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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 14 - Verse 17

14:17
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:

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible speaks of the power and authority that God holds over all creation. In this passage, God is illustrating the control He has over the land and its inhabitants. The mention of a sword symbolizes a tool of destruction, which God can use to execute judgment or punishment upon a nation. The command for the sword to "go through the land" signifies the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment, cutting off both man and beast from the land. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and his ability to bring about consequences for the actions of individuals or nations. It demonstrates the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as He holds the power to bring about both blessings and curses upon those who choose to follow Him or rebel against Him.

Theological Overview

One of the key theological interpretations of this verse lies in the concept of God's sovereignty over creation. In this passage, God is portrayed as having the power to bring destruction upon a land through the instrument of a sword. The imagery of the sword symbolizes God's judgment and the swift, decisive nature of His actions. This verse emphasizes the idea that God is in control of all things, including the fate of nations and their inhabitants. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and sin, as well as the importance of heeding God's warnings and commands. Additionally, a word study on the term "sword" can reveal its symbolic significance throughout the Bible as a tool of both judgment and protection. By examining the context in which the word is used, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's righteous judgment and His desire for His people to turn back to Him.

American Standard Version

Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off from it man and beast;
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