The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague. The sword is outside; plague and famine are within.This phrase highlights the dual threats facing the people of Judah during the Babylonian siege. The "sword" represents the external military threat posed by the Babylonian army, which was known for its brutal conquests. Historically, sieges were common in ancient warfare, and cities often faced starvation and disease as a result. The "plague and famine" within the city walls indicate the dire conditions for those trapped inside. This reflects the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:21-25, where disobedience to God leads to such calamities. The imagery of sword, plague, and famine is also found in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah and Lamentations, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is delivering God's message of impending judgment on Jerusalem and Judah due to their persistent sin and rebellion. 2. Jerusalem The city facing imminent destruction due to its inhabitants' idolatry and disobedience to God. It serves as the central location of the prophecy. 3. Babylonian Exile The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecies, where the Israelites are experiencing the consequences of their unfaithfulness to God. 4. Sword, Plague, and Famine Symbols of God's judgment. The sword represents external threats and warfare, while plague and famine signify internal suffering and divine punishment. 5. Field and City Represent the totality of the land and its people, indicating that no one will escape God's judgment, whether they are outside in the fields or inside the city. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's warnings through His prophets are not idle threats. The fulfillment of these prophecies in history underscores the certainty of His judgment against sin. The Consequences of Sin Sin has real and devastating consequences. The imagery of sword, plague, and famine serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God is sovereign over all events, including judgment. He uses various means to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His control over both natural and human affairs. The Call to Repentance While judgment is certain, God's desire is for repentance. The warnings serve as a call to turn back to God and seek His mercy. Hope in God's Faithfulness Even in judgment, there is hope. God's ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption for those who turn to Him in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of sword, plague, and famine in Ezekiel 7:15 reflect the consequences outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?2. In what ways does the certainty of God's judgment in Ezekiel's time encourage us to live righteously today? 3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the events described in Ezekiel 7:15, and how does this understanding affect our trust in Him? 4. What steps can we take to heed the call to repentance in our own lives, in light of the warnings given to Jerusalem? 5. How does the message of hope and restoration found in other parts of Ezekiel provide comfort amidst the harsh realities of judgment? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including sword, plague, and famine, which are echoed in Ezekiel's prophecy. Jeremiah 14 Jeremiah also speaks of sword, famine, and plague as instruments of God's judgment, reinforcing the message of inevitable consequences for sin. Revelation 6 The imagery of sword, famine, and plague is mirrored in the apocalyptic visions, showing the continuity of God's judgment throughout Scripture.
People EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Consume, Devour, Devoured, Die, Dies, Dieth, Disease, Famine, Field, Inside, Open, Outside, Pestilence, Plague, Sword, Town, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 7:15Library Motives to Holy MourningLet me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower … Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue. The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," Blessed are they that Mourn "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. " There is a Blessedness in Reversion Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 7:15 NIVEzekiel 7:15 NLT Ezekiel 7:15 ESV Ezekiel 7:15 NASB Ezekiel 7:15 KJV Ezekiel 7:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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