Ezekiel 14:13

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

בן אדם ארץ כי תחטא לי למעל מעל ונטיתי ידי עליה ושברתי לה מטה לחם והשלחתי בה רעב והכרתי ממנה אדם ובהמה:

What Does This Mean?

In Ezekiel 14:13, God is speaking to Ezekiel, warning that if the land sins against Him, He will punish it by cutting off its food supply, sending famine, and destroying both people and animals. This verse emphasizes God's response to severe disobedience.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you and your friends don't listen to your parents' rules, and as a result, they take away your favorite snacks and toys. This is like what God is saying to Ezekiel. If people don't follow God's rules, He will make things hard for them.

Historical Background

Ezekiel 14:13 is part of the Book of Ezekiel, written by the prophet Ezekiel around 593-571 BC. The book was addressed to the exiled Israelites, reminding them of God's sovereignty and the consequences of their actions during the Babylonian exile.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of following ethical and moral principles. For instance, a company that disregards environmental laws may face severe penalties and loss of resources, affecting both the business and the community.

Topics

• punishment
• famine
• disobedience
• consequences
• divine justice
• prophetic warning

Related Verses

• Leviticus 26:19-20
• Deuteronomy 32:23-25
• Amos 4:6-12
• Romans 1:18-32
• Revelation 18:4-8

Recommended Reading

Commentary Ezekiel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God use famine as a punishment?

Famine is used as a punishment to show the severe consequences of disobedience. It highlights the essential need for people to follow God's commands for their well-being.

How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

We can apply this verse by being mindful of our actions and their consequences. It reminds us to follow ethical and moral principles, ensuring that we do not face dire outcomes due to our choices.

What does it mean to 'break the staff of the bread'?

Breaking the staff of the bread symbolizes the removal of the food supply, indicating that God will deprive the land of its sustenance as a punishment for their sins.

How does this verse relate to other parts of the Bible?

This verse connects with other passages that discuss divine punishment for disobedience, such as Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 32, emphasizing the theme of God's justice and response to sin.