Ezekiel 21:26

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this [shall] not [be] the same: exalt [him that is] low, and abase [him that is] high.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Remove {H5493} the diadem {H4701}, and take off {H7311} the crown {H5850}: this shall not be the same {H2063}: exalt {H1361} him that is low {H8217}, and abase {H8213} him that is high {H1364}.

Complete Jewish Bible

here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Remove the turban, take off the crown! Everything is being changed. What was low will be raised up, and what was high will be brought down.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.

American Standard Version

thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Remove the mitre, and take off the crown; this shall be no more the same; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:26 delivers a powerful and irreversible divine decree from the Lord GOD, foretelling a radical upheaval of the established power structures in Judah. It commands the symbolic removal of the diadem and crown, signifying the definitive end of the Davidic monarchy's independent reign, and proclaims a dramatic reversal of fortunes where the humble will be elevated and the proud brought low. This prophetic word profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His righteous judgment against unfaithfulness, setting the stage for a new, divinely ordained order that will fundamentally differ from the past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 unfolds as a vivid and terrifying oracle of judgment, often characterized as "the sword of the Lord." The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 21:1-24](/ezekiel/21-1-24 "Ezekiel 21:1-24 - The Sword of the Lord")) graphically depict God's sharpened sword poised to bring devastating destruction upon Jerusalem and the land of Israel through the impending Babylonian invasion. Specifically, [Ezekiel 21:25](/ezekiel/21-25 "Ezekiel 21:25 - Judgment on King Zedekiah") directly targets King Zedekiah, the last reigning king of Judah, denouncing him as "profane and wicked" and declaring that his "day has come, the time of final punishment." Thus, [Ezekiel 21:26](/ezekiel/21-26 "Ezekiel 21:26 - The Overturning of Kingship") serves as the immediate and explicit consequence of Zedekiah's unfaithfulness and Judah's rebellion, detailing the stripping of royal authority and a complete societal inversion. The subsequent verse, [Ezekiel 21:27](/ezekiel/21-27 "Ezekiel 21:27 - The Coming of the Rightful King"), then introduces a pivotal shift, hinting at a future Messianic fulfillment, thereby framing the present severe judgment within the broader scope of God's redemptive plan for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy articulated in Ezekiel 21 was delivered during a profoundly tumultuous period in Judah's history, approximately 593-592 BC. This timeframe falls between the first Babylonian deportation (597 BC), which included Ezekiel himself, and the final, catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. King Zedekiah, installed as a vassal king by Nebuchadnezzar, had foolishly rebelled against Babylonian overlordship, precipitating the imminent and devastating siege of Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "diadem" and "crown" were not merely decorative items but potent, sacred symbols of royal authority, divine sanction, and the enduring legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy, which had ruled Jerusalem for centuries. The divine command for their removal would have been understood by the people as the definitive and catastrophic termination of their national sovereignty, the collapse of their political independence, and a direct assault on the royal line that God had seemingly promised to establish forever, as recorded in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This abrupt, divinely mandated upheaval of a deeply entrenched and culturally revered institution would have been profoundly shocking and devastating to the collective psyche of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel") and the wider prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's authority transcends all earthly rulers and established institutions. He is the ultimate arbiter of history, possessing the power to "remove" and "take off" crowns, demonstrating His absolute control over human destiny and the rise and fall of nations. Secondly, the central theme of **Judgment for Unfaithfulness** is starkly evident; the downfall of Zedekiah and the monarchy is presented as a direct, righteous consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant breaking, and pervasive moral corruption, extensively detailed in Ezekiel's earlier prophecies. Thirdly, the command to "exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high" introduces the profound theme of **Divine Reversal and Justice**. This principle, a recurring motif in Scripture—from Hannah's prophetic prayer in [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - God Lifts Up and Cast Down") to Mary's Magnificat in [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Song of Reversal")—highlights God's unwavering commitment to overturning human pride, rectifying injustice, and often utilizing seemingly disparate powers (such as Babylon) as instruments of His righteous and sovereign will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Diadem (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** This term (H4701) refers to a specific type of turban or headwear, distinctively associated with official or royal authority. While it can denote the priestly turban (as seen in [Exodus 29:6](/exodus/29-6 "Exodus 29:6 - The Priestly Turban")), in the context of a king, it unequivocally signifies a royal headdress or tiara, a potent symbol of the monarch's office, dignity, and legitimate rule. Its removal in this verse represents the stripping of royal prerogative and the public humiliation of the king, signaling the end of his legitimate authority.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _ʻăṭârâh'_):** The word (H5850) is a more general term for a crown, often depicted as a circlet or garland, universally signifying kingship, honor, and sovereign authority. Its removal, in conjunction with the diadem, profoundly emphasizes the complete and utter divestment of royal power, dignity, and the definitive cessation of the Davidic dynasty's independent rule. The pairing of "diadem" and "crown" serves as a literary device to underscore the totality and irreversibility of the loss of royal status and the collapse of the monarchy.
* **Exalt (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** This primitive root (H1361) fundamentally means "to soar, to be lofty." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being haughty or, as in this context, the act of raising someone from a low or humble position to a high one. It signifies elevation, promotion, or the restoration of honor and status. The divine command to "exalt him that is low" implies a dramatic and divinely orchestrated shift in social and political standing, often associated with God's justice in lifting the humble and oppressed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening formula is a quintessential prophetic declaration, firmly establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the subsequent pronouncement. It unequivocally communicates that these are not Ezekiel's personal words or opinions, but a direct, authoritative revelation from YHWH (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_), the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel (H136, _ʼĂdônây_). This phrase imbues the message with undeniable certainty and ultimate weight.
* **"Remove the diadem, and take off the crown:":** This is a direct, imperative command issued by God, signaling the immediate, forceful, and public termination of the existing royal authority. The "diadem" (_mitsnepheth_) and "crown" (_ʻăṭârâh_) function as metonyms for King Zedekiah himself and the entire institution of the Davidic monarchy in Judah. Their removal symbolizes the stripping away of all power, dignity, legitimacy, and the very essence of kingship from Zedekiah and, by extension, from the Davidic line as an independent ruling entity.
