This verse from Ezekiel 14:13 describes a specific scenario where God punishes a land for its sins. Let's break down the meaning:
"Son of man...": This is how God addresses Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his role as a human prophet delivering God's message.
"...when a land sins against me by committing a trespass...": This establishes the context: The land (meaning its inhabitants) has violated God's laws and committed a serious transgression, a "trespass" that offends God.
"...and I stretch out my hand on it...": This is a symbolic expression of God's judgment and action. It signifies that God will intervene directly to punish the land.
"...and break the staff of its bread...": This is a powerful metaphor for economic hardship and scarcity of food. The "staff of bread" represents the means of sustenance and prosperity. Breaking it means causing food shortages and famine.
"...and send famine on it...": This is a direct result of breaking the "staff of bread." Famine is the actual consequence of God's action, leading to widespread hunger and suffering.
"...and cut off from it man and animal...": This describes the devastating impact of the famine. It leads to the death of both people and livestock, signifying widespread destruction and loss of life.
In summary, the verse outlines a sequence:
1. Sin: The land commits a serious transgression against God.
2. Divine Intervention: God acts in response to the sin.
3. Economic Hardship: God breaks the "staff of bread," causing food shortages.
4. Famine: Famine occurs as a consequence of the food shortages.
5. Widespread Death: Both people and animals perish due to the famine.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. It illustrates that God is just and will hold nations accountable for their actions. The punishment described is severe, highlighting the seriousness of the offenses committed against God. This verse also reflects the broader themes in Ezekiel, such as divine justice, the consequences of idolatry, and the importance of repentance.
This verse from Ezekiel 14:13 describes a specific scenario where God punishes a land for its sins. Let's break down the meaning:
"Son of man...": This is how God addresses Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his role as a human prophet delivering God's message.
"...when a land sins against me by committing a trespass...": This establishes the context: The land (meaning its inhabitants) has violated God's laws and committed a serious transgression, a "trespass" that offends God.
"...and I stretch out my hand on it...": This is a symbolic expression of God's judgment and action. It signifies that God will intervene directly to punish the land.
"...and break the staff of its bread...": This is a powerful metaphor for economic hardship and scarcity of food. The "staff of bread" represents the means of sustenance and prosperity. Breaking it means causing food shortages and famine.
"...and send famine on it...": This is a direct result of breaking the "staff of bread." Famine is the actual consequence of God's action, leading to widespread hunger and suffering.
"...and cut off from it man and animal...": This describes the devastating impact of the famine. It leads to the death of both people and livestock, signifying widespread destruction and loss of life.
In summary, the verse outlines a sequence:
1. Sin: The land commits a serious transgression against God.
2. Divine Intervention: God acts in response to the sin.
3. Economic Hardship: God breaks the "staff of bread," causing food shortages.
4. Famine: Famine occurs as a consequence of the food shortages.
5. Widespread Death: Both people and animals perish due to the famine.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. It illustrates that God is just and will hold nations accountable for their actions. The punishment described is severe, highlighting the seriousness of the offenses committed against God. This verse also reflects the broader themes in Ezekiel, such as divine justice, the consequences of idolatry, and the importance of repentance.