, underscoring the utter futility of material possessions in the day of the Lord’s wrath.
The verse concludes by stating that the people’s reliance on silver and gold was a stumbling block, or a hindrance, to their righteousness. Their love for material wealth had become an obstacle in their relationship with God. Their pursuit of wealth had led them astray from obeying God’s commands and living according to His will. The reason given is that their wealth became “the stumblingblock of their iniquity”—that is, their riches led them into sin and idolatry, making them an obstacle to righteousness.
Biblical connections
This verse echoes the wisdom literature’s teaching that riches cannot redeem a soul (Psalm 49:7-9) and anticipates the New Testament warning that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
Application
True security and satisfaction come from God: The verse serves as a reminder that material possessions and wealth cannot provide ultimate security and fulfillment. Trusting in worldly riches is futile and can lead to disappointment. True satisfaction and contentment come from a relationship with God and living in obedience to His commands.
Beware of idolizing material possessions: The verse warns against the danger of idolizing wealth and material possessions. When we prioritize the accumulation of wealth above our relationship with God and our obedience to Him, it becomes a stumbling block in our spiritual journey.
Seek first the kingdom of God: Instead of relying on material possessions, we should focus on cultivating a deep relationship with God, seeking His righteousness, and living in obedience to His Word. We are to store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy.
Prepare for the day of judgment: Ezekiel’s message of impending judgment calls for preparedness. As believers, we should always be mindful of the need to live in alignment with God’s will, ensuring that our priorities are in order and that we are not entangled in the pursuit of worldly wealth or sinful practices.
Reflection
Ezekiel 7:19 serves as a warning against idolizing material possessions and highlights the futility of relying on worldly wealth for security and satisfaction. It emphasizes the need to prioritize our relationship with God and seek His kingdom above all else, preparing ourselves for the day of judgment. The verse also encourages us to find our satisfaction in God, not in things, and to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that one day all earthly wealth will pass away.
