Ezekiel 17:16
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
يَقُولُ الرَّبُّ الإلَهُ: «أُقْسِمُ بِذَاتِي إنَّ ذَلِكَ المَلِكَ سَيَمُوتُ فِي بَابِلَ. عَيَّنَهُ مَلِكُ بَابِلَ عَلَى أرْضِ يَهُوذَا، لَكِنَّهُ نَكَثَ بِقَسَمِهِ، وَكَسَرَ العَهْدَ مَعَ مَلِكِ بَابِلَ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that the Lord God promises that a king who broke his oath and his covenant will die in Babylon, where he was made king. The Lord is speaking and emphasizes the seriousness of breaking promises.
Explained for Children
Imagine you made a promise to your friend, but then you broke it. Now, think of the Lord as a very serious teacher who keeps a strict rule: if you break your promise, you'll be in big trouble. In this case, the king broke his promise, and the Lord says he'll face the consequences in the place where he became a king.
Historical Background
This verse is from the Book of Ezekiel, written by the prophet Ezekiel around 593-571 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The cultural setting reflects the political and religious struggles of the exiled community.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this can be applied to someone who has betrayed a friend or a colleague. Just as the king in the verse faces dire consequences for breaking his oath, a person who betrays trust may face serious repercussions, such as losing relationships or reputation.
Topics
oathsconsequencesbetrayaldivine justicepromiseskingdom
Related Verses
2 Chronicles 36:11-14Jeremiah 39:5-72 Kings 25:6-7Ezekiel 17:11-15Daniel 5:30
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the king mentioned in Ezekiel 17:16?
The king referred to is likely Zedekiah, who was made king in Babylon and later broke his oath to the Babylonian king, leading to his downfall.
What does it mean to 'despise an oath'?
To despise an oath means to treat it with disrespect or disregard, essentially breaking a solemn promise made in the presence of God or a higher authority.
How does this verse highlight divine justice?
This verse emphasizes that God holds people accountable for their actions, especially when they break promises and oaths, showing that divine justice is swift and sure.
What lessons can be learned from this verse in our daily lives?
This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our commitments, as breaking these can lead to serious consequences.