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.
-
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.
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
Linguistic Insights
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.