Ezekiel 21:17

KJV

I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also smite {H5221} mine hands {H3709} together {H3709}, and I will cause my fury {H2534} to rest {H5117}: I the LORD {H3068} have said {H1696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I too will clap my hands together and satisfy my fury. I, ADONAI, have spoken."

Berean Standard Bible

I too will strike My hands together, and I will satisfy My wrath.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.”

American Standard Version

I will also smite my hands together, and I will cause my wrath to rest: I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:17 is a solemn divine declaration affirming the absolute certainty and finality of God's impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It portrays the Lord's decisive action to bring His righteous wrath to its appointed conclusion, signifying that once His punitive purpose is accomplished through the "sword" of Babylon, His intense indignation will subside, having achieved its intended effect. This verse powerfully underscores God's sovereignty, the inevitability of His word, and the purposeful nature of His righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is famously known as the "Prophecy of the Sword," a vivid and terrifying oracle detailing God's judgment against Jerusalem and the land of Israel. The chapter begins with the Lord commanding Ezekiel to prophesy against Jerusalem and the land, declaring that a sharpened and polished sword is prepared for slaughter, not for mere play or ritual. Verses [Ezekiel 21:1-7](/ezekiel/21-1 "Ezekiel 21:1-7 - The Prophecy Against Israel") introduce the sword as an instrument of divine wrath, causing lamentation and distress among the people. The subsequent verses, particularly [Ezekiel 21:8-16](/ezekiel/21-8 "Ezekiel 21:8-16 - The Sharpened Sword of the Lord"), emphasize the sword's readiness, its terrifying nature, and its divine commission to execute widespread destruction. Verse 17, therefore, serves as a climactic pronouncement, not just of the sword's deployment, but of the Lord's personal involvement in bringing this period of intense judgment to a decisive and purposeful end, marked by the cessation of His active fury.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. He was among the captives taken to Babylon in 597 BC, serving as God's messenger to a people who had repeatedly rebelled against Him, despite numerous warnings from earlier prophets. Jerusalem was still standing at this point, but its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces was imminent (it would fall in 586 BC). The people of Judah, particularly those remaining in Jerusalem, continued in idolatry and false security, believing God would not allow His temple or chosen city to be destroyed. God's "fury" (חֵמָה, *chêmâh*) reflects His righteous indignation against their persistent sin, covenant breaking, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on Him. The gesture of "smiting hands together" was a culturally recognized act, often signifying grief, despair, astonishment, or, in this divine context, a decisive, conclusive, and often sorrowful or exasperated act of finality, underscoring the irreversible nature of the judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Judgment and Justice** of God, demonstrating that His wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin and rebellion, executed with precision and purpose. Secondly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God**, revealing Him as the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His will, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Thirdly, the phrase "I the LORD have said [it]" emphasizes the **Certainty and Immutability of God's Word**. What God declares, He will unfailingly accomplish, whether it be a promise of blessing or a pronouncement of judgment, reinforcing the truth found in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). Finally, the notion of God causing His "fury to rest" introduces the theme of **Purposeful and Limited Wrath**, indicating that divine judgment, though severe, has a specific aim—to cleanse, correct, or justly punish—and will cease once that purpose is fulfilled, rather than being an eternal, uncontrolled outpouring.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it denotes a decisive, forceful blow or action. When God says He will "smite His hands together," it signifies a definitive, concluding action, a powerful clap that marks the finality of His judgment. It's not a casual gesture but one that underscores the severity and finality of the divine decree.
* **Fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** From H2534, this term refers to "heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)." It describes an intense, burning anger or hot displeasure. In the biblical context, God's "fury" is not an uncontrolled outburst of emotion but a righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, a holy wrath that is just and purposeful. Its intensity is highlighted by the desire for it to "rest."
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From H5117, this primitive root means "to rest, i.e. settle down." It implies a cessation of activity, a subsiding or coming to a halt. When God declares He will cause His "fury to rest," it means that His active, punitive wrath will cease once its divinely appointed purpose—the execution of judgment—has been fully accomplished. It signifies a definitive end to the period of intense divine anger, not an eternal state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also smite mine hands together":** This clause describes a decisive, anthropomorphic action by God. The "smiting" or clapping of hands signifies a conclusive and irreversible act. In the context of judgment, it often conveys a sense of finality, astonishment at the extent of devastation, or a powerful declaration that an action is complete and its consequences are sealed. It underscores God's direct involvement and the certainty of the judgment.
* **"and I will cause my fury to rest":** This phrase indicates the ultimate purpose and limitation of God's wrath. His "fury" (intense, righteous anger) is not endless or arbitrary. It is purposeful, aimed at achieving justice and correction. Once the judgment has been fully executed and its divine objective achieved, God's active indignation will subside. This suggests that the judgment, though severe, is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
* **"I the LORD have said [it].":** This concluding declaration is a divine signature, a powerful statement of absolute authority and immutability. "The LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) refers to the covenant God, the self-existent and eternal One. The phrase "have said [it]" (dâbar, H1696) emphasizes that this is a spoken, declared word from God Himself. It guarantees the absolute certainty and reliability of the prophecy. What the sovereign God has declared will unfailingly come to pass; there is no possibility of retraction or failure.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human characteristics, specifically "smiting His hands together." This vivid imagery makes the divine action relatable and impactful, portraying God as actively and decisively involved in the judgment, rather than a distant observer. The act itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing a gesture of finality, the sealing of a decree, and the conclusion of a devastating process. It conveys the irreversible nature of the divine judgment and the cessation of active wrath. Furthermore, the entire verse, particularly the concluding phrase, functions as a **Divine Fiat** or a declaration of absolute authority. "I the LORD have said [it]" is a powerful rhetorical device that removes any doubt about the certainty and origin of the prophecy, emphasizing God's omnipotence and the unwavering reliability of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:17 is a profound statement about the character of God, particularly His holiness, justice, and sovereignty. It reveals that God is not indifferent to sin; His "fury" is a righteous response to the persistent rebellion of His people. Yet, this verse also offers a nuanced view of divine wrath, indicating that it is purposeful and has an appointed end. It is not an uncontrolled rage but a measured and decisive action to bring about His will, whether that be judgment or restoration. The absolute certainty of "I the LORD have said [it]" reinforces the biblical truth that God's word is utterly dependable, a foundation for both warning and promise.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:17 serves as a sober reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. For believers, it calls for a life of reverence, obedience, and repentance, recognizing that God is holy and righteous, and His justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to take God's word seriously, understanding that His declarations, whether of warning or promise, are absolutely reliable. In times of personal or societal turmoil, this verse can also offer a strange comfort: God is sovereign over all events, even those that bring great pain. His judgments are purposeful, and His wrath, though severe, is not eternal for those who turn to Him. It reminds us that there is a divinely appointed end to suffering and judgment, and ultimately, God's desire is for resolution and peace. For those who have not yet submitted to God, it stands as a stark warning to turn from rebellion before the "fury" of the Lord is fully unleashed and brought to its final "rest."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "fury" resting challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways does the certainty of "I the LORD have said [it]" impact your trust in God's promises and warnings today?**
* **What specific areas of your life might need to align more closely with God's righteous standards in light of His justice?**
* **How can understanding the purposeful nature of God's judgment shape your perspective on suffering or difficult circumstances in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "smite mine hands together" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 21:17, God's declaration "I will also smite mine hands together" is an anthropomorphism, meaning it attributes a human action to God. This gesture, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, typically signifies a decisive, conclusive act. While it can express grief, astonishment, or despair (as seen in [Ezekiel 21:14](/ezekiel/21-14 "Ezekiel 21:14 - Prophesy and Clap Your Hands")), in the context of God's judgment, it primarily denotes a powerful, final, and irreversible sealing of His decree. It underscores God's direct involvement and the absolute certainty that His judgment will be fully executed and brought to its appointed end.

