EZEKIEL 6
10 And they shall know that I am Yahweh, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.
They shall know that I am Yahweh
This declaration was proclaimed by the prophet at least seventy times. He announced it twenty-nine times in predicting punishment on Jerusalem; twenty-four times in prophesying
judgments on the Gentile nations; and seventeen times in foretelling the restoration of Israel, and the final blessing then to be made manifest.
The declaration is significant. To "know" Yahweh in the sense intended means much more than merely recognising that He exists, or comprehending His purpose in the earth; it requires "knowledge" of such compelling influence as will effect a change in the character of the one embracing it, so that the fruits of "knowing" will be seen in action.
This is indicated by the use of the same term to denote the most intimate union between husband and wife leading to a new life. Thus Genesis 4:1 declares:
"Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived . . ."
As a result of this conception, Eve ultimately brought forth fruit to the glory of her husband, and this became typical of the union between Christ and the Ecclesia resulting in fruit to the glory of His name.
The Lord taught Nicodemus the need of a "new birth" from above before a person could "see" or "enter" the Kingdom of God (John 3), and later Peter added his comment to this theme by teaching that believers are subjects of a new begettal:
"Being begotten, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God . . . and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you" (1 Pet. 1:23, 25).
And so Jesus prayed the Father:
"This is life eternal to KNOW Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. . . ." (John 17:3).
Mere academic knowledge will not result in eternal life, but a faith-generating knowledge that is expressed in action, and assists to reproduce in the believer the Divine characteristics to the glory of His name, will do so.
Bro HP Mansfield - Expositor