What does "I will kindle a fire" symbolize in Ezekiel 20:47? Text in Focus Ezekiel 20:47: “And say to the forest of the Negev, ‘Hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree and every dry tree. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and every face from south to north will be scorched by it.’” Immediate Setting • The “forest of the Negev” is a prophetic image for the land of Judah, especially Jerusalem (cf. Ezekiel 21:1–3). • Chapter 20 reviews Israel’s repeated rebellion; the fire is God’s announced response to persistent sin. • Historically, this pointed to the Babylonian invasion (2 Kings 25:8-10). What the Fire Symbolizes • God’s active judgment—He personally “kindles” the flame (Isaiah 30:27, Lamentations 4:11). • Totality of the devastation—“every green tree and every dry tree” pictures both the flourishing and the withered, the righteous remnant and the openly wicked, showing the judgment would touch the entire society. • Purifying holiness—fire both destroys impurity and reveals what is genuine (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7). • Inescapability—“the blazing flame will not be quenched” underscores that no human effort could avert the decree once issued (Jeremiah 21:12). • Public witness—“every face from south to north will be scorched” signals that surrounding nations would see the Lord’s vindication of His name (Ezekiel 36:23). Supporting References • Jeremiah 21:14 — “I will punish you… I will kindle a fire in its forest.” • Isaiah 10:16-18 — the Lord’s “burning and consuming fire” against corrupt leadership. • Amos 1:4 — fire as a covenant-curse on rebellion. • Ezekiel 22:31 — “I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath.” Take-Home Truths for Today • God’s holiness demands judgment on unchecked sin; His warnings are gracious calls to repentance before the “fire” falls. • Divine judgment is thorough and impartial; being outwardly “green” or “dry” cannot shield anyone without genuine faith. • The Lord’s actions, even in judgment, aim to display His glory and ultimately to restore a purified people (Ezekiel 20:44). |
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