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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 6 - Verse 11

6:11
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel relays a message from the Lord GOD to the people of Israel. The use of the phrases "smite with thine hand" and "stamp with thy foot" are symbolic actions meant to convey the severity and urgency of the situation. By physically demonstrating these actions, the prophet is emphasizing the gravity of the evil and abominations that the house of Israel has committed. The word "Alas" is an expression of grief or regret, indicating a deep sorrow for the choices and behaviors of the people.

The consequences of their actions are dire, as the verse goes on to describe how they will "fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." These three forms of destruction represent the various ways in which the people will suffer as a result of their wickedness. The sword symbolizes violence and war, famine represents scarcity and hunger, and pestilence signifies disease and suffering.

This passage serves as a warning to the people of Israel to repent and turn away from their sinful ways before it is too late. It is a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God's commandments and the importance of staying true to His teachings. By heeding this message, the people have the opportunity to seek forgiveness and avoid the tragic fate that awaits them if they continue down the path of evil.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Lord is commanding the prophet Ezekiel to physically demonstrate his grief and distress towards the evil abominations of the house of Israel. By smiting with his hand and stamping with his foot, Ezekiel is symbolically expressing the severity of the judgment that is to come upon the people of Israel. The use of these actions highlights the intensity of the message that the prophet is delivering on behalf of God. The phrase "Alas for all the evil abominations" emphasizes the deep sorrow and lamentation that Ezekiel must express as he warns the people of the impending destruction they will face. The references to falling by the sword, famine, and pestilence indicate the various forms of punishment that will befall the house of Israel due to their sins. Through this verse, we see the importance of repentance and turning back to God to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

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