Ezekiel 14:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The third judgment: God will send war and slaughter that destroys both human and animal populations.
The Context of Ezekiel 14:17
God describes the third judgment: military conquest and slaughter that kills all inhabitants.
What Does Ezekiel 14:17 Mean?
The sword represents military conquest, violence, and death. By personifying the sword—commanding it to 'go through the land'—the text emphasizes God's direct control over this instrument of judgment. The sword cuts off both humans and animals, leaving no life untouched. This judgment is more violent and sudden than the slow devastation of famine or the fear of beasts; it is swift and total.
War and slaughter form the third category of judgment in God's arsenal. Combined with famine and dangerous predators, the sword completes a triple assault on the land. Those who might hide from beasts or survive on stored food cannot hide from military conquest. The judgment reaches into every possible refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 14:17
What does Ezekiel 14:17 mean?
The third judgment: God will send war and slaughter that destroys both human and animal populations.
What is the context of Ezekiel 14:17?
God describes the third judgment: military conquest and slaughter that kills all inhabitants.