Ezekiel 21:15

KJV

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that [their] heart may faint, and [their] ruins be multiplied: ah! [it is] made bright, [it is] wrapped up for the slaughter.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have set {H5414} the point {H19} of the sword {H2719} against all their gates {H8179}, that their heart {H3820} may faint {H4127}, and their ruins {H4383} be multiplied {H7235}: ah {H253}! it is made {H6213} bright {H1300}, it is wrapped up {H4593} for the slaughter {H2874}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So that their hearts will melt, and many will stumble and fall, I have posted the point of the sword at every one of their gates. See how it flashes, sharpened for the kill!

Berean Standard Bible

So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.

American Standard Version

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:15 powerfully intensifies the prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, portraying the Babylonian invasion as a terrifyingly imminent and meticulously prepared instrument of God's wrath. The verse underscores the absolute certainty and devastating severity of the impending calamity, designed not only to bring physical destruction upon the city's defenses but also to inflict profound psychological terror, leaving no doubt about the inescapable and overwhelming impact of God’s righteous decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle known as "The Song of the Sword" or "The Oracle of the Sharpened Sword" found in [Ezekiel 21](/ezekiel/21 "Ezekiel 21 - The Oracle of the Sharpened Sword"). Ezekiel, prophesying from exile in Babylon, is communicating God's unwavering message to the remaining inhabitants of Judah and his fellow exiles concerning the final, inevitable destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar. The preceding verses, such as [Ezekiel 21:9-11](/ezekiel/21-9-11 "Ezekiel 21:9-11 - The Sword is Sharpened"), have already introduced the theme of the sharpened sword, but verse 15 escalates the imagery, emphasizing its immediate deployment and the profound psychological and physical impact it will have. This oracle shatters any lingering false hope among the people that Jerusalem would be spared, firmly establishing God's sovereignty over these catastrophic events and His use of Babylon as His instrument of judgment due to Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Judah was a vassal state of Babylon, and Jerusalem had already endured one significant siege and deportation (597 BC), which included Ezekiel himself. Despite this, many in Jerusalem and among the exiles clung to a false sense of security, believing that God would never allow His holy city and temple to fall. Culturally, city gates were not merely entry points but vital centers of defense, commerce, and justice, representing the very strength and identity of a city. To have the "point of the sword set against all their gates" signified a complete and overwhelming assault, leaving no avenue for escape or defense. The prophecy highlights the reality of Babylonian military might, known for its efficiency and ruthlessness, but attributes its success not to human power alone, but to the divine will orchestrating the judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 21:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, emphatically declared by the phrase "I have set," which underscores that the impending destruction is not a random geopolitical event but a direct, intentional act of God's righteous judgment against a rebellious people. The sword, though wielded by Babylon, is explicitly God's tool. This leads to the theme of **Imminent and Inescapable Destruction**, vividly portrayed by the sword being at the city's "gates," symbolizing the complete breakdown of defenses and the utter lack of escape. The judgment is designed to bring not only physical ruin ("their ruins be multiplied") but also profound psychological terror, causing "their heart [to] faint," highlighting the holistic nature of God's judgment. Finally, the descriptions of the sword being "made bright" and "wrapped up for the slaughter" emphasize its **Preparedness and Unwavering Purpose**, signifying that God's decree is meticulously planned and ready for immediate, devastating execution, leaving no room for reprieve or reversal. This preparedness echoes earlier warnings of judgment found throughout the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26-30 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - God Summons a Nation for Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Point (Hebrew, _ʼibchâh'_):** From an unused root (apparently meaning to turn), this word signifies the "brandishing of a sword" or its "point." In Ezekiel 21:15, "point" emphasizes the direct, piercing, and immediate threat of the sword. It is not merely a general presence but a specific, aimed instrument of destruction poised to strike, highlighting the precision and imminence of the divine judgment.
* **Faint (Hebrew, _mûwg'_):** A primitive root meaning "to melt," i.e. literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint). Here, it vividly describes the psychological impact of the impending judgment: the hearts of the people will "melt" or "faint" from terror and despair. This indicates a complete collapse of courage and hope in the face of overwhelming and inescapable doom, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual devastation alongside the physical.
* **Bright (Hebrew, _bârâq'_):** From בָּרַק (barak), meaning "lightning"; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword. When applied to the sword, "made bright" implies not just a polished, ceremonial gleam, but a sharpened, honed edge, reflecting light as it moves, signaling its deadly readiness and efficiency for battle. It conveys the terrifying spectacle of a weapon prepared for swift and decisive action, leaving no doubt about its lethal intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have set the point of the sword against all their gates":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative behind the impending judgment. The "I" is God, indicating His sovereign control over the events. The "point of the sword" signifies a direct, targeted, and imminent threat, while "against all their gates" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the assault. The gates, being the primary defensive and administrative points of a city, represent its very strength and security. God's setting of the sword against them means no part of the city, no defense, and no escape route will be spared.
* **"that [their] heart may faint, and [their] ruins be multiplied":** This section details the dual purpose and devastating effects of the judgment. The phrase "that their heart may faint" speaks to the psychological terror and despair that will grip the inhabitants. Their courage will melt away, leaving them paralyzed by fear. Simultaneously, "their ruins be multiplied" refers to the extensive physical destruction that will befall Jerusalem. The city will not merely be damaged but utterly devastated, with its structures reduced to widespread rubble, emphasizing the overwhelming and comprehensive nature of the calamity.
* **"ah! [it is] made bright, [it is] wrapped up for the slaughter":** The interjection "ah!" (Hebrew: *ʼâch*) expresses a deep lament, grief, or surprise, conveying the prophet's anguish or the people's horrified realization. The subsequent description of the sword as "made bright" (sharpened, gleaming) and "wrapped up for the slaughter" underscores its meticulous preparation and readiness for its bloody purpose. "Wrapped up" (Hebrew: *mâʻôṭ*) can imply a weapon thinned to a sharp edge or prepared for concealment/unveiling. In this context, it signifies a weapon carefully readied and now poised to be unsheathed for its specific, violent task, leaving no ambiguity about its deadly intent and the certainty of the impending massacre.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:15 is rich with powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the impending doom. The "point of the sword" at the "gates" immediately conjures a scene of direct and inescapable confrontation. The sword being "made bright" evokes the terrifying gleam of a sharpened blade, ready for action, while "wrapped up for the slaughter" suggests a deliberate and chilling preparation for a horrific event. The phrase "that their heart may faint" is a strong use of **Metonymy**, where the "heart" represents the entire inner being, including courage, will, and spirit, indicating a complete psychological collapse. The exclamation "ah!" serves as a powerful **Interjection**, conveying the prophet's anguish or the shock and despair of the people witnessing the unfolding tragedy. Furthermore, the description of the sword's readiness and purpose can be seen as a form of **Personification**, as if the sword itself possesses an eagerness for its destructive task, embodying the relentless nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:15 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering justice and sovereignty of God in the face of persistent sin and rebellion. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a deliberate and prepared response to covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God is intimately involved in the affairs of nations and holds His people accountable. The terrifying imagery underscores the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of its consequences when repentance is withheld. This passage aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's righteous governance, where He uses earthly powers as instruments for His purposes, even to bring about devastating judgment, ultimately to reveal His holiness and call His people back to Himself.

* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")
* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1-3 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49-57 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Curses for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:15 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of God's unwavering justice and the serious consequences of persistent rebellion against His divine will. It compels us to confront the reality that sin, left unaddressed, leads to inevitable and often devastating outcomes, both individually and corporately. The imagery of the prepared sword at the gates challenges any false sense of security we might place in our own defenses, resources, or past blessings, urging us to recognize that true safety and flourishing are found only in humble obedience and reliance upon God. This passage calls us to a deep introspection, prompting us to examine areas of our lives where we might be complacent or resistant to God's truth, and to respond with genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with His righteous standards. It also offers a pastoral lens, reminding us that even in judgment, God's ultimate aim is often to bring about a turning back to Him, a purification, and a deeper understanding of His holy character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be relying on false security instead of trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of the "prepared sword" impact my understanding of God's justice and the seriousness of sin?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to cultivate a heart of genuine repentance and active obedience to God's commands?**

### FAQ
**Why does God use such vivid and violent imagery, like a "bright" sword "wrapped up for the slaughter"?**

Answer: God uses such vivid and violent imagery in Ezekiel 21:15 not to revel in destruction, but to convey the absolute certainty, severity, and divine origin of the impending judgment. The "bright" sword signifies its sharpness and readiness, while "wrapped up for the slaughter" speaks to its meticulous preparation and specific, unavoidable purpose. This language serves several crucial functions: it shatters the false hope of the people, emphasizing that the judgment is not a random act of war but a deliberate, sovereign act of God; it underscores the gravity of Judah's sin and persistent rebellion, demonstrating that divine justice is real and consequential; and it aims to provoke a deep sense of urgency and fear that might lead to repentance, as seen in other prophetic calls to turn back to God, such as [Ezekiel 18:30](/ezekiel/18-30 "Ezekiel 18:30 - Repent and Live"). The intensity of the imagery is proportionate to the severity of the spiritual condition it addresses.

**What does "wrapped up for the slaughter" imply about God's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "wrapped up for the slaughter" (Hebrew: *ḥuppa laṭṭevaḥ*) implies a chilling level of intentionality, precision, and readiness concerning God's judgment. It suggests that the instrument of judgment (the sword, representing Babylon) has been carefully prepared, honed, and is now poised for immediate and decisive action. It's not a spontaneous or haphazard event, but a meticulously planned execution of divine justice. This phrase indicates that the time for repentance has passed for many, and the decree has been sealed; the judgment is not only certain but also imminent and unavoidable. It underscores God's complete control over history and His ability to bring His plans to fruition, even through devastating means, as He did when He brought the Babylonians against Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies found in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:15 speaks of a literal sword of judgment against ancient Judah, its theological resonance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ultimate "sword" of God's wrath, due to humanity's rebellion and sin, was not ultimately wielded against His people in a final, condemning blow, but was instead turned upon His own Son, Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus became the recipient of the divine judgment, enduring the "slaughter" that humanity deserved, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"). He absorbed the full force of God's righteous anger, allowing those who believe in Him to escape the "fainting heart" and "multiplied ruins" of eternal condemnation. Furthermore, Christ Himself is depicted as wielding a "sharp two-edged sword" from His mouth in [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - Christ with a Sharp Sword") and [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Return with a Sword"), signifying His authoritative Word of judgment and His ultimate role as the righteous Judge who will bring final justice upon all unrighteousness. Thus, Ezekiel's terrifying vision of a prepared sword foreshadows both the judgment that fell on Christ for our salvation and the final, just judgment He will execute at His return, offering believers the profound peace and security of being found in Him, shielded from the wrath to come ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Jeremiah 17:27

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

Ezekiel 21:10

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.

Ezekiel 21:7

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

2 Samuel 17:10

And he also [that is] valiant, whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man, and [they] which [be] with him [are] valiant men.

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

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.

Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.