Ezekiel 38:22
And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Ezekiel 38:22 · King James Version
Meaning
This particular verse from the Bible, found in Ezekiel 38:22, describes a divine judgment against a group of people who have acted against God's will. The verse speaks of God using various elements, such as pestilence, blood, rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone to demonstrate His power and wrath. The overflowing rain and great hailstones represent the intensity and magnitude of the destruction that will come upon those who have gone against God. The use of fire and brimstone in the verse is often interpreted as symbols of God's anger and punishment, as they are commonly associated with divine retribution in the Bible. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences that may arise from disobedience and serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and power over all creation.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Ezekiel 38:22, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of God's judgment and punishment. The use of pestilence, blood, overflowing rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone all symbolize divine retribution against the enemies of God. The vivid imagery of natural disasters conveys the severity of God's wrath against those who oppose His will. Through these elements, God asserts His power and sovereignty over all creation, demonstrating that He will not tolerate rebellion and sin. The language used in this verse emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and serves as a warning to all who would dare to go against the divine order. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience and submission to God's will, as well as the consequences of straying from His path.
Ezekiel 38:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
And with pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him, and upon his hordes, and upon the many peoples that are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
World English Bible
With pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him, and on his hordes, and on the many peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and sulfur.
Douay-Rheims
And I will judge him with pestilence, and with blood, and with violent rain, and vast hailstones: I will rain fire and brimstone upon him, and upon his army, and upon the many nations that are with him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will pleade against him with pestilence, and with blood, and I will cause to raine vpon him and vpon his bands, and vpon the great people, that are with him, a sore raine, and hailestones, fire, and brimstone.