Ezekiel 5:13

I will be comforted. Heb. nacham. The original meaning has been generally understood to be, “to draw the breath forcibly,” “to pant,” “to sigh,” “to groan.” The corresponding Arabic word signifies “to breathe pantingly.” It is difficult for us to conceive of God’s taking comfort in the execution of such fearful judgments. Ezekiel himself later declared, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezek. 33:11). Isaiah speaks of the act of destruction as a “strange act” (Isa. 28:21). Hosea thus represents the heart of God in the face of necessary judgment: “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together” (Hosea 11:8). In the light of these considerations it seems more natural to think of nacham as signifying the sigh of grief or relief at the completion of necessary punishment, that such should have been the outcome of a program planned so differently.