Ezekiel 6:12

He who is far off will die by the plague, he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains will die by famine. So I will vent My fury upon them.

Study Bible

He who is far off will die by the plague
This phrase indicates the inescapable nature of God's judgment. The "far off" refers to those Israelites who were exiled or had fled from the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem. The plague is often seen as a divine instrument of judgment, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament (e.g., Numbers 16:46-50). This reflects the comprehensive reach of God's wrath, emphasizing that distance from the epicenter of judgment does not equate to safety. Historically, plagues were common in ancient times and often viewed as acts of divine retribution.

he who is near will fall by the sword
The "near" refers to those who remained in or around Jerusalem. The sword symbolizes warfare and violence, a common method of judgment in the Old Testament. This phrase highlights the immediate and violent nature of the judgment for those who stayed close to the center of rebellion against God. The Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC is a historical fulfillment of this prophecy, where many inhabitants were killed by the sword.

and he who remains will die by famine
Famine is a recurring theme in biblical judgment narratives, often resulting from siege warfare, as seen in 2 Kings 25:3. Those who survived the initial onslaught of the sword would face starvation, a slow and agonizing form of judgment. This reflects the totality of God's judgment, leaving no means of escape for the unrepentant. The siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians led to severe famine, fulfilling this prophecy.

So I will vent My fury upon them
This phrase underscores the divine origin of the judgment. God's fury is a response to the persistent idolatry and rebellion of the Israelites. The use of "vent" suggests an outpouring of righteous anger, aligning with the prophetic theme of divine retribution found throughout the book of Ezekiel. This judgment serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing God's holiness and justice. Theologically, it points to the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, which Christians believe is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, who are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, facing judgment due to their idolatry and disobedience.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a significant backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Plague, Sword, Famine
Instruments of God's judgment mentioned in this verse, symbolizing comprehensive destruction and divine retribution.

5. God's Fury
Represents God's righteous anger and judgment against the sin and idolatry of His people.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's judgment is inevitable for those who persist in sin. This should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to holiness.

The Comprehensive Nature of Sin's Consequences
Sin affects every aspect of life, and God's judgment is thorough. We must be vigilant in avoiding sin and its pervasive effects.

God's Righteous Anger
Understanding God's fury against sin should deepen our reverence for Him and our desire to live in accordance with His will.

Hope in Repentance
While this passage speaks of judgment, the broader context of Ezekiel includes promises of restoration for those who turn back to God.

The Importance of Obedience
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our comprehension of Ezekiel 6:12?

2. In what ways do the instruments of judgment (plague, sword, famine) reflect the seriousness of sin in our lives today?

3. How can we reconcile the image of a loving God with the depiction of His fury in this passage?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgments in Ezekiel and the warnings found in the New Testament?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 6:12 to our personal walk with God, particularly in terms of obedience and repentance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, similar to the judgments described in Ezekiel 6:12.

Jeremiah 24
Jeremiah also speaks of the fate of those who are near and far, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

Revelation 6
The imagery of sword, famine, and plague is echoed in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, highlighting the consistency of God's judgment throughout Scripture.