The verse Ezekiel 7:5 in the King James Version of the Bible states:

Thus saith the Lord God; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it was written. The book of Ezekiel is set during the time of the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians and forced to live in a foreign land. This period of exile was a time of great distress and upheaval for the Israelites, and the book of Ezekiel contains prophecies and messages from God about the destruction and judgment that was to come upon the people as a result of their disobedience and idolatry.

In Ezekiel 7:5, the Lord God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce the coming of a great and unprecedented calamity. The repetition of the word “evil” in the verse emphasizes the severity and magnitude of the impending disaster. This calamity is described as “an only evil,” indicating that it will be a singular and unparalleled event, unlike anything that has occurred before.

The phrase “behold, is come” further emphasizes the certainty and imminence of the calamity. This is not a distant or theoretical threat, but a present reality that the people must confront and reckon with.

One of the key themes of this verse is the concept of divine judgment. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, the Lord God repeatedly warns the Israelites of the consequences of their sin and rebellion. The impending evil described in this verse is a direct result of the people’s disobedience and idolatry. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and breaking his commandments.

Another important theme in this verse is the sovereignty of God. The phrase “Thus saith the Lord God” emphasizes that the pronouncement of judgment is coming directly from the Lord himself. This serves as a reminder of God’s absolute authority and power over the course of human history. The calamity that is to come is not a random or chaotic event, but a deliberate and purposeful act of judgment from the almighty God.

The imagery and symbolism in Ezekiel 7:5 also carry significant meaning. The use of the word “behold” draws attention to the gravity of the situation and calls for a heightened awareness and attention from the people. The repetition of the word “evil” serves to underscore the severity and intensity of the impending disaster. This language is meant to evoke a sense of fear, urgency, and awe in the minds of the hearers.

In addition, the use of the word “only” in the phrase “an only evil” suggests that this calamity will be comprehensive and all-encompassing. It will not be a localized or limited event, but a widespread and devastating judgment that will affect all aspects of the people’s lives.

Overall, Ezekiel 7:5 is a powerful and sobering proclamation of divine judgment. It serves as a stark warning to the Israelites about the serious consequences of their sin and rebellion, while also reminding them of the unchanging sovereignty and authority of God. This verse continues to carry relevance and significance for readers today, challenging them to consider the implications of their own actions and the reality of God’s righteous judgment.