Ezekiel Chapter 15 · Verse 8
And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
And I will make
H5414
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
And I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יַ֚עַן
H3282
יַ֚עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
מָ֣עֲלוּ
because they have committed
H4603
מָ֣עֲלוּ
because they have committed
Strong's:
H4603
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
Historical Context
The land's 70-year desolation fulfilled the unobserved Sabbath years Israel had violated (2 Chronicles 36:21). God's judgments always fit the crime, demonstrating His justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's judgments as responses to covenant unfaithfulness affect your view of His character?
- In what ways might you be treating God's commands as suggestions rather than covenant obligations?
Analysis & Commentary
The land's desolation reflects covenant curses (Leviticus 26:31-35, Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The Hebrew word 'ma'al' (trespassed/acted unfaithfully) is a technical term for covenant violation, emphasizing that judgment stems from broken relationship, not arbitrary divine wrath. This reveals God's righteousness in judgment.