Ezekiel 21:10

KJV

It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, [as] every tree.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is sharpened {H2300} to make a sore {H2874} slaughter {H2873}; it is furbished {H4178} that it may glitter {H1300}: should {H176} we then make mirth {H7797}? it contemneth {H3988} the rod {H7626} of my son {H1121}, as every tree {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

sharpened in order to slaughter and slaughter, polished to flash like lightning. But how can we rejoice? My son rejects the rod and every other stick.

Berean Standard Bible

it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick.

American Standard Version

it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it contemneth every tree.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:10 presents a chilling depiction of God's prepared and impartial judgment, personified as a sharpened and glittering sword poised for devastating slaughter. The verse challenges any human presumption of security or mirth in the face of divine wrath, declaring that this judgment will not spare even those with privileged status, treating the "rod of my son"—likely symbolizing Judah's royal lineage or covenant standing—as common wood, subject to the same destruction as any other nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, specifically located in the section dealing with prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem (Ezekiel 1-24). This chapter is often referred to as the "Prophecy of the Sword," where the instrument of divine judgment, the Babylonian army, is vividly personified as a sharpened and furbished sword. Verses 9-17 particularly emphasize the sword's readiness and its indiscriminate nature, cutting down both the wicked and the righteous, and striking against the "rod of my son." This verse immediately follows a description of the sword being "sharpened and furbished" (Ezekiel 21:9) and precedes a lament over the destruction it will bring, culminating in the declaration that the sword is "for the slaughter" (Ezekiel 21:11). The entire chapter builds a terrifying picture of unavoidable, divinely ordained destruction for Jerusalem due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 21:10 is set against the backdrop of the impending Babylonian invasion and the fall of Jerusalem (586 BCE). At this time, Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian control, but there were still factions in Jerusalem, including false prophets, who encouraged rebellion against Babylon and preached a message of peace and security, assuring the people that God would protect His temple and His chosen city. This false sense of security, rooted in a misunderstanding of God's covenant faithfulness and a disregard for their own sin, is directly challenged by Ezekiel's stark warnings. The "rod of my son" likely refers to the scepter of the Davidic monarchy, symbolizing Judah's royal authority and its status as God's chosen nation. Culturally, the "rod" could also represent divine discipline or pastoral care, making its "contempt" by the sword even more poignant—it signifies that even Judah's unique relationship with God would not exempt them from judgment for their unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Imminent and Unstoppable Nature of Divine Judgment**. The sword is not merely threatened but "sharpened" and "furbished," indicating its readiness and precision, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings against complacency, such as those found in [Amos 6:1-7](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1-7 - Woe to those at ease in Zion"). Secondly, the rhetorical question, "should we then make mirth?" highlights the **Folly of Complacency and False Security**. In the face of such clear and severe warnings, any celebration or indifference is not just inappropriate but spiritually fatal, a stark contrast to the call for repentance and lament found in passages like [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Repentance"). Finally, the phrase "it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree" emphasizes the **Impartiality of God's Justice**. Despite Judah's unique covenant status as God's "son" (as seen in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn")), their rebellion meant that even their privileged position or the Davidic monarchy's authority would not protect them from the consequences of their sin, illustrating that judgment begins with the house of God, a principle also found in [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sharpened (Hebrew, _châdad'_):** From H2300, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe." This word emphasizes the deliberate preparation of the sword, indicating that the judgment is not accidental or random but precisely engineered for its devastating purpose. It conveys a sense of intensity and readiness for swift, decisive action.
* **Glitter (Hebrew, _bârâq'_):** From H1300, meaning "lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword." This term adds to the visual terror of the sword. Its "glitter" suggests not only its polished readiness but also its terrifying speed and the awe-inspiring, almost supernatural, quality of the divine judgment it represents. Like lightning, it is sudden, powerful, and inescapable.
* **Contemneth (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, a primitive root meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), refuse, reject, reprobate." This powerful verb indicates an utter disregard or scorn. The sword, as an agent of divine judgment, shows no respect or deference to Judah's special status, treating their "rod" as something worthless and common, highlighting the severity of God's rejection of their unfaithfulness.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this context, "my son" refers to Israel/Judah, whom God had adopted as His firstborn nation. The "rod of my son" thus symbolizes the authority, lineage, or even the very identity and privilege of God's chosen people, particularly the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter":** This clause immediately establishes the sword's purpose and readiness. The sharpening implies deliberate preparation and efficiency, while "sore slaughter" (Hebrew: _ṭebach ṭâbach_) emphasizes the extreme and painful devastation that is imminent. It is not a mere threat but an instrument honed for maximum destruction.
* **"it is furbished that it may glitter":** This phrase further highlights the sword's terrifying perfection and readiness. "Furbished" suggests polishing and cleaning, making it shine. The "glitter" adds a visual element of awe and dread, perhaps also implying its divine origin or the swiftness of its descent, like a flash of lightning. It is a weapon of beauty in its deadly efficiency.
* **"should we then make mirth?":** This is a rhetorical question, directly challenging the complacency and false sense of security prevalent among the people of Judah. In light of the sword's terrifying readiness, any thought of celebration, indifference, or lightheartedness is exposed as utterly foolish and inappropriate. It serves as a sharp rebuke to those who refused to acknowledge the gravity of their situation.
* **"it contemneth the rod of my son, [as] every tree":** This is the most profound and complex part of the verse. "It contemneth" means the sword despises or scorns. The "rod of my son" refers to the scepter or authority of the Davidic kings, or more broadly, the privileged status of Judah as God's chosen "son." The phrase "as every tree" signifies that this once-sacred or powerful symbol will be treated as common, worthless wood, stripped of its special status and subjected to the same destruction as any ordinary nation or object. This underscores the impartiality of God's judgment, which will not spare even His own people when they persist in rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Personification** is central, as the sword is given agency, described as being "sharpened," "furbished," and most strikingly, "contemning" or despising. This imbues the instrument of judgment with a terrifying will and purpose, highlighting its unstoppable nature. The **Metaphor** of the "sword of the Lord" runs throughout the chapter, representing God's righteous judgment and the Babylonian army as its instrument. The phrase "rod of my son" is a rich **Symbolism**, likely referring to the scepter of the Davidic monarchy, representing royal authority, divine favor, and the covenant relationship. Its comparison to "every tree" is a **Simile**, emphasizing the stripping away of special privilege and the leveling effect of judgment, reducing the sacred to the common. Finally, the **Rhetorical Question**, "should we then make mirth?", directly engages the audience, forcing them to confront the absurdity of their complacency in the face of such overwhelming and imminent destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God's justice is both severe and impartial, even towards His covenant people when they persist in rebellion. It shatters any notion of automatic immunity based on lineage or past privilege, emphasizing that sin, when unrepentant, brings inevitable consequences. This verse reveals God as a holy and just sovereign who upholds His moral order, even if it means disciplining His beloved "son." It serves as a powerful reminder that divine warnings are not idle threats but expressions of a righteous character that demands accountability, ultimately aiming to purify and restore a people to faithfulness. The "contempt" shown to the "rod of my son" foreshadows the dismantling of earthly kingdoms and the temporary suspension of the Davidic line, setting the stage for a future, ultimate Davidic King.

