Ezekiel 14:8
And I will set my face against that man; I will make him a sign and a byword and cut him off from the midst of my people, and you shall know that I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
God declares He will make the idolatrous inquirer a "sign and a proverb"—not just a symbol, but a shocking, public spectacle of divine judgment. This means his punishment will be so severe and unusual that people will point to him and tell stories about his downfall for generations.
Ezekiel is confronting elders who have come to inquire of him while secretly clinging to idolatrous practices. God declares that He will personally oppose such hypocrites, making them a stark, terrifying example of His judgment and removing them from the community, so that all will recognize His sovereign power. This divine action serves as a warning to the remnant, turning them away from their own idols and back to the Lord.
Ever felt the weight of someone's disapproval? Imagine that, but from the Creator of the universe. What does it mean when God 'sets His face' against someone?
The Intensity of Divine Displeasure
When the Bible says God 'sets His face against' someone, it's not a mild scolding. It signifies a direct, unwavering opposition. It means God is actively turning His attention, His power, and His judgment toward a specific sin or sinner.
Think of it as the ultimate turning away, coupled with active intervention. It's a powerful image of God's holiness confronting rebellion. This isn't about God being angry in a human, uncontrolled way, but about His righteous nature responding decisively to what defiles and dishonors Him.
Imagine your worst moments becoming a public spectacle, a warning to everyone else. What kind of 'sign' or 'proverb' does God intend to make of the unfaithful?
More Than Just Punishment
God declares He will make the unfaithful person 'a sign and a proverb.' This isn't just about punishment; it's about making an example.
This public, notorious judgment is meant to inspire terror and awe, reminding everyone of the consequences of hypocrisy and unfaithfulness.
Understand the original words
oth · Hebrew Noun
A notable event, object, or person used as a warning or a symbol of God's judgment, meant to teach others a lesson about the consequences of disobedience.
mashal · Hebrew Noun
A target of mocking, scorn, or reproach; a cautionary example used to illustrate the outcome of turning away from God.
Ezekiel speaks this prophecy during the Babylonian exile, a time when many Judeans, despite their own suffering, were still clinging to idolatrous practices. God's judgment here is a stark warning that such hypocrisy will lead to open, notorious, and devastating exclusion from His people, serving as a public example of divine wrath.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire. Many Israelites are exiled, and foreign populations are resettled in the land, leading to a mixed religious and cultural identity.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish elites and skilled workers to Babylon, including figures like Daniel. This marks the start of the Babylonian Captivity.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a revolt, Jehoiachin the king of Judah and more of its people are exiled to Babylon. The prophet Ezekiel is among this group.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Most of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon.
This passage echoes Ezekiel's warning, stating that Israel will become 'a proverb, a byword, and a taunt' among all nations because of their disobedience, highlighting the public and notorious nature of God's judgment on those who turn away.
Jeremiah 29:22Jeremiah uses the same prophetic language ('a curse, and a terror, and a proverb, and a reproach') for Zedekiah and Ahab, who falsely prophesied in God's name, showing a consistent pattern of God using such individuals as examples of His judgment.
Numbers 26:10The rebellion of Korah and his followers is described as a sign that they were consumed by the Lord, directly relating to the idea of individuals becoming a 'sign' of divine vengeance for their sin.
Ezekiel 32:10In a similar prophetic oracle, Ezekiel states that Pharaoh will be 'an astonishment and a sport for the nations,' reinforcing the concept of prominent figures becoming spectacles of judgment when they defy God.
cambridgeEzekiel 14:8: "And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD."
8 . Jehovah’s answer to the idolatrous inquirer: he will make him a sign and a proverb, and cut him off from his people. make him a sign ] This is the traditional reading (Baer’s Ezek .—hiph. of sîm , cf. Ezekiel 21:16 ; Job 4:20 ). R.V. follows a different text. On “sign” &c. cf. Numbers 26:10 ; Deuteronomy 28…
barnesEzekiel 14:8: "And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD."
Will make him - Or, I will make him amazed Ezekiel 32:10 ; or, astonished, so as to be a sign and a proverb.
God declares He will make the idolatrous inquirer a "sign and a proverb"—not just a symbol, but a shocking, public spectacle of divine judgment. This means his punishment will be so severe and unusual that people will point to him and tell stories about his downfall for generations.
Ezekiel is confronting elders who have come to inquire of him while secretly clinging to idolatrous practices. God declares that He will personally oppose such hypocrites, making them a stark, terrifying example of His judgment and removing them from the community, so that all will recognize His sovereign power. This divine action serves as a warning to the remnant, turning them away from their own idols and back to the Lord.
Ezekiel is confronting elders who have come to inquire of him while secretly clinging to idolatrous practices. God declares that He will personally oppose such hypocrites, making them a stark, terrifying example of His judgment and removing them from the community, so that all will recognize His sovereign power. This divine action serves as a warning to the remnant, turning them away from their own idols and back to the Lord.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ezekiel 14:8 is available in the Sola app.
Amidst such severe judgment, there's a purpose. What does God ultimately want people to gain from witnessing these dramatic acts of retribution?
The Revelation of God's Identity
The verse concludes with a profound statement: 'and you shall know that I am the LORD.' This is the ultimate aim behind the judgment.
The 'knowing' here is not just intellectual acknowledgment, but a deep, experiential understanding of who God is. It's meant to drive people away from sin and back to genuine relationship with Him.
c. 593 BC
Ezekiel's Call to Prophecy
The prophet Ezekiel receives his call from God while in exile in Babylon, marked by a profound vision. He is tasked with delivering God's message to the exiles.
c. 591 BC— this verse
Message to Idolatrous Elders
Ezekiel confronts elders of Israel who are secretly practicing idolatry while seeking guidance from him. He denounces their hypocrisy and pronounces God's judgment upon them.
"And I will set my face against that man; I will make him a sign and a byword and cut him off from the midst of my people, and you shall know that I am the LORD." — God declares He will make the idolatrous inquirer a "sign and a proverb"—not just a symbol, but a shocking, public spectacle of divine judgment. This means his punishment will be so severe and unusua…
