Ezekiel 6:7

The slain will fall among you, and you will know that I am the LORD.

Study Bible

The slain will fall among you
This phrase indicates a direct consequence of the Israelites' idolatry and rebellion against God. The context is a prophecy of judgment against Israel for their persistent sin, particularly idol worship. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem, where many Israelites were killed. The imagery of the slain falling among the people serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God. It echoes the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26:17 and Deuteronomy 28:25, where God warns of defeat and death as a result of disobedience.

and you will know that I am the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the purpose behind the judgment: to bring the people back to the recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, this refrain is repeated to stress that the ultimate goal of God's actions is to reveal His identity and authority to His people. It is a call to repentance and acknowledgment of God as the one true God. This theme is consistent with other prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, where God's actions are intended to lead His people to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. The phrase also foreshadows the New Covenant, where through Jesus Christ, people come to know God personally and intimately, as seen in John 17:3.

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. 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, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Idolatry
The worship of idols, which is a central issue addressed in Ezekiel 6, as the Israelites had turned away from God.

5. Judgment
The divine retribution that God declares upon the Israelites for their sins, as depicted in this chapter.

Teaching Points

Recognition of God's Sovereignty
The phrase "you will know that I am the LORD" emphasizes God's ultimate authority and power. Believers are reminded to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all circumstances, understanding that His judgments are just and purposeful.

Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and often physical destruction. Christians are called to examine their lives for modern-day idols—anything that takes precedence over God—and to turn away from them.

The Purpose of Divine Judgment
God's judgments are not merely punitive but are intended to bring people back to Him. This understanding should lead believers to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper knowledge of God.

Repentance and Restoration
The path to restoration begins with repentance. Ezekiel's message encourages believers to seek God's forgiveness and to restore their relationship with Him through sincere repentance.

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The fulfillment of God's words in judgment assures us of His faithfulness. Believers can trust that God's promises of redemption and restoration are equally certain.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of the Babylonian exile influence the message of Ezekiel 6:7, and what can we learn from it about God's discipline?

2. In what ways might modern Christians struggle with idolatry, and how can Ezekiel's message guide us in addressing these issues?

3. How does the theme of "knowing that I am the LORD" appear throughout the Bible, and what does it teach us about God's character?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we recognize and respond to God's discipline in our lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons of divine judgment and repentance from Ezekiel 6:7 to our personal spiritual journey and our community of faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:28-29
This passage warns of the consequences of idolatry and promises that if the Israelites seek God with all their heart, they will find Him. It connects to Ezekiel 6:7 by highlighting the theme of knowing God through judgment and repentance.

Jeremiah 44:28
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah speaks of the remnant of Judah knowing God through the fulfillment of His words, emphasizing the certainty of God's declarations.

Hosea 6:1-3
This passage calls for repentance and returning to the Lord, paralleling the call to recognize God through His acts of judgment and mercy.