* [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Do not trust in deceptive words")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - You only have I known")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God shows no partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:10 serves as a timeless and sobering call to spiritual vigilance and humility. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for any signs of complacency, false security, or presumption upon God's grace. In a world that often seeks comfort and avoids difficult truths, this verse reminds us that true peace comes not from ignoring warnings but from soberly acknowledging our spiritual state and responding with genuine repentance. It compels us to recognize that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to unfaithfulness, and that no status—whether religious, social, or personal—exempts us from accountability. Ultimately, it calls us to live in a manner that reflects a deep reverence for God's holiness and a serious commitment to His commands, understanding that His warnings are given out of love, to draw us back to Him before judgment falls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be exhibiting complacency or a false sense of security in my spiritual life or in my community?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and His relationship with His people?**
* **In what ways do I, or my community, rely on past blessings or perceived privilege rather than present faithfulness?**
* **What specific actions can I take to respond with humility and genuine repentance to God's warnings in my life?**

### FAQ
**What is the "rod of my son" referring to in Ezekiel 21:10?**

Answer: The "rod of my son" most likely refers to the scepter or authority of the Davidic monarchy, symbolizing the royal lineage and the kingdom of Judah. God had established a covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Judah was considered God's "son" in a corporate sense, as His chosen nation (see [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn")). The phrase indicates that even this highly privileged status and the Davidic line would not be spared from the impending divine judgment due to Judah's persistent sin and rebellion. The sword "contemning" this rod means it treats it with utter disdain, reducing it to common wood, signifying the temporary suspension of the Davidic monarchy and the destruction of the kingdom.

**Why does the verse ask, "should we then make mirth?"**

Answer: This is a rhetorical question that powerfully highlights the absurdity and spiritual folly of the people of Judah's attitude. Despite the clear and terrifying warnings of imminent divine judgment and destruction, many in Judah, perhaps influenced by false prophets or a misplaced confidence in their covenant status, remained complacent, indifferent, or even continued in their revelry and sin. The question serves as a sharp rebuke, emphasizing that in the face of such severe and certain judgment, any form of celebration, lightheartedness, or false security is utterly inappropriate and dangerous. It underscores the prophet's call for repentance and sober reflection, contrasting it with the people's dangerous spiritual apathy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:10, with its depiction of a sharpened sword of judgment that "contemneth the rod of my son," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the destruction of the Davidic line, but in its ultimate and perfect restoration through Jesus Christ. While the earthly Davidic monarchy was indeed cut down and "contemned" by God's judgment against unfaithful Judah, this temporary suspension paved the way for the coming of the true "Son" and the ultimate "Rod" of God's authority. Jesus, the Son of God, is the rightful heir to David's throne, the one upon whom the scepter of righteousness truly rests (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a child is born") and affirmed in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus will reign on David's throne")). He is the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world (a truth declared in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, thereby sparing those who trust in Him from the "sore slaughter" that their own rebellion deserves. Moreover, as the ultimate King, Jesus wields a sword, not of indiscriminate judgment against His faithful, but the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Armor of God")), and ultimately, a sword of righteous judgment against all unrighteousness at His second coming ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the "rod of my son" is not ultimately discarded but glorified in the perfect reign of Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises and brings true and lasting peace to those who submit to His righteous authority.

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

Psalms 110:5

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

Psalms 110:6

He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill [the places] with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Psalms 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Psalms 2:9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

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.

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.