Ezekiel 12:16
Ezekiel 12:16 in Multiple Translations
But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations whither they come; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.
But a small number of them I will keep from the sword, from the need of food, and from disease, so that they may make clear all their disgusting ways among the nations where they come; and they will be certain that I am the Lord.
But I will let a few of them survive war, famine, and disease so that they can tell the nations where they're exiled about all their disgusting sins. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
But I will leaue a litle nomber of them from the sworde, from the famine, and from the pestilence, that they may declare all these abominations among the heathen, where they come, and they shall knowe, that I am the Lord.
and I have left of them, a few in number, from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, so that they recount all their abominations among the nations whither they have come, and they have known that I [am] Jehovah.'
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
And I will leave a few men of them from the sword, and from the famine, and from the pestilence: that they may declare all their wicked deeds among the nations whither they shall go: and they shall know that I am the Lord.
But I will spare/save a few of them from being killed by swords and from dying from famines or plagues, with the result that in the nations to which they are forced to go, they will realize/admit that they have been doing disgusting things, and they will know that I, Yahweh, have the power to do what I say that I will do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 12:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הוֹתַרְתִּ֤י
מֵ/הֶם֙
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
מִסְפָּ֔ר
מֵ/חֶ֖רֶב
מֵ/רָעָ֣ב
וּ/מִ/דָּ֑בֶר
לְמַ֨עַן
יְסַפְּר֜וּ
אֶת
כָּל
תּוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
בַּ/גּוֹיִם֙
אֲשֶׁר
בָּ֣אוּ
שָׁ֔ם
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
כִּֽי
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/הוֹתַרְתִּ֤י
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
מֵ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מִסְפָּ֔ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
מֵ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
מֵ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מִ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לְמַ֨עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
יְסַפְּר֜וּ
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
תּוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fp | Suff
בַּ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 12:16
וְ/הוֹתַרְתִּ֤י
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
מֵ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִסְפָּ֔ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
מֵ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
מֵ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Prep | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
וּ/מִ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
לְמַ֨עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יְסַפְּר֜וּ
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
תּוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
בַּ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 12:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 12:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:16
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 12:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 12:16
Context — Signs of the Coming Captivity
14And I will scatter to every wind all the attendants around him and all his troops, and I will draw a sword to chase after them.
15And they will know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries.
16But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
17Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18“Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with quivering and anxiety.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 22:8–9 | And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’ Then people will reply, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 14:22–23 | Yet, behold, some survivors will be left in it—sons and daughters who will be brought out. They will come out to you, and when you see their conduct and actions, you will be comforted regarding the disaster I have brought upon Jerusalem—all that I have brought upon it. They will bring you consolation when you see their conduct and actions, and you will know that it was not without cause that I have done all these things within it,’ declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 6:8–10 | Yet I will leave a remnant, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the nations and throughout the lands. Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations. And they will know that I am the LORD; I did not declare in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 4:27 | For this is what the LORD says: “The whole land will be desolate, but I will not finish its destruction. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:9 | Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. |
| 6 | Leviticus 26:40–41 | But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:19 | The remaining trees of its forests will be so few that a child could count them. |
| 8 | Romans 11:4–5 | And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. |
| 9 | Matthew 24:22 | If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. |
| 10 | Genesis 13:16 | I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. |
Ezekiel 12:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though God is going to allow some very difficult things to happen to His people, He will still save a few of them so that they can tell others about their sins and how God judged them. This is so that the people who hear their story will know that the God of Israel is the one true Lord, as it says in Ezekiel 12:16. It's kind of like when someone shares a testimony of how they came to faith in Jesus, and it encourages others to seek God too (Romans 10:17). By sharing their stories, the spared Israelites will be able to show others the power and love of God, and how He desires for people to turn from their sins and follow Him (1 John 1:9).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God spare a few people from sword, famine, and plague in Ezekiel 12:16?
God spares a few people so that they can share the stories of their past sins and the consequences they faced, ultimately leading others to know that He is the Lord, as seen in Ezekiel 12:16 and also in Deuteronomy 29:29 where God's judgments are a witness to His power and character.
What is the purpose of the spared Israelites recounting their abominations in the nations they are scattered to?
The purpose is for the spared Israelites to testify about their past sins and the judgments they faced, so that the nations will know that the God of Israel is the one true Lord, as stated in Ezekiel 12:16 and also reflected in Ezekiel 36:23 where God's holiness is proclaimed among the nations.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and judgment?
This verse shows that God's mercy and judgment are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they work together to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Ezekiel 12:16 where God spares some for the sake of witness, and also in Romans 11:22 where the balance between God's kindness and severity is highlighted.