* **"this [shall] not [be] the same:":** The Hebrew phrase (H2063, _zôʼth_), translated as "this shall not be the same," emphasizes the unprecedented, irreversible, and fundamentally transformative nature of the impending change. It signifies that the established order, particularly the independent Davidic monarchy that had endured for centuries, will not merely be altered or temporarily suspended; it will be fundamentally and permanently abolished. This declaration marks a decisive break from the past, indicating that the old system of kingship, as it had existed, is definitively coming to an end, paving the way for something entirely new.
* **"exalt [him that is] low, and abase [him that is] high.":** This is the core declaration of divine reversal and retributive justice. The "low" (H8217, _shâphâl_) refers to those who are humbled, depressed, or of base status, often implying those who have been oppressed or marginalized. Conversely, the "high" (H1364, _gâbôahh_) refers to those who are elevated, powerful, or arrogant, particularly those who have abused their position. God here declares His sovereign intention to invert the societal, political, and spiritual hierarchy, bringing down the proud and powerful (like King Zedekiah and his corrupt elite) and potentially raising up those who were previously insignificant, oppressed, or humble. This statement is a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and His inherent opposition to human pride and unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:26 is profoundly enriched by its strategic use of literary devices, which amplify its prophetic impact. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "diadem" and "crown" serving as potent symbols not merely of royal regalia but of the very essence of royal authority, the institution of kingship, and the enduring legacy of the Davidic dynasty itself. Their commanded removal is thus a symbolic act of the complete and utter collapse of Judah's independent monarchy. **Antithesis** is strikingly evident in the stark contrast presented by the phrase "exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high." This direct opposition highlights the dramatic, divinely orchestrated reversal of fortunes, underscoring God's principle of humbling the proud and elevating the humble. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle**, immediately established by the authoritative prophetic formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which imbues the pronouncement with absolute divine authority, certainty, and an undeniable sense of impending fulfillment. Furthermore, the declarative statement "this [shall] not [be] the same" employs **Emphasis** to convey the irreversible and transformative nature of the impending judgment, signaling a definitive and permanent end to the existing order and the dawn of a new, unforeseen era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:26 articulates a profound and enduring theological truth: God's absolute sovereignty extends over all earthly powers, institutions, and human history. He is not a passive observer but the active, decisive orchestrator of events, possessing the ultimate authority to raise up and cast down kings and kingdoms according to His righteous will. This verse serves as a stark and sobering reminder that all human authority is inherently contingent upon divine permission and remains perpetually subject to divine judgment, particularly when it deviates from God's covenant, justice, and moral standards. The principle of divine reversal—the humbling of the proud and the exalting of the lowly—is a consistent and pervasive theme throughout Scripture, unequivocally demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and His inherent opposition to human arrogance and self-sufficiency. This severe judgment, while painful and destructive in its immediate context, also functions as a necessary act of divine purification, clearing the way for God's future redemptive purposes and foreshadowing a new, righteous order that will ultimately be established and will not be overturned by human rebellion.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer: God Raises and Lowers")
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat: The Mighty Humbled, The Humble Exalted")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God as the Judge Who Lifts Up and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:26 offers timeless and profoundly challenging lessons for believers in every generation. Firstly, it stands as a potent warning against the insidious nature of pride, especially for those entrusted with positions of influence, authority, or power. Whether manifested in leadership roles, accumulated wealth, or elevated social standing, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that all human elevation is inherently temporary and ultimately subject to God's sovereign hand. True security, lasting honor, and enduring significance are found not in clinging to earthly "crowns" but in cultivating genuine humility before God and placing unwavering reliance on His boundless grace. Secondly, this prophecy extends profound comfort and enduring hope to the marginalized, the oppressed, and those who feel overlooked or powerless. In a world frequently marked by pervasive injustice and the apparent triumph of the powerful, this verse unequivocally affirms that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring about a righteous and redemptive reversal. He is the one who "exalts him that is low," offering assurance that no one is forgotten, no suffering is unseen, and no individual is beyond His transformative and redemptive reach. Finally, it calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's overarching and often mysterious plan, even when familiar earthly structures crumble and established orders collapse. The dismantling of an old order, though often accompanied by pain and disorientation, is frequently a divine prelude to God establishing something new, better, and ultimately more aligned with His eternal purposes, ultimately pointing to the unshakable reality of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently relying on my own "crown" or "diadem" (e.g., status, achievements, possessions, intellect) rather than on God's ultimate sovereignty and provision?**
* **How does the biblical principle of God exalting the low and abasing the high challenge or reshape my contemporary perspectives on power, worldly success, and social status?**
* **What specific hope and encouragement does this verse offer me when I personally feel "low," marginalized, or when I witness pervasive injustice in the world around me?**
* **Beyond personal reflection, how can I actively participate in God's ongoing work of bringing justice, promoting humility, and elevating the humble within my sphere of influence and community?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "low" and "high" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context, the "high" primarily refers to King Zedekiah and the corrupt, arrogant elite of Judah, whose pride, unfaithfulness, and wickedness directly led to their catastrophic downfall and the nation's judgment. The "low" could encompass the oppressed within Judah who suffered under the unjust rule of their leaders, or even, paradoxically, the Babylonian forces who, though instruments of God's judgment, were initially considered "low" or foreign in comparison to the divinely established Davidic monarchy. More broadly, the phrase embodies a universal theological principle: God consistently humbles the proud and exalts the humble, a pattern evident throughout numerous biblical narratives, such as [Joseph's elevation](/genesis/41-40 "Genesis 41:40 - Joseph Exalted to Power") from prisoner to prime minister, or [David's anointing](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11 - David Anointed King") from a humble shepherd boy to king.

