Ezekiel 21:12

KJV

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cry {H2199} and howl {H3213}, son {H1121} of man {H120}: for it shall be upon my people {H5971}, it shall be upon all the princes {H5387} of Israel {H3478}: terrors {H4048} by reason of {H413} the sword {H2719} shall be upon my people {H5971}: smite {H5606} therefore upon thy thigh {H3409}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Shout and wail, human being, because it's coming upon my people, upon all the leaders of Isra'el - they will be victims of the sword along with my people. Strike your thigh in remorse!

Berean Standard Bible

Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.

American Standard Version

Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people, it is upon all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon thy thigh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:12 issues a stark prophetic command to the prophet himself, "son of man," to lament with intense wailing, signifying the profound and inescapable judgment descending upon the people of Israel, particularly its corrupt leaders. This verse underscores the terrifying certainty of divine wrath, delivered through the instrument of the sword, which will bring widespread devastation and evoke deep despair, prompting even the prophet to express extreme sorrow through a symbolic gesture of striking his thigh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is a pivotal oracle within the larger prophetic book, often referred to as the "Song of the Sword" or "Prophecy of the Drawn Sword." It is a direct continuation of the themes of judgment introduced in previous chapters, particularly the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. This chapter uses vivid, almost theatrical imagery to convey the unstoppable nature of God's judgment, personifying the sword as an instrument of divine wrath. Verse 12 serves as an intensified call to lamentation, directly addressing Ezekiel as the "son of man," a title unique to him among the prophets, emphasizing his role as a human messenger delivering a divine, often terrifying, message. The immediate verses preceding this one describe the sharpening and polishing of the sword, making it ready for slaughter, setting the stage for the command to "cry and howl."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel's prophecy is the early 6th century BCE, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem had already suffered one deportation (597 BCE), and the final, devastating siege and destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces (586 BCE) was imminent. The people of Judah, including their princes and leaders, had persistently engaged in idolatry, social injustice, and rebellion against God, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Culturally, public lamentation, often involving loud cries, wailing, and symbolic gestures like striking the thigh or tearing garments, was a common and expected response to profound national or personal tragedy, signifying deep grief and despair in the face of irreversible calamity. The "sword" was the primary instrument of warfare and conquest, symbolizing the brutal reality of military defeat and divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 21:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and holds His people accountable for their covenantal infidelity. The "sword" is not merely a human weapon but an instrument of God's righteous wrath against sin, demonstrating His absolute control over historical events, even through foreign powers like Babylon. Another crucial theme is the **Accountability of Leadership**, highlighted by the specific mention of "all the princes of Israel." Throughout Ezekiel, the leaders are frequently condemned for their corruption, idolatry, and failure to shepherd God's flock, making them primary targets of divine judgment (e.g., the strong condemnations found in [Ezekiel 22:6](/ezekiel/22-6 "Ezekiel 22:6 - Sins of Israel's Princes") and [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Condemnation of Shepherds")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Inevitable Consequence of Sin**, portraying a future filled with "terrors" and deep lamentation, illustrating that persistent rebellion against God leads to severe and unavoidable calamity, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic warnings (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root, signifies a shriek or loud outcry, typically stemming from anguish, danger, or deep distress. It can also imply a public announcement or convening, but in this context, it emphasizes an intense, guttural expression of suffering and alarm. The command to "cry" is not merely an emotional suggestion but a prophetic declaration of the inevitable and profound lamentation that will soon engulf Israel.
* **Howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** Similar to "cry," this term denotes a wailing or yelling, often with a mournful tone. When paired with "cry," it creates a powerful **hendiadys**, intensifying the sense of utter despair and public lamentation. It speaks to a deep, visceral response to overwhelming tragedy, a sound of profound grief that cannot be contained.
* **Thigh (Hebrew, _yârêk'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be soft," this word refers to the thigh, and by euphemism, the generative parts. In this context, the command to "smite upon thy thigh" (H5606, _çâphaq_ meaning to clap or strike) is a powerful non-verbal gesture of extreme shock, dismay, and profound sorrow. It signifies utter despair, a deep emotional wound, and the realization of irreversible catastrophe, akin to beating one's chest or tearing garments in other cultures. This physical act underscores the depth of the prophet's (and by extension, the nation's) impending grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cry and howl, son of man:"** This opening imperative is a direct command from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's role as a human witness and participant in the divine revelation of judgment. The repeated verbs "cry" and "howl" convey an urgent, intense, and public display of grief, indicating the severity of the coming calamity.
* **"for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel:"** This clause clarifies the target and universality of the impending judgment. "My people" refers to the entire nation of Israel, while the specific mention of "all the princes of Israel" highlights the particular accountability and fate of the corrupt leadership. The repetition of "it shall be upon" underscores the certainty and inevitability of the judgment.
* **"terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people:"** This phrase specifies the nature of the judgment: "terrors" (H4048, _mâgar_, meaning to yield up, precipitate, or terror) brought about by the "sword" (H2719, _chereb_, a cutting instrument, here symbolizing military destruction and divine retribution). The repetition of "my people" reinforces the widespread impact of this violent, fear-inducing calamity.
* **"smite therefore upon [thy] thigh."** This final imperative directs Ezekiel to perform a symbolic act of extreme grief and despair. Striking the thigh is a physical manifestation of profound shock, sorrow, and helplessness in the face of overwhelming and irreversible disaster, underscoring the deep emotional toll of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:12 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom and lamentation. The initial command, "**Cry and howl, son of man**," employs **Apostrophe**, directly addressing the prophet to emphasize his personal involvement and the gravity of the message. The pairing of "cry" and "howl" is a form of **Hendiadys**, where two words joined by "and" express a single, intensified concept—in this case, profound, public lamentation. The repeated phrase, "**it shall be upon my people... terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people**," utilizes **Repetition** for emphasis, underscoring the certainty and widespread nature of the judgment. The "sword" itself is a potent **Symbol** of divine judgment and military destruction, personified throughout the chapter as an instrument of God's wrath. Finally, the command to "**smite therefore upon [thy] thigh**" is a vivid example of **Pathos**, appealing to the emotions and depicting a physical manifestation of extreme grief, shock, and despair, thereby evoking a similar emotional response from the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:12 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of prolonged rebellion and covenant infidelity. It underscores the theological truth that God, in His holiness, cannot tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely, and His patience has limits. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a direct and inevitable outcome of Israel's persistent idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of prophetic warnings. The specific mention of "princes" highlights the principle of accountability, particularly for those in positions of leadership who are entrusted with guiding God's people. Their failure to uphold righteousness and their active participation in sin brought about widespread suffering. This passage reaffirms God's sovereignty over history, even using pagan nations like Babylon as instruments of His divine purpose, demonstrating that all earthly powers ultimately serve His will.

