Ezekiel 23:47
And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.
Original Language Analysis
עֲלֵיהֶ֥ן
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֥ן
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּבָרֵ֥א
and dispatch
H1254
וּבָרֵ֥א
and dispatch
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
5 of 13
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
אוֹתְהֶ֖ן
H853
אוֹתְהֶ֖ן
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּחַרְבוֹתָ֑ם
them with their swords
H2719
בְּחַרְבוֹתָ֑ם
them with their swords
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
7 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּנֵיהֶ֤ם
their sons
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֤ם
their sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙
and their daughters
H1323
וּבְנֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙
and their daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
9 of 13
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּבָתֵּיהֶ֖ן
their houses
H1004
וּבָתֵּיהֶ֖ן
their houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 39:8And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.Ezekiel 24:21Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's fall included all these elements: execution of leaders at Riblah (2 Kings 25:18-21), general slaughter during siege and aftermath, death of children from famine and violence, and burning of city and temple (2 Kings 25:9). Covenant curses were fulfilled literally in every detail, demonstrating the certainty and precision of God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is God's judgment comprehensive rather than partial?
- What does thorough judgment reveal about sin's seriousness?
- How does Christ's comprehensive suffering satisfy comprehensive justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the company shall stone them with stones describes execution method for adultery (Deuteronomy 22:21-24; John 8:5). And dispatch them with their swords adds military slaughter to judicial execution. They shall slay their sons and their daughters extends judgment to the next generation—covenant curses include children (Exodus 20:5). And burn up their houses with fire refers to total urban destruction. Each element corresponds to specific covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28). The progression—execution, slaughter, generational destruction, physical devastation—represents comprehensive judgment leaving nothing intact. When God judges, He judges thoroughly. Partial judgment doesn't accomplish His purposes; complete purgation is required. This is terrifying unless we realize Christ endured comprehensive judgment for us at the cross.