Ezekiel 20:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:47
47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, salvation. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 20:47
47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.
Analysis
I will kindle a fire in thee (הִצַּתִּי בְךָ אֵשׁ, hitsati vekha esh)—God Himself lights the judgment fire. The verb יָצַת (yatsat, to kindle) indicates deliberate ignition. Every green tree and every dry tree (כָּל־עֵץ לַח וְכָל־עֵץ יָבֵשׁ, kol-etz lakh v'khol-etz yavesh) means total destruction—both righteous (green) and wicked (dry) will be swept into exile.
The flaming flame shall not be quenched (לֹא תִכְבֶּה לַהֶבֶת שַׁלְהָבֶת, lo tikhbeh lahevet shalhevet) uses emphatic Hebrew repetition for an unstoppable conflagration. This fire is the Babylonian army (21:3-5), but ultimately represents God's wrath against covenant unfaithfulness. Jesus uses similar language for final judgment (Mark 9:43-48), where the fire is never quenched.
Historical Context
This prophecy was fulfilled in 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar burned Jerusalem and the temple (2 Kings 25:8-9). The fire consumed everyone—even righteous people like Daniel's contemporaries went into exile. Ezekiel's audience initially mocked this as impossible (20:49).
Reflection
- How does God's impartial judgment (consuming green and dry trees alike) challenge assumptions about earthly prosperity indicating divine favor?
- What does unquenchable fire symbolize regarding the seriousness of sin and rebellion?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Ezekiel 17:24, Jeremiah 21:14
- Parallel theme: Luke 23:31