* [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")
* [Lamentations 2:11](/lamentations/2-11 "Lamentations 2:11 - Despair Over Jerusalem's Destruction")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:12, though depicting a severe historical judgment, carries timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to sober reflection on the gravity of sin and its inevitable consequences, reminding us that God is not only loving but also perfectly just. We are prompted to examine our own lives and communities, considering where we might be complacent in our obedience or complicit in systemic unrighteousness. The accountability of leaders, highlighted by the "princes of Israel," serves as a powerful warning for those in positions of spiritual, civic, or familial authority to lead with integrity, righteousness, and a deep commitment to God's truth, understanding that their actions have far-reaching implications. Ultimately, this passage, while grim, should drive us not to despair but to a deeper understanding of God's holiness and a renewed commitment to repentance and faithful living, recognizing that true peace and security are found only in alignment with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community, might we be taking God's patience for granted?**
* **How does the concept of leadership accountability in this verse challenge or affirm those in positions of authority today, whether in the church, family, or society?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a greater commitment to living righteously?**
* **How does the inevitability of judgment in this passage inform my understanding of God's character and His call to repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ezekiel commanded to "cry and howl" and "smite upon his thigh"?**

Answer: Ezekiel is commanded to "cry and howl" and "smite upon his thigh" not because he is personally experiencing the judgment, but because he is to embody and demonstrate the profound grief and despair that will soon overwhelm the people of Israel. As the "son of man," he acts as a prophetic representative, visually and audibly portraying the intense anguish and shock that will accompany the divine judgment delivered by the "sword." This dramatic, non-verbal communication underscores the certainty and severity of the impending catastrophe, making the message more impactful and unavoidable for his audience. It is a powerful act of empathetic prophecy, where the prophet's body becomes a living sermon, mirroring the future suffering of the nation.

**Does this passage suggest that God delights in judgment or suffering?**

Answer: No, this passage does not suggest that God delights in judgment or suffering. Rather, it reveals God's justice and holiness, which necessitate a response to persistent sin and rebellion. Throughout the Old Testament, God expresses sorrow over the need for judgment (e.g., [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "Hosea 11:8 - God's Reluctance to Destroy Israel")). The judgment described in Ezekiel 21:12 is a consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and moral corruption, which had reached a point where divine intervention was required to uphold God's righteous character and the integrity of His covenant. God's ultimate desire is always for His people to [turn from their wicked ways and live](/ezekiel/18-32 "Ezekiel 18:32 - God Desires Repentance"), but when they refuse, judgment becomes a necessary, albeit painful, act of divine discipline and purification.

**Who are "all the princes of Israel" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: "All the princes of Israel" refers to the political and religious leaders of Judah at the time of Ezekiel's prophecy. These were the ruling elite, including the king, royal officials, priests, and influential elders, who were responsible for governing the nation and upholding God's law. Throughout Ezekiel's prophecy, these leaders are frequently singled out for their corruption, idolatry, and injustice, which contributed significantly to the nation's spiritual decline and ultimately brought about God's judgment. Their prominent mention in this verse emphasizes their particular accountability and the fact that even those in positions of power would not be exempt from the coming devastation (see also the detailed indictments in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Sins of Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:12 vividly portrays the terrifying judgment of God's "sword" upon a rebellious Israel, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points to the profound reality of God's righteous judgment being fully satisfied in Jesus Christ. The "terrors by reason of the sword" that fell upon Israel foreshadow the ultimate divine wrath against sin, which was poured out not upon humanity, but upon the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. Jesus, the true "son of man" (a title He frequently used for Himself, e.g., [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), bore the full weight of God's righteous anger, allowing the "sword" of judgment to strike Him, the Shepherd, so that the sheep might be spared (cf. [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd, Scatter the Sheep") and [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Disciples Will Be Scattered")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ absorbed the judgment that was due to "my people," offering a path to salvation and reconciliation for all who believe, thus fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's justice and mercy. Furthermore, this passage also points to Christ as the righteous Judge who will one day return, wielding the "sword" of His word to execute final and perfect judgment upon all unrighteousness, bringing an end to all rebellion and establishing His eternal kingdom (cf. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")).

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 21:6

Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of [thy] loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.

Joel 1:13

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

Jeremiah 31:19

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Jeremiah 31:12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Ezekiel 21:14

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite [thine] hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it [is] the sword of the great [men that are] slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

Ezekiel 30:2

Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!

Jeremiah 25:34

Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.