Ezekiel 11:13
And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?
Ezekiel 11:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet recounts a vision he had where he prophesied the death of Pelatiah, the son of Benaiah. The sudden death of Pelatiah shocked Ezekiel to the core, causing him to fall on his face and cry out to God in anguish. This event not only served as a confirmation of Ezekiel's prophetic abilities, but it also highlighted the severity of God's judgment on the remnant of Israel. The death of Pelatiah symbolized the impending destruction and downfall of the Israelites due to their disobedience and unfaithfulness. Ezekiel's emotional reaction emphasizes the significance of the moment and the seriousness of the situation at hand. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of repentance and obedience to avoid facing similar judgment.
Theological Overview
One interpretation of this verse involves the significance of the death of Pelatiah the son of Benaiah in the context of Ezekiel's prophesying. His death is seen as a demonstration of the seriousness of God's judgment upon the people of Israel for their disobedience and rebellion. Some theologians suggest that Pelatiah's death symbolizes the destruction that will come upon the Israelites, as seen in Ezekiel's reaction of falling on his face and crying out to the Lord in anguish. The word study of "make a full end" in this verse suggests a complete and total destruction that God may bring upon the remnant of Israel if they do not repent and turn back to Him. This serves as a warning for the people to heed the prophetic message and seek reconciliation with God to avoid facing His judgment.
Ezekiel 11:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord Jehovah! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?
World English Bible
When I prophesied, Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down on my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, “Ah Lord Yahweh! will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel?”
Douay-Rheims
And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pheltias the son of Banaias died: and I fell down upon my face, and I cried with a loud voice: and said: Alas, alas, alas, O Lord God: wilt thou make an end of all the remnant of Israel?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when I prophesied, Pelatiah the sonne of Benaiah dyed: then fell I downe vpon my face, and cryed with a loude voyce, and saide, Ah Lord God, wilt thou then vtterly destroy all the remnant of Israel?