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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 14 - Verse 13

14:13
Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

Meaning

In this verse, the phrase "Son of man" is a term used throughout the Bible to address the prophet Ezekiel. The verse speaks to the consequences of sinning against God, specifically through trespassing grievously. The imagery of God stretching out His hand upon the land and breaking the staff of bread symbolizes a severe punishment in the form of famine. The reference to cutting off man and beast indicates the extent of the punishment, affecting all living creatures. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences that come with disobedience to God and the importance of living in accordance with His will. It emphasizes the idea that actions have consequences, and those consequences can be severe when one turns away from God's commands.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "Son of man" is a title often used by God when addressing the prophet Ezekiel in the Old Testament. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. The term "land" refers to the nation of Israel as a whole. The concept of sinning against God by trespassing grievously conveys the seriousness of turning away from God's will and commands. God's response to such disobedience is depicted as a judgment in the form of famine, which signifies a severe scarcity of food. This punishment is meant to bring about repentance and restoration. The imagery of breaking the staff of bread symbolizes the destruction of the source of sustenance, leading to suffering and loss. The cutting off of man and beast highlights the widespread impact of sin and the consequences that affect both human and animal life. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God's will.

American Standard Version

Son of man, when a land sinneth against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand upon it, and break the staff of the bread thereof, and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast;
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