Ezekiel 19:7

KJV

And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he knew {H3045} their desolate palaces {H490}, and he laid waste {H2717} their cities {H5892}; and the land {H776} was desolate {H3456}, and the fulness {H4393} thereof, by the noise {H6963} of his roaring {H7581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He raped their widows and destroyed their cities; the land and all in it were appalled at the sound of his roaring.

Berean Standard Bible

He broke down their strongholds and devastated their cities. The land and everything in it shuddered at the sound of his roaring.

American Standard Version

And he knew their palaces, and laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, because of the noise of his roaring.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 19:7 vividly portrays the devastating impact of a powerful, destructive force—metaphorically a lion-king—upon the land of Judah. It describes how this entity, through its actions, brought about the utter desolation of royal residences and urban centers, leaving the entire territory barren and stripped of its abundance. The verse emphasizes that this widespread ruin was a direct consequence of the "noise of his roaring," signifying the overwhelming and destructive authority or actions of this figure, leading to a state of complete emptiness and ruin for the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 19 is a lamentation, or dirge, presented as a parable about a lioness and her cubs, symbolizing the royal line of Judah and its successive kings. This chapter immediately follows prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem, setting the stage for the impending Babylonian exile. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 19:1-6) introduce two "lion cubs" (likely Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim or Jehoiachin), describing their capture and removal from the land. Verse 7 specifically details the destructive actions of one of these "cubs" (or perhaps the "lioness" herself, representing the oppressive nature of the monarchy, or even Nebuchadnezzar as the instrument of divine judgment) and the resulting desolation, serving as a powerful illustration of the consequences of their unrighteous rule and the nation's rebellion against God. The lament continues in subsequent verses, further mourning the downfall of the Davidic dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, as the nation faced the encroaching power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Ezekiel himself was among the exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, after the first siege of Jerusalem. The "kings" referred to in this chapter are likely Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin, who reigned briefly and unfaithfully before being deposed by Babylon. The "desolate palaces" and "laid waste cities" reflect the historical reality of the Babylonian sieges and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and other Judean cities, culminating in the final destruction of the Temple in 586 BC. The imagery of a lion, a powerful and fearsome predator, was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to symbolize kingship, power, and often destructive conquest, making it a potent metaphor for the oppressive and ultimately ruinous reign of Judah's kings or the Babylonian king who acted as God's instrument of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, illustrating the comprehensive and severe consequences of Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against the covenant. The "desolate palaces" and "laid waste cities" are tangible manifestations of God's wrath, a judgment foretold throughout the book (e.g., [Ezekiel 5:12-17](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12-17 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem")). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Unrighteous Leadership**, as the "lion's roaring" symbolizes the destructive power wielded by kings whose actions led their nation to ruin. This theme is central to the lament, emphasizing the profound impact of leadership on the welfare of a people, a concept echoed in other prophetic warnings against corrupt rulers (e.g., [Jeremiah 22:1-5](/jeremiah/22-1 "Jeremiah 22:1-5 - Warning to the House of David")). Finally, the phrase "the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof" conveys the **Totality of Ruin**, emphasizing that no aspect of the land or its prosperity was spared, reflecting the severity of God's justice against sin and rebellion, a desolation that would last for many years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb "knew" (H3045) here is more profound than mere intellectual acquaintance. In biblical Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_ often implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, or even a recognition that leads to action. In this context, it suggests that the destructive "he" (the lion-king) not only was aware of the palaces but had a destructive, intimate encounter with them, leading to their desolation. It could also imply that the king "recognized" or "found" these places to be desolate, or even "caused" them to be desolate through his actions, aligning with the broader sense of causing punishment or designation.
* **laid waste (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This verb (H2717) means "to parch," "to desolate," "to destroy," or "to kill." It vividly describes the active process of destruction and ruination. It's not passive decay but an aggressive act that renders something barren and empty, perfectly capturing the king's destructive impact on the cities and land. This word emphasizes the active, intentional nature of the devastation.
* **roaring (Hebrew, _shᵉʼâgâh'_):** The noun "roaring" (H7581) specifically refers to the deep, terrifying sound made by a lion. In this metaphorical context, it symbolizes the overwhelming and destructive power, authority, or even the decrees of the king. It evokes not just a sound but the terror, might, and devastating consequences that followed the exercise of this power, making the "noise" itself an agent of desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he knew their desolate palaces":** This clause introduces the destructive agent, "he" (the lion-king), and his interaction with the "palaces." The word "knew" implies a thorough, destructive engagement, suggesting that the king either found these royal residences already desolate or, more likely, was the one who brought about their desolation through his actions. The "desolate palaces" (H490, _ʼalmânâh_, also meaning "widow" or "desolate place") signify the highest symbols of royal power and wealth, now rendered empty and abandoned.
* **"and he laid waste their cities":** This directly states the destructive action of the "he." The king actively "laid waste" (H2717, _chârab_) the cities (H5892, _ʻîyr_), indicating a comprehensive destruction that extended beyond the royal residences to the urban centers of the land, dismantling the very infrastructure of the kingdom.
* **"and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof":** This clause describes the resultant state of the entire land (H776, _ʼerets_). The land itself became "desolate" (H3456, _yâsham_), empty, and barren. The phrase "and the fulness thereof" (H4393, _mᵉlôʼ_) emphasizes the totality of the destruction, meaning everything within the land—its inhabitants, its produce, its wealth—was also consumed or removed, leaving it utterly devoid of life and prosperity.
* **"by the noise of his roaring":** This final phrase identifies the cause or means of the widespread desolation. The "noise" (H6963, _qôwl_) of the lion-king's "roaring" (H7581, _shᵉʼâgâh_) is not just a sound but a metaphor for the overwhelming and terrifying power, decrees, or actions that brought about such comprehensive ruin. It suggests an authoritative, perhaps even tyrannical, exercise of power that had devastating, far-reaching effects.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 19:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of destruction and lament. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the destructive king is likened to a roaring lion. This metaphor is extended throughout the chapter, with the lioness representing the royal line and the cubs representing the individual kings, effectively conveying their predatory nature and the terror they instilled or the devastation they wrought. The "roaring" itself functions as **Onomatopoeia**, as it is a sound-word that vividly describes the terrifying sound of a lion, but here it also serves as a **Symbol** for the king's overwhelming power and the destructive force of his actions or decrees. Furthermore, the phrase "the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof" employs **Personification**, as the land is depicted as suffering a state of emptiness and loss, as if it were a living entity stripped of its vitality. The repetitive emphasis on "desolate" (appearing twice in the verse, once for palaces and once for the land) creates **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the pervasive and complete nature of the ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 19:7 serves as a stark theological statement on the consequences of unrighteous leadership and the severity of divine judgment. It illustrates that God holds leaders accountable for their actions, and their choices—especially those marked by pride, oppression, and rebellion against God's covenant—can bring about widespread devastation upon an entire nation. The desolation described is not merely a political or military outcome but a direct result of the "roaring" of a king whose power was misused, ultimately serving as an instrument of God's righteous anger against sin. This verse highlights God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly authorities are subject to His will and judgment, and that His justice ensures that rebellion will not go unpunished, leading to a profound sense of loss and emptiness when His people turn away.

* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - God's Judgment on Zion")
* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - The Lord's Judgment on Israel")
* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Roaring Lion and a Roving Bear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 19:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, especially concerning leadership and the gravity of sin. It compels us to recognize that those in positions of authority, whether in government, business, church, or family, bear an immense responsibility. Their choices, like the "roaring" of the lion-king, have far-reaching consequences, capable of bringing flourishing or desolation to those under their influence. This verse calls us to pray for our leaders, to hold them accountable to righteous standards, and to discern wisely those who would lead us. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, both individual and corporate. The "desolate palaces" and "laid waste cities" are a vivid picture of the spiritual and moral ruin that results from persistent rebellion against God's ways. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities, to repent of sin, and to seek God's mercy and guidance, understanding that true peace and prosperity come only through obedience to His divine will. Even amidst the lament, there is an implicit call to turn back to the Lord, recognizing that His judgment is always just and His ultimate desire is for restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "roaring lion" as a destructive force challenge my understanding of power and authority, especially in leadership roles today?**
* **In what ways might individual or collective "roaring" (actions, words, policies) contribute to desolation or flourishing in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **What "palaces" or "cities" in my own life or society might be vulnerable to desolation due to unrighteousness or neglect, and what steps can be taken to prevent such ruin?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "roaring" in Ezekiel 19:7?**

Answer: The "roaring" (Hebrew: _shᵉʼâgâh_) in Ezekiel 19:7 is highly significant as a powerful metaphor. It represents not merely a sound, but the overwhelming and terrifying exercise of power by the king, likened to a predatory lion. This roar symbolizes the king's authoritative decrees, oppressive actions, or destructive military campaigns that brought about the utter desolation of Judah's palaces and cities. It signifies the source and means of the widespread ruin, emphasizing the devastating impact of unrighteous leadership and the terror it inflicted upon the land and its people, ultimately acting as an instrument of divine judgment. This imagery underscores the ferocity and totality of the destruction that befell the kingdom, leaving it stripped of its "fulness."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 19:7 profoundly laments the desolation brought by unrighteous kings and divine judgment, it ultimately points forward to Christ in a powerful, redemptive way. The "roaring" of the destructive lion-king, which laid waste to the land, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and unrighteousness, a judgment that was fully absorbed and transformed in Jesus Christ. The desolation described in the verse, the stripping away of "fulness," speaks to the profound brokenness of humanity and the world under the curse of sin, highlighting the desperate need for a new creation. In Christ, we see the true King, not one whose "roaring" brings desolation, but whose voice, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), silences the roar of sin and death. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of judgment against sin, where He bore the desolation that humanity deserved, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He was Wounded for Our Transgressions"). Through His resurrection, He ushers in a new "fulness" – the fullness of life, grace, and restoration, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where hearts are transformed and the land (and indeed, all creation) is ultimately renewed, as seen in the promise of a new heaven and new earth in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven and New Earth"). The lament over Judah's desolation finds its hope and ultimate reversal in the reign of Christ, whose kingdom brings not ruin but everlasting peace and abundant life, the true "fulness" that was lost.

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

Ezekiel 30:12

And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken [it].

Proverbs 19:12

¶ The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

Amos 6:8

¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Proverbs 28:15

¶ [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Proverbs 28:16

¶ The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.