Ezekiel 19:12

But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

But she was plucked up {H5428} in fury {H2534}, she was cast down {H7993} to the ground {H776}, and the east {H6921} wind {H7307} dried up {H3001} her fruit {H6529}: her strong {H5797} rods {H4294} were broken {H6561} and withered {H3001}; the fire {H784} consumed {H398} them.

But it was torn up in fury and flung on the ground. An east wind withered her fruit, her strong branches were broken off; they dried up; and fire consumed the vine.

But it was uprooted in fury, cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were stripped off and they withered; the fire consumed them.

But it was plucked up in fury, it was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit: its strong rods were broken off and withered; the fire consumed them.

Context

Ezekiel 19 is a lamentation, or dirge, for the princes of Israel, using two distinct but related allegories. Verses 1-9 describe a lioness and her cubs, representing the kings of Judah. Verses 10-14 shift to the imagery of a flourishing vine that is later destroyed. Verse 12 specifically describes the calamitous downfall of this vine, which symbolizes the kingdom of Judah and its royal line. The "she" refers to Judah/Jerusalem, illustrating the devastating consequences of its rebellion and unfaithfulness to God. This verse powerfully depicts the historical events leading to the Babylonian siege and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem, as well as the deportation of its people and kings into captivity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "plucked up in fury" underscores that this destruction was not random but a direct, intense act of God's righteous judgment against Judah's persistent sin and idolatry.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse vividly illustrates the severe outcomes of a nation's departure from God's covenant. The thriving vine, once full of hope, is utterly devastated.
  • Desolation and Loss: The imagery of "dried up her fruit," "broken and withered strong rods," and consumption by "fire" paints a picture of complete ruin, signifying the loss of national identity, leadership, and prosperity.
  • Loss of Leadership: "Her strong rods were broken" specifically points to the destruction of the royal line and the end of Judah's independent monarchy, reflecting the fate of kings like Jehoiachin and Zedekiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "east wind" (Hebrew: ruach qadim) is significant. In biblical contexts, the east wind is often depicted as a harsh, scorching, and destructive force. It frequently symbolizes divine judgment, bringing drought, blight, or invasion, as seen in other prophetic books. Its inclusion here reinforces the idea that the destruction of Judah was divinely ordained and devastating. The word "fury" (Hebrew: 'eph) speaks to God's intense anger and righteous indignation over the nation's unfaithfulness.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 19:12 serves as a timeless warning about the serious consequences of spiritual rebellion and disobedience to God. It reminds us that God's justice is real, even for those He has chosen. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the importance of remaining spiritually fruitful and rooted in God, lest we lose our strength and purpose. It also highlights that true strength and stability come not from human power or national might, but from obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. This passage encourages self-examination and a return to the foundational principles of faith, understanding that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hosea 13:15

    Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

  • Ezekiel 17:10

    Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

  • Isaiah 27:11

    When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

  • Jeremiah 31:28

    And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 15:4

    Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for [any] work?

  • Ezekiel 19:11

    And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.

  • Isaiah 5:5

    And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; [and] break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back