Ezekiel 17:21

KJV

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And all his fugitives {H4015} with all his bands {H102} shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}, and they that remain {H7604} shall be scattered {H6566} toward all winds {H7307}: and ye shall know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The elite troops among his forces will die by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, ADONAI, said it.'

Berean Standard Bible

All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’

American Standard Version

And all his fugitives in all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:21 serves as the climactic declaration of divine judgment against King Zedekiah and the kingdom of Judah, concluding the allegorical interpretation of the two eagles and the vine. It prophesies the complete and devastating defeat of Zedekiah's forces, their dispersion, and the ultimate vindication of God's sovereign word. The verse underscores the severe consequences of breaking a solemn covenant, particularly one sworn in the Lord's name, affirming that the unfolding historical events are not arbitrary but are the direct fulfillment of God's spoken judgment against rebellion and infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding statement of the interpretation (Ezekiel 17:11-21) of the intricate allegory of the two eagles and the vine (Ezekiel 17:1-10). The first eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who had removed King Jehoiachin and installed Zedekiah as a vassal ruler in Jerusalem. The vine symbolizes the kingdom of Judah, and its branches are its people. The second eagle, representing Pharaoh of Egypt, is the object of Zedekiah's misplaced hope. The preceding verses detail Zedekiah's covenant breaking and God's righteous indignation, leading directly to the pronouncement of judgment in verse 21.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the turbulent period of Judah's subjugation to Babylon. Following the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, King Jehoiachin was exiled, and Zedekiah was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah swore an oath of fealty to Babylon, a covenant that, in the ancient Near East, was considered sacred, especially when invoked in the name of a deity. His subsequent rebellion, by seeking military assistance from Egypt (as detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Rebellion")), was not merely a political betrayal but a profound religious transgression, as the oath was sworn by the Lord. This act of disloyalty directly provoked the divine judgment prophesied here.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 17:21 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against sin and covenant infidelity. It highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly the severe repercussions for breaking solemn vows and defying God's established order, even when mediated through earthly rulers. The prophecy of the remaining people being "scattered toward all winds" signifies a complete and widespread **Dispersion**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature concerning Israel's exile and loss of national cohesion, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 12:15](/ezekiel/12-15 "Ezekiel 12:15 - The Scattering of Israel"). Finally, the emphatic declaration, "and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]," powerfully underscores **God's Sovereignty and the Certainty of His Word**, affirming His absolute control over historical events and the inevitable fulfillment of His prophetic declarations. This divine signature is a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophecies, appearing frequently (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:10](/ezekiel/6-10 "Ezekiel 6:10 - God's Declaration of Judgment") and [Ezekiel 25:17](/ezekiel/25-17 "Ezekiel 25:17 - God's Judgment on Edom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fugitives (Hebrew, _mibrâch'_):** From the root meaning "to flee," this term refers to those who attempt to escape or seek refuge. In this context, it specifically denotes Zedekiah's soldiers and supporters who will try to flee the impending Babylonian assault, emphasizing the futility of their escape attempts.
* **bands (Hebrew, _ʼaggâph'_):** This word, often used in the plural, refers to wings of an army or crowds of troops. It signifies the organized military units or supporting groups that Zedekiah relied upon. Its inclusion underscores the complete breakdown and defeat of his entire military apparatus, not just a few individuals.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to arrange" but used figuratively for "to speak." This word carries immense theological weight, emphasizing that God's declaration is not merely a prediction but a divinely ordained decree. It highlights the authoritative and performative nature of God's word, which brings about what it declares.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword":** This clause pronounces the violent and decisive defeat of King Zedekiah's military forces. "Fugitives" refers to those attempting to escape, while "bands" signifies his organized troops or allies. The phrase "fall by the sword" indicates a military defeat resulting in death, emphasizing the severity and finality of the judgment against his rebellion. It signifies the complete annihilation of his human strength and reliance.
* **"and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds":** This part of the verse addresses those who survive the initial military defeat. The phrase "scattered toward all winds" is a vivid idiom denoting a total and widespread dispersion, leaving no possibility of regrouping, finding refuge, or maintaining national cohesion. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, leading to exile and loss of identity for the remnants of Judah.
* **"and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]":** This concluding declaration is a powerful divine signature found frequently in Ezekiel. It serves as an emphatic affirmation of the truth, inevitability, and divine origin of the prophecy. The purpose of the judgment is not merely punishment but also revelation: through these devastating events, both Judah and the surrounding nations will come to acknowledge the absolute sovereignty, faithfulness, and power of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who brings His word to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The phrase "fall by the sword" is a clear example of **Metonymy**, where the instrument (sword) stands for the action or consequence (death in battle). The most striking device is the **Idiom** "scattered toward all winds," which vividly portrays a complete and irreversible dispersion, emphasizing the utter disarray and lack of refuge for the remnants of Judah. This imagery evokes a sense of utter helplessness and the dismantling of national identity. The concluding statement, "and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]," is a classic example of a **Divine Oracle Formula** or **Recognition Formula**. This recurring phrase in Ezekiel serves as a powerful **Affirmation of Divine Sovereignty** and the **Certainty of Prophecy**, transforming the events from mere historical occurrences into undeniable proof of God's active involvement and control over human affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:21 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to covenant faithfulness and the severe consequences of rebellion against His established order. Zedekiah's broken oath, though made to an earthly king, was sworn in the Lord's name, making it a direct affront to God's holiness and authority. This highlights a foundational theological truth: God holds His people accountable for their integrity, especially when His name is invoked. The judgment of scattering is not merely punitive but also revelatory, designed to bring about the knowledge of God's sovereignty. This theme of divine judgment leading to recognition of God's power is echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating that even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is to reveal Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Scattering")
* [Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - Scattering as a Curse")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:21 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the gravity of our commitments and the certainty of God's word. Just as Zedekiah's broken oath brought severe consequences, so too does our integrity matter in all our dealings, whether with God or with one another. Our words and promises, especially those made before God, carry eternal weight. This verse reminds us that rebellion against divine principles or chosen authorities can lead to disarray and scattering, both individually and corporately. Yet, the powerful declaration, "ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]," provides a dual message: a sobering warning that God's judgments are sure for those who persist in rebellion, but also an immense comfort that His promises of salvation, restoration, and a new covenant are equally certain and will surely come to pass. We can rest in the unwavering truth and power of God's declarations, knowing that His character is consistently revealed in both judgment and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to break commitments or act with a lack of integrity, even in seemingly small matters?**
* **How does the certainty of God's word, as expressed in "ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]," impact my trust in His promises for my life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the consequences of spiritual rebellion and the importance of submitting to God's will?**

