Ezekiel 21:24

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, [I say], that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because ye have made your iniquity {H5771} to be remembered {H2142}, in that your transgressions {H6588} are discovered {H1540}, so that in all your doings {H5949} your sins {H2403} do appear {H7200}; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance {H2142}, ye shall be taken {H8610} with the hand {H3709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because you have caused your guilt to be remembered, with your misdeeds revealed and the sins in all your actions evident - since you have been remembered, you will be captured.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have drawn attention to your guilt, exposing your transgressions, so that your sins are revealed in all your deeds—because you have come to remembrance—you shall be taken in hand.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:24 delivers a solemn divine pronouncement from the Lord GOD, articulating the precise and inescapable reason for the impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It asserts that their persistent, pervasive, and overtly displayed sinfulness—encompassing iniquity, transgression, and general sin—has reached a critical mass, compelling God to actively recall and respond to their rebellion. This remembrance of their accumulated wickedness necessitates a decisive divine intervention, culminating in their unavoidable capture and delivery into the hands of their enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant prophetic discourse in Ezekiel 21, often characterized as the "Sword of the Lord" prophecy. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 21:18-23) vividly portray Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, at a crossroads, employing divination to determine his next military campaign. God reveals that Nebuchadnezzar's divinatory practices, though pagan, are being supernaturally directed to lead him specifically against Jerusalem. The city's leaders, in their self-deception, initially dismiss this threat, believing their covenant with God offers immunity (as implied by their "false divination" in [Ezekiel 21:23](/ezekiel/21-23 "Ezekiel 21:23 - The King's False Divination")). However, Ezekiel 21:24 directly refutes this delusion, stating unequivocally that their own sins have sealed their fate and brought them to the precipice of judgment. This verse serves as the divine justification for the impending catastrophe, linking the external military threat directly to Judah's internal moral corruption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel himself was among the first wave of exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, following Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem. The people remaining in Jerusalem, including the false prophets, clung to a misguided hope of imminent deliverance and divine protection, largely ignoring the repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Culturally, Judah had deeply assimilated pagan practices, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, despite their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Geographically, Jerusalem was considered impregnable by its inhabitants, fortified by its location and the presence of the Temple. This verse shatters that illusion, revealing that their spiritual state, not their physical defenses, was the true determinant of their destiny. The "hand" mentioned refers directly to the Babylonian army, God's chosen instrument of judgment, a common motif in prophetic literature where foreign powers are used to execute divine wrath, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod").