**Is God's fury eternal, or does it "rest" as stated here?**

Answer: Ezekiel 21:17 states that God "will cause my fury to rest," indicating that His active, punitive wrath against Judah for their specific sins will cease once its purpose is accomplished. This does not imply that God ceases to be just or that He will never again exercise wrath. Rather, it means that the specific outpouring of judgment described in Ezekiel's prophecy has a defined scope and duration. For those who remain in rebellion and reject His grace, God's righteous judgment has eternal consequences (e.g., [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")). However, for those who turn to Him in repentance and faith, His wrath is averted and replaced by mercy and grace, as seen in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Delivered from Wrath Through Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:17, with its declaration of God's fury resting after judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of God's wrath against Israel's sin being satisfied through the Babylonian sword, the New Testament reveals that the true and final "rest" for God's fury against humanity's sin was achieved at the cross. On Calvary, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous indignation against sin, becoming a propitiation for our transgressions (as detailed in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - God Presented Christ as a Sacrifice of Atonement")). Through His sacrifice, the "sword" of divine judgment that hung over humanity was satisfied, and God's just wrath found its ultimate cessation for all who believe. The "smiting of hands" that sealed the judgment in Ezekiel now points to the decisive, once-for-all act of Christ that secured our redemption. Thus, for those in Christ, God's fury no longer rests upon them, but rather His peace and grace, as promised in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith"). The certainty of "I the LORD have said [it]" is now echoed in the absolute certainty of salvation and eternal life for all who trust in the finished work of Christ, who has brought us into a [spiritual rest](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God") from the condemnation of the law.

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 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

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 22:13

Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Zechariah 6:8

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

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.

Deuteronomy 28:63

And it shall come to pass, [that] as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Isaiah 1:24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: