Ezekiel 14:7
“For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The principle is universal and will be applied by God Himself: whoever separates from the Lord through idolatry will hear a word that reflects their condition back to them.
Context
This verse expands the principle from the elders to 'every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel.' God's word applies to all people within His covenant community and to those who dwell among them. The repetition of the idolatry language reinforces the cause, and the phrase 'I the LORD will answer him by myself' emphasizes God's direct involvement in judgment and mercy.
What Does Ezekiel 14:7 Mean?
The addition of 'or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel' is significant. God's standard is not for the biological descendants of Abraham alone but for all who live in covenant community with Him. There is no hidden category, no secret reserved place where our divided loyalty goes unnoticed. 'By myself' means God does not delegate this work to intermediaries; He sees and responds directly.
This is both comfort and sobering truth. It means we are never unknown to God, never in a place where our idolatry goes unseen. But it also means that when we come to Him in truth, we come directly to Him, without mediator or shield.
Application
There is no separate standard for insiders and outsiders, no private morality that differs from public devotion. All who seek God must seek Him with an undivided heart.