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 21:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is not indifferent to sin but actively remembers and responds to it, ensuring that unrepentant wickedness incurs severe consequences. This aligns with the principle articulated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Pervasiveness and Publicity of Sin**, emphasizing that Judah's iniquity was not hidden but "discovered" and "appeared" in "all their doings," signifying a deep-seated moral decay that permeated every aspect of their national life. This refutes any notion of secret sin or superficial piety. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even the actions of pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar are ultimately orchestrated by the Lord GOD to fulfill His righteous purposes of judgment, as seen elsewhere in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the repeated emphasis on "remembrance" speaks to the theme of **God's Active Memory and Covenant Faithfulness**, where His remembering of sin leads to judgment, just as His remembering of His covenant leads to deliverance (e.g., [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) derives from a root meaning "to bend, twist, distort." It refers to perversity, moral evil, and the guilt or punishment associated with such deviation from God's standard. It signifies a crookedness of character and action, often implying a deliberate departure from the straight path of righteousness. In this context, it highlights the inherent moral corruption of Judah.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** The verb (H2142) implies more than passive recollection; it denotes an active calling to mind that prompts divine intervention or action. When God "remembers" sin, it signifies that the accumulated weight of transgression has reached a point where His patience is exhausted, and He is moved to execute judgment. This is an active, decisive remembrance that leads to punitive action, not a mere mental note.
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** This word (H6588) signifies a revolt, rebellion, or breach of faith. It denotes a deliberate breaking of a covenant or a defiant act against a higher authority. Unlike mere error, _peshaʻ_ implies an intentional stepping over a boundary, a willful act of disobedience against God's law and His covenant relationship with Judah.
* **taken (Hebrew, _tâphas'_):** This verb (H8610) means to manipulate, seize, or capture. It conveys the idea of being apprehended or grasped by force. In this context, "ye shall be taken with the hand" powerfully depicts the unavoidable and forceful capture of Judah by their enemies, emphasizing their utter helplessness and the certainty of their impending subjugation. The "hand" (H3709, _kaph'_) here symbolizes power and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This is a classic prophetic oracle formula, signaling that the following words are not human opinion but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God. The combination of "Lord" (H136, _ʼĂdônây'_, emphasizing God's absolute mastery) and "GOD" (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih'_, the covenant name YHWH, highlighting His faithfulness and power) underscores the gravity and certainty of the message.
* **"Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered,":** This clause attributes the impending judgment directly to Judah's actions. It is not that God forgot and now suddenly remembers, but rather that their persistent and increasing "iniquity" (moral perversity and guilt) has reached a critical threshold, actively bringing itself to divine attention and necessitating a response. Their sin has become so flagrant and pervasive that it demands God's active remembrance and intervention.
* **"in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear;":** This expands on the nature of their remembered sin. Their "transgressions" (rebellious acts against God's covenant) are not hidden but "discovered" (H1540, _gâlâh'_ - revealed, uncovered). Furthermore, their "sins" (H2403, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_ - missing the mark, moral failure) "do appear" (H7200, _râʼâh'_ - seen, manifest) in "all your doings" (H5949, _ʻălîylâh'_ - actions, deeds). This emphasizes the comprehensive and public nature of their moral corruption; it was evident in every aspect of their national life, leaving no room for denial or excuse.
* **"because, [I say], that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.":** This reiterates the cause and states the inevitable consequence. The repetition of "ye are come to remembrance" (H2142, _zâkar'_) reinforces that their sin has triggered God's active response. The final declaration, "ye shall be taken with the hand," is the climactic pronouncement of judgment. It signifies their unavoidable capture, their delivery into the power of their enemies, symbolizing their complete subjugation and the loss of their autonomy, directly at the hand of God's appointed instrument of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the phrase "come to remembrance" or "made... to be remembered," which appears twice. This repetition serves to underscore the central point: Judah's sin is the undeniable cause of their downfall, and it has actively provoked God's judgment. The accumulation of terms for sin—**iniquity** (ʻâvôn), **transgressions** (peshaʻ), and **sins** (chaṭṭâʼâh)—creates a comprehensive and overwhelming picture of moral failure, highlighting the multifaceted nature and pervasiveness of Judah's rebellion. This is a form of **Synonymia** or **Accumulation**, where multiple words with similar meanings are used to intensify the overall message. The phrase "in all your doings your sins do appear" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and undeniable visibility of their corruption. Finally, the concluding phrase, "ye shall be taken with the hand," is a potent **Metonymy**, where "the hand" represents the power and agency of the Babylonian army, serving as God's instrument of judgment. This concise imagery powerfully conveys the certainty and forcefulness of their impending capture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:24 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that persistent and unrepentant sin inevitably leads to divine judgment. It reveals God's active memory of human actions, demonstrating that His patience, while vast, is not infinite. When a people's iniquity becomes pervasive and openly manifest, it reaches a tipping point where God's justice demands a response. This is not a capricious act but a righteous consequence of covenant infidelity and moral decay. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even over the actions of pagan nations, using them as instruments to execute His just decrees. It serves as a stark reminder that true security lies not in physical defenses or false hopes, but in righteousness and obedience to the Lord GOD.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 90:8](/psalm/90-8 "Psalm 90:8 - God Sees Our Sins")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:24 serves as a profound and sobering mirror for individuals and communities today. It compels us to confront the reality that sin, especially when unacknowledged and unrepented, does not simply dissipate; it accumulates and becomes "remembered" in the divine economy, eventually leading to consequences. The pervasiveness of Judah's sin, evident in "all their doings," challenges us to examine the hidden corners of our own lives and the collective practices of our societies and churches. Are our transgressions "discovered" and "appearing" through our actions, words, and priorities? This verse is a powerful call to radical self-examination and genuine repentance, reminding us that God sees all and that His justice is an inherent part of His character. It urges us to seek reconciliation with God before the weight of our iniquity brings us to a point of unavoidable judgment, recognizing that God's desire is always for repentance and life, not destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "iniquity" or "transgressions" be "made to be remembered" in God's sight today?**
* **How might the "doings" of my life or my community reveal "sins" that are openly appearing, even if we try to hide them?**
* **What specific areas of my life or our collective life need genuine repentance and transformation in light of God's active remembrance of sin?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally "forget" our sins and then "remember" them, as the verse implies?**

Answer: No, the biblical concept of God "remembering" (H2142, _zâkar'_) is not about a change in His omniscience or a lapse in His memory. Rather, it signifies an active turning of His attention to something, often leading to a decisive action. When God "remembering" sin, it means the time for His patient forbearance has passed, and He is now moving to execute judgment or bring about consequences. Conversely, when He "remembers" His covenant, it means He is acting to fulfill His promises of deliverance or blessing. It's an anthropomorphism, describing God's purposeful engagement with human history and His commitment to justice.

**Who is "the hand" that will take them?**

Answer: "The hand" (H3709, _kaph'_) in this context refers to the instrument of God's judgment, specifically the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the prophetic books, God often uses foreign nations as His "rod" or "sword" to discipline His people or judge other nations. While Nebuchadnezzar acted according to his own ambitions, Ezekiel reveals that he was ultimately an unwitting agent in God's sovereign plan to bring about the promised judgment upon Judah for their persistent rebellion and idolatry. This is consistent with other passages where God claims sovereignty over historical events and the actions of kings, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:24, with its stark declaration of judgment due to remembered iniquity and pervasive sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "hand" of judgment that was to "take" Judah for their sins ultimately fell upon the sinless Lamb of God. Humanity's iniquity, transgressions, and sins, which continually "appeared" and "came to remembrance" before a holy God, were fully accounted for and dealt with in Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of divine remembrance concerning humanity's sin, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He allowed Himself to be "taken with the hand" of human authorities and divine wrath, not for His own sin, but for ours, thereby satisfying the demands of God's perfect justice. Through His atoning sacrifice, the record of our iniquity is not merely forgotten, but permanently blotted out, and our sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God Remembers Sins No More")). Thus, what was a terrifying pronouncement of judgment for Old Testament Judah becomes, through Christ, the very foundation of our hope and salvation, offering a path to reconciliation where sin no longer condemns but is covered by grace ([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

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Ezekiel 23:5

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours,

Ezekiel 23:21

Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

Micah 3:10

They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.