Ezekiel 14:21

For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments--sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague--in order to cut off from it both man and beast?

Study Bible

For this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The title "Lord GOD" underscores God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God, who is the ultimate judge and ruler.

How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem:
This rhetorical question highlights the severity of the impending judgment. Jerusalem, the center of religious and political life for the Israelites, is the focus. Historically, Jerusalem had experienced sieges and destruction, notably by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The city's significance makes its judgment a profound statement of God's displeasure with the people's idolatry and sin.

My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague:
These four judgments are often seen as comprehensive forms of divine retribution. The "sword" represents warfare and violence, a common method of judgment in the ancient world. "Famine" indicates a lack of sustenance, often a consequence of siege warfare. "Wild beasts" symbolize chaos and danger, reflecting a breakdown of societal order. "Plague" suggests disease, a frequent occurrence in times of war and famine. These judgments are reminiscent of the curses outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience to God's covenant results in severe consequences.

in order to cut off from it both man and beast?:
The phrase indicates total devastation, affecting all living creatures, not just humans. This reflects the interconnectedness of creation and the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. The inclusion of "beast" underscores the extent of the calamity, as animals were vital for agriculture, transportation, and religious sacrifices. This total destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity of Israel, Yahweh, who communicates His will and judgments through the prophet Ezekiel.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant in Jewish history and faith, and the focal point of God's judgment due to the people's idolatry and unfaithfulness.

4. Four Dreadful Judgments
These are the sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague, representing comprehensive divine judgment on a rebellious nation.

5. Man and Beast
The inhabitants of Jerusalem, both human and animal, who are subject to God's judgments due to the pervasive sin in the land.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgments are a response to persistent rebellion. We must take sin seriously and seek repentance.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign and just in His judgments. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust His plans, even when they involve discipline.

The Call to Repentance
God's warnings are opportunities for repentance. We should heed His warnings and turn back to Him with sincere hearts.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel are vital in communicating God's truth. We should value and listen to those who faithfully teach God's Word today.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While judgment is severe, God's ultimate plan includes restoration and hope for those who turn to Him. We should hold onto this hope in times of trial.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the four judgments in Ezekiel 14:21 reflect the seriousness of sin and its consequences in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and justice in the judgments described in Ezekiel 14:21, and how does this affect our trust in Him?

3. How do the warnings in Ezekiel 14:21 serve as a call to repentance for us personally and as a community of believers?

4. What role do modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders play in guiding us back to God's truth, and how can we discern their messages?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's promises of restoration, even when facing His discipline or judgment in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including similar judgments of sword, famine, and plague, showing a consistent theme of covenantal consequences.

Revelation 6
The four horsemen of the apocalypse parallel the four judgments in Ezekiel, symbolizing divine judgment and the unfolding of God's plan in the end times.

Jeremiah 15
Jeremiah also speaks of the four kinds of destroyers, reinforcing the message of inevitable judgment due to persistent sin.