### FAQ
**What was King Zedekiah's primary sin that led to this judgment?**

Answer: King Zedekiah's primary sin was breaking a solemn oath of allegiance to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, an oath he had sworn in the name of the Lord. This act, detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Treachery"), was not merely a political betrayal but a profound religious transgression, as it dishonored God's name and demonstrated a lack of trust in His sovereignty.

**Why did God care about an oath made to a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar?**

Answer: God cared deeply because the oath was sworn in His name, making it a sacred covenant. While Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan king, God had established his authority as part of His divine plan for Judah's discipline (as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - God's Authority Over Nations")). Breaking an oath sworn by the Lord was an act of profound disrespect and defiance against God Himself, demonstrating a lack of integrity and trust in His divine arrangements.

**What does "scattered toward all winds" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "scattered toward all winds" is an idiom signifying a complete and widespread dispersion, leaving no possibility of regrouping or finding refuge. It emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the judgment, leading to the loss of national cohesion, identity, and security for the survivors of Judah's defeat. This imagery is a common prophetic motif for exile and divine judgment, also found in [Zechariah 2:6](/zechariah/2-6 "Zechariah 2:6 - Scattering of Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 17:21 speaks of judgment and scattering, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how God's ultimate plan of restoration, promised later in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Promise of Restoration and New Covenant")), is realized in Christ. The judgment on Zedekiah and Judah for their broken covenant foreshadows the greater judgment against all humanity's rebellion and sin, which ultimately culminates in the cross. There, the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, bore the sword of divine judgment (as prophesied in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd")), taking upon Himself the scattering and alienation that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who were "scattered" by sin and rebellion are now gathered into one body, the Church, under the true Vine (Jesus Himself, as declared in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")). The declaration "ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it]" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the resurrection of Christ, which unequivocally demonstrates God's power and the certainty of His word, not only in judgment but supremely in His promise of salvation and new life for all who believe (as seen in [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Faith")). Thus, Christ is the One through whom God's judgment is satisfied and His promises of gathering and restoration are eternally secured.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 25:5

And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.

2 Kings 25:11

Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

Ezekiel 12:14

And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 13:14

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered [morter], and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

Ezekiel 13:23

Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.