What can we learn from the fact that God wants the spared Israelites to recount their abominations?
We can learn that acknowledging and repenting from our sins is a crucial part of our spiritual journey, and that sharing our testimonies can be a powerful way to glorify God and lead others to know Him, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and also in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can share my own story of sin and redemption with others, and how can I use my testimony to point people to God?
- How can I balance the desire to share my faith with others with the need to be sensitive to their experiences and perspectives?
- What are some 'abominations' in my own life that I need to acknowledge and repent of, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
- In what ways can I be a witness for God in the 'nations' that I interact with on a daily basis, whether that be at work, school, or in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:16
But I will leave a few men of them,.... Or, "men of number" (x); of a small number, such as are easily reckoned up; which will require no great skill in numbers, nor trouble to count them: from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:16
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
But I will restrain the rage of the Chaldeans, and move them to some compassion towards some of the Jews, so that some, yet but few, shall remain; the sword shall not slay them, for 1 commission it, and it will not exceed its commission. I send the famine, but some I will feed; and the pestilence is my arrow, and hits but where I direct it. A few men; including the women also. That they may declare; either by relating those sins which were committed among them in Jerusalem, for which God was justly angry, and for which he punished them, though they were his own people. Or else, that though they should be silent, yet the very thing should speak itself, and their miseries should proclaim the wickednesses they had acted against God in their own land. Or, by their wicked practices which in captivity, and under the eye of the heathen, they commit, they will manifestly show to the heathen that God was just in all his severity. They shall know; either the Jews, or rather here the Chaldean heathens.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
Ezekiel 12:16 But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.Ver. 16. But I will leave a few men.] Heb., Men of number, a company scarce considerable in comparison of the many. That they may declare all their abominations.] Give glory to God, take shame to themselves, and thereby do much good to those heathens hardened before by their evil behaviour. Vere magnus est Deus Christianorum, Truly, great is the God of the Christians, said one Calocerius, a heathen.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
(16) May declare all their abominations.—This they were to do, that the false impression that God was unable to protect His people might be removed from the minds of the heathen, and the truth that He was punishing them for their sins be made known. They should do it both by word of mouth (as in Jeremiah 22:8-9), and also by their conduct (as in Ezekiel 14:22-23). The word “few” is literally, as shown in the margin, men of number, i.e., men who can easily be numbered or counted; and in the very similar expression in the original for “declare,” there is a play upon the word, something like our “count” and “recount.” They shall know, may grammatically refer either to the heathen, or to the Israelites in their dispersion; but the latter is so constantly the refrain of these prophecies (see Ezekiel 12:20, e.g.), that it is also to be understood here.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:16
14–16. All the armies and aids of the king shall be dispersed and pursued with the sword. They shall be scattered among the nations, and their history shall bring to their knowledge what Jehovah, their God, truly is. A remnant of them shall be spared among the nations that they make known to them their abominations, and these also shall learn what the God of Israel is. Jerusalem and Israel is set in the midst of the nations round about (ch. Ezekiel 5:5), its history is a drama enacted before the eyes of mankind, and the drama when finished will reveal, not only to Israel but the nations of the world, Jehovah in his fulness. Cf. ch. Ezekiel 14:22-23, Ezekiel 17:24, Ezekiel 20:9, Ezekiel 38:23, Ezekiel 39:23; Isaiah 5:16; Jeremiah 22:8.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 12:16
Few - literally, as in the margin; so few, that they can easily be counted Isaiah 10:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:16
16. I will leave a few — This is the “remnant” which represents the true Israel, and which shall show to the heathen the beauty of monotheism as compared with the “abominations” of idolatry and thus
Sermons on Ezekiel 12:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |
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Studies in Romans-07 by William MacDonald | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of universal proclamation of the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles. It outlines the steps that lead to salvation, starting with God s |
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The Potter's Power Over the Clay by Eli Brayley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for the church. He urges the congregation to not be ignorant about the things of God, particul |
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Wrath and Mercy by Christopher Love | Christopher Love preaches on the doctrine of predestination, emphasizing that those appointed by God for salvation can be assured of their election and should strive to make it sur |
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The Nature and Function of Overcomers by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the nature and function of Overcomers, illustrating that they embody the fullness of God's intentions and purposes, which are realized through a vital u |
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Jap-08 God Requires the Past by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins and the sins of our ancestors. He specifically mentions the Jewish people and their |
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Psalm 78 - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by highlighting the indictment against the nation for not knowing or understanding God. He emphasizes that this indictment still stands today and |