18:32 18:32

Ezekiel 19:1

19:2 19:2

Bible Versions

¶ Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
Moreover take thou up {H5375} a lamentation {H7015} for the princes {H5387} of Israel {H3478},
"Moreover, raise a lament for the leaders of Isra'el;
“As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel
Moreover, take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Ezekiel 19:1 opens a new section of prophetic lament, commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse sets the stage for a dirge concerning the fallen leadership of Judah, referred to here as the "princes of Israel."

Context

The prophet Ezekiel served during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily ministering to the exiles in Babylon. Chapters 17-19 of Ezekiel contain parables and laments directed at the kings of Judah who led the nation into deeper sin and ultimately, destruction. This particular lament (Chapter 19) serves as a funeral song for the Davidic monarchy, which was nearing its end with the final fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. The command to "take up a lamentation" signifies that the fate of these rulers and the nation was sealed, and their demise was as certain as death itself.

Key Themes

  • Failed Leadership: The lament directly addresses the failure of Judah's kings to govern righteously and lead the people in obedience to God. Their actions contributed significantly to the nation's downfall and subsequent Babylonian captivity.
  • Divine Judgment: This lament is a prophetic declaration of God's judgment upon the corrupt leadership. It underscores the principle that those in authority are held accountable for their stewardship and the consequences of their choices.
  • Sorrow and Mourning: While a declaration of judgment, it's also a deeply sorrowful prophecy. The command to lament reflects God's grief over the destruction of His people and the failure of His chosen leaders.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lamentation" is qinah (קִינָה). This term specifically refers to a dirge or funeral song, often characterized by a distinctive poetic meter (a 3+2 beat) that creates a mournful, unbalanced rhythm. By commanding Ezekiel to sing a qinah for the "princes," God is essentially declaring their political and spiritual death, even before their physical removal from power. The phrase "princes of Israel" here refers specifically to the kings of Judah, as the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen centuries prior. This highlights the continuity of the covenant and the responsibility of the remaining Davidic line.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 19:1 offers timeless lessons on the importance of righteous leadership and the severe consequences of its absence. For believers today, it serves as a reminder:

  • Accountability of Leaders: All who are given positions of influence, whether in government, church, or family, are accountable to God for their actions and decisions.
  • Consequences of Sin: Disobedience, especially from those in authority, can have far-reaching and devastating effects on an entire community or nation. This echoes warnings found elsewhere, such as the curses for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28.
  • The Nature of Prophecy: God's prophets often delivered messages that were not only warnings but also expressions of deep sorrow over the impending judgment, demonstrating God's character as both just and compassionate.
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.

  • 2 Kings 24:6

    So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

  • Ezekiel 27:2

    Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

  • Ezekiel 26:17

    And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, [that wast] inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror [to be] on all that haunt it!

  • Ezekiel 19:14

    And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, [which] hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod [to be] a sceptre to rule. This [is] a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

  • 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 25:7

    And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

  • 2 Kings 23:34

    And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.
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