Ezekiel 21:25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

And thou, profane {H2491} wicked {H7563} prince {H5387} of Israel {H3478}, whose day {H3117} is come {H935}, when {H6256} iniquity {H5771} shall have an end {H7093},

As for you, you wicked prince of Isra'el, due to be killed, whose day has come, at the time of final punishment,

And you, O profane and wicked prince of Israel, the day has come for your final punishment.’

And thou, O deadly wounded wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day is come, in the time of the iniquity of the end,

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 21:25 is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning God's impending judgment upon Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. The entire chapter emphasizes the "sword of the Lord" (e.g., Ezekiel 21:3) coming against the land, symbolizing the Babylonian invasion and destruction. This specific verse directly addresses King Zedekiah, the last reigning monarch of Judah, who had made a covenant with Babylon but then rebelled, seeking help from Egypt. His rule was marked by spiritual apostasy and political instability, leading to the final downfall of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Leadership: The verse highlights God's direct and personal judgment on Zedekiah, the "profane wicked prince," holding him accountable for his actions and the nation's sin. This underscores the serious responsibility of those in authority.
  • The End of an Era: "Whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end" signifies the culmination of Judah's persistent rebellion and the end of its independent monarchy. This judgment marks a decisive turning point in Israelite history, leading to the Babylonian exile.
  • God's Sovereignty and Justice: Despite the apparent chaos of invasion, the prophecy asserts that God is orchestrating events, bringing His just judgment to pass. The "end of iniquity" refers not to the eradication of all sin, but to the appointed time for God's righteous verdict to be executed on a specific period of sin and rebellion.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Zedekiah's profanity and wickedness directly led to his downfall and the suffering of his people, serving as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of disregarding God's covenant and commands. For his ultimate fate, see Jeremiah 52:11.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Profane" (Hebrew: ḥālāl): This term implies something that has been defiled or treated as common, losing its sacred status. Zedekiah, as God's anointed king, held a sacred office, but his actions and character profaned it, rendering him unworthy and subject to judgment.
  • "Wicked" (Hebrew: rāshāʿ): This describes one who is guilty, unrighteous, and estranged from God's ways. It points to Zedekiah's moral and spiritual corruption.
  • "Whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end": The phrase "whose day is come" (Hebrew: yōmō bāʾ) emphasizes the appointed time for judgment. "When iniquity shall have an end" (Hebrew: qēṣ lāʿāwōn) indicates that the measure of Judah's sin was full, reaching its divinely determined limit for forbearance, thus necessitating the swift and complete execution of judgment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:25 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Accountability of Leadership: Leaders, whether in government, church, or family, are held to a high standard by God. Their actions have far-reaching consequences, and unrighteousness will ultimately face divine scrutiny and judgment.
  • The Certainty of God's Justice: No amount of power or status can shield individuals or nations from the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. There is an appointed "day" when iniquity will reach its limit and judgment will fall.
  • The Call to Repentance: The impending judgment on Zedekiah and Judah underscores the urgency of turning from wickedness. While this verse speaks of judgment, God's ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration (see Ezekiel 33:11).
  • God's Sovereign Plan: Even amidst severe judgment and the apparent triumph of evil, God remains sovereign. He uses historical events, even the downfall of nations, to fulfill His purposes and ultimately bring about His righteous kingdom.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 35:5

    Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed [the blood of] the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time [that their] iniquity [had] an end:

  • Jeremiah 52:2

    And he did [that which was] evil in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.

  • Ezekiel 17:19

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:13

    And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 21:29

    Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of [them that are] slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity [shall have] an end.

  • Psalms 9:5

    Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 9:6

    O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.