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.

Thou therefore, son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012}, and smite {H5221} thine hands {H3709}{H3709} together {H5221}, and let the sword {H2719} be doubled {H3717} the third {H7992} time, the sword {H2719} of the slain {H2491}: it is the sword {H2719} of the great {H1419} men that are slain {H2491}, which entereth into their privy chambers {H2314}.

"Therefore, human being, prophesy and clap your hands together. Then the sword will strike twice, three times, the sword for victims, the sword for a great slaughter, coming from every direction.

‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thy hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one that is deadly wounded, which entereth into their chambers.

Context

Ezekiel 21 is a powerful and dramatic prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning God's impending judgment upon Jerusalem and the land of Israel. Often referred to as "The Song of the Sword," this chapter uses the metaphor of a sharpened, ready sword to depict the devastating Babylonian invasion and the divine wrath behind it. Verse 14 intensifies the imagery presented in preceding verses, where the sword is described as prepared for slaughter (Ezekiel 21:9-11). Here, Ezekiel is commanded to perform a symbolic action, further emphasizing the certainty and severity of the coming destruction, which was a direct consequence of Judah's idolatry and rebellion against God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Wrath: The core message is God's righteous judgment against sin, executed through the "sword." This is not random violence but a deliberate act of divine justice.
  • Prophetic Action and Emphasis: Ezekiel is commanded to "smite thine hands together," a physical gesture (Hebrew: saphaq) often signifying astonishment, grief, or intense indignation. This public act underscores the gravity and certainty of the prophecy, serving as a visual aid for the listeners.
  • Inevitability and Pervasiveness of Judgment: The phrase "let the sword be doubled the third time" emphasizes the intense, complete, and inescapable nature of the impending doom. It highlights the repeated blows of judgment.
  • Targeted Judgment: The sword is specifically identified as "the sword of the great men that are slain." This indicates that leaders, nobles, and those in positions of power and influence would not be exempt from God's judgment; indeed, they would be primary targets due to their responsibility in leading the nation astray.
  • No Escape: The chilling phrase "which entereth into their privy chambers" signifies that no place, however secret or secure, would offer refuge from the coming destruction. God's judgment would penetrate even the most private and hidden spaces, leaving no one untouched. This echoes themes of God's omnipresence and the inescapability of His justice found in other prophetic books, such as Amos 9:2.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben-adam): This is God's characteristic address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine majesty of God. For example, see Ezekiel 2:1.
  • "Smite thine hands together" (Hebrew: saphaq kaf): This idiomatic expression denotes a strong emotional reaction, often grief, lamentation, or a declaration of astonishment and dismay over impending calamity.
  • "Doubled the third time": This is a powerful Hebrew idiom indicating extreme intensity or completeness, rather than a literal count. It signifies the sword's repeated and relentless action, escalating its destructive power.
  • "Privy chambers" (Hebrew: ḥadrey maṭmonim): Literally "chambers of their hidden things" or "secret places." This highlights the depth and thoroughness of the judgment, reaching into personal, private spaces where one might think they are safe.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:14 serves as a stark reminder of several timeless truths. Firstly, it underscores the reality of God's impartial justice. No one, regardless of status, wealth, or power, is exempt from divine accountability. This was a challenging message for the "great men" of Judah, just as it is for leaders today. Secondly, it calls for a sober reflection on the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The "sword" represents the inevitable outcome of persistent unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse's imagery of inescapable judgment highlights the futility of trying to hide from God or His decrees. True security and peace are found not in secret hiding places, but in repentance and seeking refuge in God's mercy, which is abundantly available through His provision of salvation.

Reflection

This verse from Ezekiel is a vivid and unsettling depiction of God's righteous anger against the deep-seated sin of His people. It speaks to the severity of judgment when warnings are ignored and justice is continually perverted. The "sword" is not merely a weapon but a symbol of divine reckoning, reaching into every corner of human existence, even the most private. It compels us to consider our own lives and whether we are living in alignment with God's will, understanding that true peace comes from acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His ways.

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.

  • Numbers 24:10

    ¶ And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times.

  • 2 Kings 24:1

    ¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

  • Leviticus 26:21

    And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

  • Leviticus 26:24

    Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

  • Ezekiel 6:11

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

  • 2 Kings 24:10

    At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.

  • 2 Kings 24:16

    And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

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