Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.

Study Bible

And I will set My face against them.
This phrase indicates God's active opposition and judgment. In biblical terms, God setting His face against someone signifies His determination to bring about their downfall. This is consistent with the covenantal language found in Leviticus 26:17, where God warns Israel of the consequences of disobedience. The imagery of God's face suggests His personal involvement and the seriousness of the judgment.

Though they may have escaped the fire,
The fire here symbolizes previous judgments or trials that the people have endured. In the context of Ezekiel, this could refer to the earlier Babylonian invasions or other calamities that Israel faced. The idea is that even if they have survived past judgments, it does not guarantee future safety. This reflects the persistent nature of God's judgment against unrepentant sin.

yet another fire will consume them.
This indicates that further judgment is inevitable. The use of fire as a metaphor for judgment is common in the Bible, symbolizing purification and destruction. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's refining fire, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:2-3. The consuming fire represents the totality of God's judgment, leaving nothing unaddressed.

And when I set My face against them,
Reiterating the earlier phrase, this emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of God's judgment. The repetition underscores the inevitability of the consequences for their actions. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His right to judge His people according to His covenant.

you will know that I am the LORD.
This phrase is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, highlighting the purpose of God's actions: to reveal His identity and authority. The acknowledgment of God as LORD is central to the covenant relationship. This recognition is not just intellectual but involves a deep understanding of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. It echoes the purpose of the plagues in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 7:5, where God's actions lead to the acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. God (Yahweh)
The sovereign Lord who speaks through Ezekiel, expressing His judgment and intentions.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel, who are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, often depicted as rebellious and idolatrous.

4. Jerusalem
The city representing the heart of Israel, often a focal point of God's judgment due to its people's sins.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign and His judgments are just. He sets His face against those who persist in rebellion, underscoring the seriousness of sin.

The Inevitability of Divine Justice
Even if temporary escape from consequences occurs, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This calls for repentance and turning back to God.

Recognition of God's Authority
The phrase "you will know that I am the LORD" highlights the purpose of God's actions—to reveal His authority and holiness.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Israel's idolatry led to their downfall. Believers today must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

Hope in Repentance
While this passage speaks of judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope through repentance and restoration in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 15:7 impact your view of His role in your life today?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the same patterns of disobedience as the Israelites, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the imagery of fire in this passage relate to other biblical descriptions of God's judgment?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that you recognize and submit to God's authority in your daily life?

5. How can the message of inevitable divine justice in Ezekiel 15:7 encourage you to share the gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26:17
This verse also speaks of God setting His face against His people, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.

Jeremiah 21:10
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah conveys God's determination to set His face against Jerusalem for harm, not for good.

Isaiah 9:19
The imagery of fire consuming is echoed here, symbolizing God's judgment and wrath.

Deuteronomy 31:17
God warns that He will hide His face from Israel due to their idolatry, leading to their destruction.

Psalm 34:16
Contrasts the fate of the wicked with the righteous, where God sets His face against those who do evil.