Ezekiel 20:47

Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.

Study Bible

Say to the forest of the Negev
The "forest of the Negev" is a metaphorical expression. The Negev is a desert region in southern Israel, known for its arid conditions. In this context, the "forest" symbolizes the people of Judah, who are spiritually dry and barren. The Hebrew word for "forest" (יַעַר, ya'ar) often represents a dense population or a multitude. This phrase sets the stage for a prophetic message directed at the people, emphasizing their spiritual desolation and the impending judgment.

Hear the word of the LORD
This phrase is a call to attention, urging the people to listen to God's message. The Hebrew word for "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just listening but also obeying. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where hearing is linked to obedience. The "word of the LORD" signifies divine authority and truth, underscoring the seriousness of the message that follows.

This is what the Lord GOD says
The repetition of "Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority. It is a declaration that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God. This phrase is often used in prophetic literature to assert the divine origin of the prophecy, reinforcing the certainty and inevitability of God's words.

I am about to kindle a fire in you
The imagery of fire is a common biblical symbol for judgment and purification. The Hebrew word for "kindle" (בָּעַר, ba'ar) means to ignite or set ablaze. This signifies God's impending judgment on Judah, intended to purify and refine. Fire, in this context, represents both destruction and the potential for renewal, as it clears away the old to make way for the new.

and it will consume every green tree and every dry tree
The "green tree" and "dry tree" symbolize the righteous and the wicked, respectively. This imagery suggests that the coming judgment will be comprehensive, affecting all people regardless of their spiritual state. The Hebrew word for "consume" (אָכַל, akal) implies total destruction. This serves as a warning that no one will be exempt from God's judgment, highlighting the seriousness of their spiritual condition.

The blazing flame will not be extinguished
This phrase underscores the intensity and inevitability of God's judgment. The Hebrew word for "blazing" (לַהֶבֶת, lahevet) conveys a sense of fierce, unquenchable fire. The idea that it "will not be extinguished" emphasizes the certainty and thoroughness of the divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against God.

and every face from south to north will be scorched by it
This expression indicates the widespread impact of the judgment, affecting all people from "south to north," which encompasses the entire land of Judah. The Hebrew word for "scorched" (צָרַב, tsarav) implies being burned or seared. This imagery conveys the totality of God's judgment, leaving no one untouched. It serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to God before it is too late.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. The Forest of the Negev
A metaphorical reference to the southern region of Judah, representing the people of Israel who are subject to God's judgment.

3. The Fire
Symbolizes God's impending judgment and wrath upon the people of Israel due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion.

4. Green Tree and Dry Tree
Represents all people, both righteous and wicked, indicating that the judgment will be comprehensive and impartial.

5. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and just God who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His authority and the certainty of His words.

Teaching Points

God's Impartial Judgment
God's judgment is thorough and affects all, regardless of their perceived righteousness. This calls for self-examination and repentance.

The Certainty of God's Word
The prophecy underscores the reliability and certainty of God's word. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and warnings.

The Call to Repentance
The impending judgment serves as a call to repentance. Believers should turn away from sin and seek God's mercy.

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over nations and events is evident. Believers can find comfort in His sovereignty, knowing that He is just and righteous.

The Urgency of the Gospel
The imagery of fire and judgment highlights the urgency of sharing the Gospel, as it is the means by which people can escape God's wrath.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of fire in Ezekiel 20:47 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the impartiality of God's judgment in our own lives and communities today?

3. How does the certainty of God's word in Ezekiel 20:47 encourage us to trust in His promises and warnings?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a state of repentance and readiness for God's judgment?

5. How can the urgency of the message in Ezekiel 20:47 inspire us to share the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 21:14
This passage also speaks of God's judgment as a consuming fire, highlighting the theme of divine retribution for sin.

Isaiah 10:17-18
Describes God's judgment as a fire that will consume the thorns and briers, similar to the imagery in Ezekiel 20:47.

Matthew 3:10
John the Baptist warns of the coming judgment, using the metaphor of trees being cut down and thrown into the fire, echoing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.