Ezekiel 21:17

Ezekiel 21:17 is a powerful declaration from God, spoken through the prophet Ezekiel during a time of impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. It underscores the certainty and finality of divine action.

Context

Chapter 21 of Ezekiel is often referred to as the "Song of the Sword" or "Prophecy of the Sword." In this chapter, God vividly describes a sharpened and polished sword, representing the Babylonian army, poised to execute His judgment upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem for their widespread sin and idolatry. The preceding verses detail the sword's purpose and its readiness for slaughter, emphasizing that this is not a random attack but a divinely ordained consequence. Verse 17 comes as a pronouncement of the conclusion of this period of judgment, indicating that once the divine purpose is achieved, God's wrath will subside. This prophecy served as a dire warning to a people who had repeatedly turned away from God, despite His covenant with them, leading to the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse highlights God's active role in bringing about judgment. His "fury" is not uncontrolled rage but a righteous indignation against sin, executed with purpose and precision. It signifies that there are inevitable consequences for disobedience and rebellion against His laws.
• The Certainty of God's Word: The concluding phrase, "I the LORD have said [it]," is a solemn divine signature. It emphasizes the absolute reliability, authority, and immutability of God's declarations. What God purposes, He will surely accomplish, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His word, whether in promise or in judgment.
• The End of God's Fury: The phrase "I will cause my fury to rest" indicates that God's wrath, though severe, is not endless. It has a specific purpose—to cleanse, correct, and bring about repentance or to justly punish—and once that purpose is fulfilled, His anger subsides. This offers a glimpse into God's character, where even in judgment, there is an ultimate desire for resolution and restoration, or at least a cessation of active wrath once justice is served.
• Sovereignty of God: God is depicted as fully in control, orchestrating events and bringing His plans to fruition. The smiting of hands is an anthropomorphism, symbolizing a decisive, conclusive action on God's part, marking the end of a process.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "smite mine hands together" (KJV) translates from the Hebrew verb סָפַק (saphaq), which means "to strike," "to clap," or "to slap." While sometimes used for applause or agreement, in the context of divine judgment, it often signifies a decisive, final, and sometimes sorrowful or exasperated act of conclusion. It's a gesture of finality, signaling the completion of a severe action. The "fury" (Hebrew: חֵמָה, chemah) refers to intense anger or hot displeasure, while "rest" (Hebrew: נוּחַ, nuach) implies a settling or subsiding, indicating that the divine wrath will cease once its objective is achieved, as seen in other prophecies concerning the day of the LORD's fierce anger.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:17 serves as a sober reminder of God's justice and sovereignty. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God is holy and righteous, and while He is merciful, He also deals with sin. It encourages a life of reverence and obedience, understanding that actions have consequences. For those facing difficult times, it can be a comfort to know that God's judgment, when it comes, is purposeful and has an end; His wrath is not eternal for those who turn to Him. It also reminds us that God's word is utterly reliable; what He declares will come to pass, offering both a warning to the rebellious and assurance to the faithful.