Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 7 - Verse 5
Meaning
When reading the verse "Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come," it is important to understand the context in which it was spoken. In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying a message from God to the people of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and destruction due to their disobedience and sin. The phrase "an evil, an only evil" emphasizes the severity and inevitability of the punishment that is about to come upon them. It serves as a powerful warning to the Israelites to repent and turn back to God before it is too late. This verse reminds us of the consequences of straying from God's commands and serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to Him. As readers of the Bible, we can learn from this verse the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning to Him in times of trouble.
Theological Overview
When examining the phrase "An evil, an only evil, behold, is come" in a theological context, it is important to consider the original Hebrew words used. The word translated as "evil" in this verse is "ra," which can have a wide range of meanings including calamity, distress, and adversity. In this context, the prophet Ezekiel is conveying a message from God about a significant trouble that is about to befall a group of people. The repetition of the word "evil" emphasizes the severity and inevitability of this impending disaster. The use of the phrase "an only evil" further reinforces the idea that this calamity will be all-encompassing and without any redeeming qualities. This verse serves as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from God and serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faithfulness.