Ezekiel 7:14–19 (KJV 1900): 14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. 15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. 16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity. 17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. 18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. 19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
This passage is a part of a prophecy from the book of Ezekiel, where Yah (God), through the prophet, warns of impending judgment and calamity due to the iniquities of the people. The imagery used depicts a scene of total desolation and hopelessness where material wealth becomes worthless, and no one can escape the divine wrath.
The time is coming for America to answer for its sins and the atrocities it committed against Yah and mankind. The handwriting is on the wall; World War 3 is hanging over its head. The King of the North (Russia) shall send forth a great multitude, and the nations that stand against him and his army shall be cast down (Daniel 11:11-15).
Some modern interpreters apply these prophecies to contemporary or future geopolitical events, seeing the "king of the North" as representing a powerful northern nation, such as Russia, and the "king of the South" as a metaphor for other opposing nations. This interpretation often links these prophecies to potential conflicts, such as a World War III scenario. America is facing inevitable doom due to its past actions, and Russia (the King of the North) will emerge as a dominant superpower. This perspective draws a direct line from ancient prophecies to contemporary geopolitical tensions.
In this scene of divine judgment, several key themes emerge from Ezekiel 7:14-19 that can prepare us for times ahead in the face of war:
1. Famine and Scarcity: The prophecy foretells a severe famine, with resources becoming scarce. The shortage of food and essential supplies leads to widespread hunger and desperation. Verse 15 states that famine will be within the city after war.
2. Fear and Despair: Fear grips the hearts of the people as they face impending doom. The sense of hopelessness and panic becomes pervasive, reflecting the depth of their anxiety and dread. This fear is so intense that verse 17 says all people's hands will be feeble, and their knees will be weak as water. Some interpretations suggest that "knees being weak as water" means many will wet their pants in fear.
3. Worthlessness of Wealth: Material wealth loses its value in the face of catastrophe. Gold and silver, once symbols of prosperity and security, become meaningless in a world where survival is paramount. When war occurs, verse 19 says people will cast their silver in the streets and gold shall be removed; money will not be able to deliver anyone from the destruction that comes with war.
4. Necessity of Faith: Amidst the chaos and destruction, the prophecy emphasizes the importance of faith. It suggests that only through spiritual resilience and trust in Yah (God) can one find hope and endurance to withstand the trials. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the enduring significance of faith in times of crisis. When war breaks out, you have to know Yah (God) and keep His commandments. Daniel 11:32 says, “The people that do know Yah shall be strong, and do exploits.”
These themes from Ezekiel 7:14-19 offer profound insights into the nature of divine judgment and the moral imperatives that can help guide us through times of war and turmoil.