Ezekiel 24:6
Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.
Ezekiel 24:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet delivers a message from the Lord GOD, declaring woe upon a bloody city likened to a pot with scum that has not been removed. The reference to the "bloody city" suggests a place filled with violence and bloodshed, indicating a society rife with sin and wickedness. The imagery of the pot with scum symbolizes the impurity and corruption within this city, with the scum representing the sinful inhabitants who have not been cleansed. The command to bring out the pot piece by piece and not let any lot fall upon it signifies the punishment and judgment that will befall this city for its sins. This verse serves as a warning of the impending doom and divine retribution that awaits those who persist in their wicked ways and refuse to turn back to the Lord. It underscores the importance of repentance and righteousness in order to avoid the wrath of God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Lord GOD is pronouncing woe upon the bloody city, which represents a place of violence and wickedness. The "pot" mentioned symbolizes the city itself, with the scum inside being the filth and corruption that has pervaded it. The removal of the scum piece by piece indicates a thorough judgment and cleansing that needs to take place. This process emphasizes the severity of the city's sin and the need for complete purification. The directive to "let no lot fall upon it" signifies that there should be no mercy or sparing in this judgment. It is a call for total destruction and punishment for the city's wickedness. The powerful imagery used in this verse highlights the seriousness of God's judgment against those who indulge in violence and immorality. It serves as a warning to all who choose to walk in the ways of evil, reminding them of the consequences that await if they do not turn from their ways and seek righteousness.
Ezekiel 24:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the bloody city, to the caldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! take out of it piece after piece; No lot is fallen upon it.
World English Bible
Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city, to the cauldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! take out of it piece after piece; No lot is fallen on it.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose rust is in it, and its rust is not gone out of it: cast it out piece by piece, there hath no lot fallen upon it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Because the Lord God sayth thus, Woe to the bloody citie, euen to the pot, whose skomme is therein, and whose skomme is not gone out of it: bring it out piece by piece: let no lot fall vpon it.