Ezekiel 7 5

Ezekiel 7:5 kjv

Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

Ezekiel 7:5 nkjv

"Thus says the Lord GOD: 'A disaster, a singular disaster; Behold, it has come!

Ezekiel 7:5 niv

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "?'Disaster! Unheard-of disaster! See, it comes!

Ezekiel 7:5 esv

"Thus says the Lord GOD: Disaster after disaster! Behold, it comes.

Ezekiel 7:5 nlt

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
Disaster after disaster
is coming your way!

Ezekiel 7 verses

Ezekiel 7 5 meaning

Ezekiel 7:5 is a forceful divine pronouncement of imminent, unprecedented, and singular calamity upon the land of Israel. It declares with absolute certainty that a unique and unparalleled disaster, decreed by the Lord GOD, is actively and swiftly approaching, signifying the inevitability of His righteous judgment.

Ezekiel 7 5 Context

Ezekiel chapter 7 provides a direct, unyielding pronouncement of the imminent "end" for the land of Israel and its inhabitants. Following earlier warnings, this chapter dismisses any remaining hope for reprieve, painting a vivid picture of widespread and inescapable destruction. The judgment is portrayed as holistic, affecting all strata of society—priests, elders, princes, and the common people. Verse 5 intensifies this message, underscoring that the approaching calamity is not just another misfortune, but a unique, unparalleled, and ultimate act of divine judgment. Historically, this chapter directly addresses the complacent remnant in Jerusalem and the exiles who held onto false hopes, challenging their reliance on the Temple, their wealth, or their perceived invincibility, warning them that the Babylonian invasion will indeed bring about a judgment unlike any they have experienced. This also served as a polemic against the false prophets who continued to promise peace and prosperity, directly contradicting their soothing messages.

Ezekiel 7 5 Word analysis

• Thus says the Lord GOD (כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהֹוִה - koh amar Adonai Yehovih): This is a standard and emphatic prophetic formula, used over 350 times in Ezekiel.

  • It establishes the absolute authority and veracity of the message; these are not Ezekiel's words but God's.
  • Adonai (אֲדֹנָי) signifies "my Lord," denoting sovereign mastership.
  • Yehovih (יְהֹוִה) represents the covenant name of God (Yahweh), indicating His active, self-existent, and covenant-keeping nature. Its combination signifies ultimate divine authority over all creation and covenants.

• An evil (רָעָה - ra'ah): The Hebrew word ra'ah carries a broad semantic range including bad, wicked, harm, disaster, or calamity.

  • In this context, it unequivocally refers to a devastating misfortune or catastrophe, a severe punishment from God.
  • It speaks of the suffering, destruction, and moral consequences stemming from Israel's rebellion.

• a singular evil (אַחַת - achath connected to ra'ah): Achath (אַחַת) means "one" or "unique," feminine form.

  • The conjunction of "ra'ah achath" (singular evil) means this is not just any calamity, but the unique or unparalleled evil.
  • It emphasizes the intensity, scale, and specificity of this judgment. It will be an event unmatched in their history, a climactic demonstration of God's wrath, indicating its comprehensive and distinct nature from past afflictions.

• behold (הִנֵּה - hinneh): An interjection used to draw immediate attention, "lo," "look," or "indeed."

  • It serves to stress the certainty and immediacy of what is about to be declared or seen. It is often used with an imperative force.
  • Here, it serves to heighten the sense of urgency and directness in the divine declaration.

• it comes! (בָּאָה - ba'ah): The feminine singular participle or perfect verb form, "coming" or "it has come/is coming."

  • This grammatical construction, often called a "prophetic perfect," indicates that an event, though future, is so absolutely certain and decreed that it is spoken of as already in progress or already accomplished.
  • It signifies an undeniable, unstoppable advance. The calamity is not merely anticipated; it is already at the doorstep.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "An evil, a singular evil": This phrase accentuates the unprecedented and definitive nature of the impending judgment. It implies that this specific judgment against Israel is not merely one among many trials but holds a special, ultimate significance, marking the full recompense for their deep-seated rebellion.
  • "behold, it comes!": This pairing of hinneh and ba'ah transforms a prophecy into an immediate, unavoidable reality. It conveys the unyielding force of God's decree, shutting off any possibility of delay, escape, or further deliberation. It acts as an urgent divine alarm.

Ezekiel 7 5 Bonus section

The phrase "a singular evil" (רָעָה אַחַת - ra'ah achath) subtly carries a theological implication: Israel, as God's covenant people, held a unique status and responsibility. Their failure was, therefore, uniquely offensive, necessitating a uniquely severe judgment. This aligns with Amos 3:2: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." This unparalleled evil is the just and fitting response to their unparalleled spiritual betrayal. The swiftness conveyed by "it comes" contrasts sharply with the popular misconception among the exiles and the remaining Judahites that God's judgment would be delayed indefinitely.

Ezekiel 7 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 7:5 serves as a potent and unequivocal declaration of divine judgment, cutting through any lingering illusions of safety for Israel. The prophet is communicating God's non-negotiable decree: the unique, ultimate punishment for Israel's pervasive apostasy and unrighteousness has not only been decided but is now undeniably manifesting. The repetition and intensification ("An evil, a singular evil") prevent any misinterpretation; this is no minor chastisement but a final, epoch-making judgment on the nation. The emphatic "behold, it comes!" underscores the imminence and the unstoppable nature of God's timing and execution of justice. This verse warns against presuming upon God's patience, reminding us that there is a boundary beyond which sin brings certain, swift, and severe consequences.