**What does "this [shall] not [be] the same" signify for the Davidic monarchy?**

Answer: The phrase "this [shall] not [be] the same" (H2063, _zôʼth_) carries immense theological weight, signifying an irreversible and fundamental change to the Davidic monarchy. It means that the independent kingship of Judah, as it had existed for approximately four centuries since David, was coming to a definitive and permanent end. The direct line of Davidic kings reigning from Jerusalem would be interrupted, and the nation would enter a prolonged period of exile, subjugation, and the absence of a sovereign king. This was not merely a temporary suspension or a minor alteration but a complete overturning of the established political and religious order. This radical shift was designed by God to pave the way for a new phase in His redemptive plan, one that would ultimately find its glorious and eternal fulfillment in the coming of the Messiah, as powerfully hinted in the very next verse, [Ezekiel 21:27](/ezekiel/21-27 "Ezekiel 21:27 - The Coming of the Rightful King"), which speaks of "he whose right it is."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:26, with its stark prophecy of the removal of the crown and the radical overturning of the existing order, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the re-establishment of an earthly throne, but in the inauguration of God's eternal spiritual kingdom through Jesus Christ. While immediately addressing the downfall of Zedekiah and the temporary cessation of the earthly Davidic monarchy, the very next verse in [Ezekiel 21:27](/ezekiel/21-27 "Ezekiel 21:27 - The Coming of the Rightful King") speaks prophetically of a future "he whose right it is," pointing unequivocally to the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the true and eternal King, the one whose inherent right it is to wear the crown of universal dominion. His first advent saw Him come not with an earthly diadem or a worldly display of power, but in profound humility, being "low" in the eyes of the world, taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Yet, it was precisely through this self-abasement, culminating in His obedient death on the cross, that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus perfectly embodies the divine reversal proclaimed in Ezekiel: the King of Glory who humbled Himself to the point of bearing a crown of thorns ([John 19:1-3](/john/19-1-3 "John 19:1-3 - Jesus Crowned with Thorns")), thereby abasing the "high" powers of sin, death, and the devil, and eternally exalting those who were "low" and spiritually dead, granting them new life, forgiveness, and a place in His eternal kingdom ([Ephesians 2:4-6](/ephesians/2-4-6 "Ephesians 2:4-6 - Raised with Christ")). The temporary removal of the earthly crown in Ezekiel foreshadows the establishment of a spiritual, eternal, and unshakable kingdom under Christ, whose reign will never end and whose crown of righteousness and glory will never be removed ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). He is the one who truly "exalts him that is low" by bringing salvation, dignity, and eternal life to the humble and repentant, and "abases him that is high" by judging all pride, rebellion, and unrighteousness in preparation for His righteous and everlasting rule.

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 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Jeremiah 52:31

¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,

Jeremiah 52:34

And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

Jeremiah 13:18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Jeremiah 52:9

Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him.