Ezekiel 22:21
Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof.
Original Language Analysis
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְנָפַחְתִּ֥י
you and blow
H5301
וְנָפַחְתִּ֥י
you and blow
Strong's:
H5301
Word #:
3 of 8
to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem)
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
During the 586 BC siege, Jerusalem's suffering was unparalleled. Lamentations 4 describes mothers boiling their children for food, bodies piling in streets, nobles starving. When walls were breached, Babylonians torched the temple, palace, and houses. The 'melting' was literal—precious metals melted in the heat, stone cracked, wood burned. Yet a remnant survived, later returning under Ezra and Nehemiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How can recognizing God's hand in difficult circumstances (rather than blaming circumstances alone) lead to repentance and transformation?
- What difference does it make whether trials are random or purposeful divine discipline?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof. This verse intensifies verse 20 with emphatic repetition. The Hebrew ve'khibbatzti (וְכִבַּצְתִּי, "I will gather") with ve'nafachti (וְנָפַחְתִּי, "I will blow") reinforces divine agency. The phrase "fire of my wrath" (be'esh eberati, בְּאֵשׁ עֶבְרָתִי) identifies Babylon's siege as instrument of God's fury, not mere geopolitical conflict.
"And ye shall be melted in the midst thereof" (ve'nittatkhtem betokah, וְנִתַּתְּכֶם בְּתוֹכָהּ)—the passive verb indicates helplessness. Jerusalem cannot resist or escape; the furnace will accomplish its purpose. Yet paradoxically, this 'melting' serves purification. Though judgment destroys the wicked, it refines the remnant. The same fire that consumes dross purges the faithful, preparing them for restoration (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:3).