Ezekiel 6:14

I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'"

Study Bible

I will stretch out My hand against them
This phrase signifies God's active intervention and judgment. In biblical terms, the "hand of God" often represents His power and authority. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to denote divine action, whether in deliverance or judgment (Exodus 7:5, Isaiah 5:25). The stretching out of God's hand against Israel indicates a deliberate act of punishment due to their idolatry and rebellion.

and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste
The desolation of the land is a common theme in prophetic literature, symbolizing the consequences of sin and disobedience. This desolation serves as a physical manifestation of spiritual barrenness. Historically, the land of Israel faced invasions and destruction, notably by the Babylonians, which fulfilled these prophecies. The desolation also serves as a warning to future generations about the seriousness of turning away from God.

from the wilderness to Diblah
The mention of "the wilderness to Diblah" indicates the extent of the desolation. The wilderness often refers to the desert regions surrounding Israel, while Diblah is less certain in its geographical identification. Some scholars suggest it may be a textual variant of Riblah, a location in northern Israel. This phrase underscores the totality of the judgment, covering the entire land.

Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”
This concluding phrase emphasizes the purpose of God's judgment: to bring recognition of His sovereignty and holiness. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, this refrain is repeated, highlighting the ultimate goal of divine actions—to lead people to acknowledge and revere God. This acknowledgment is not just intellectual but relational, calling for repentance and renewed faithfulness. The phrase also points to the eschatological hope that all nations will eventually recognize the Lordship of God (Philippians 2:10-11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are being judged for their idolatry and disobedience.

3. The Wilderness
Represents the barren and uninhabited areas, symbolizing desolation and judgment.

4. Diblah
A location mentioned in the prophecy, possibly representing the extent of the land affected by God's judgment.

5. The LORD
The sovereign God who executes judgment to affirm His identity and authority.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's judgment is a demonstration of His sovereignty and justice. He holds His people accountable for their actions, reminding us of the importance of living in obedience to His commands.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and physical desolation. We must examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God and remove it.

Recognition of God's Authority
The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is for His people to recognize and acknowledge Him as the LORD. Our lives should reflect a continual acknowledgment of God's authority and lordship.

Hope in Restoration
While the passage speaks of desolation, it also implies the possibility of restoration. God's judgments are often followed by opportunities for repentance and renewal.

The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is crucial in restoring our relationship with God. We should be quick to repent and turn back to God when we recognize sin in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the desolation described in Ezekiel 6:14 reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience, and what can we learn from this about the nature of sin?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 6:14 connect to the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?

3. How can we apply the lesson of recognizing God's authority in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often promotes self-reliance?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How does understanding God's justice and mercy in passages like Ezekiel 6:14 help us approach repentance and restoration in our spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which parallels the judgment described in Ezekiel 6:14.

Deuteronomy 28
Similar to Leviticus 26, it details the consequences of Israel's disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Jeremiah 25
Jeremiah also prophesies about the desolation of the land due to the people's unfaithfulness, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.

Isaiah 5
The vineyard parable in Isaiah highlights God's disappointment with Israel's failure to produce righteousness, leading to judgment.