Ezekiel 21:26

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Ezekiel 21:26 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign judgment and the dramatic reversal of fortunes He orchestrates. This verse is part of a prophetic oracle delivered by Ezekiel concerning the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the downfall of its wicked king.

Context

Ezekiel chapter 21 is a vivid prophecy of God's "sword" of judgment coming against the land of Israel, specifically Jerusalem and its corrupt leadership. The "sword of the Lord" symbolizes the impending invasion by the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. Verse 25 directly addresses King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, calling him "profane and wicked." Therefore, verse 26 is a direct pronouncement regarding the end of his reign and the collapse of the Davidic monarchy in Judah. This judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse emphatically declares that God is in absolute control of nations and their rulers. He is the one who commands to "remove the diadem, and take off the crown," demonstrating His supreme authority over earthly powers and His willingness to judge sin. This judgment is a direct consequence of persistent sin and rebellion against His commands.
  • Reversal of Fortunes: The command to "exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high" signifies a dramatic overturning of the established order. This principle is a recurring motif in Scripture, where God humbles the proud and lifts up the humble, particularly evident in times of divine intervention and justice (1 Samuel 2:7; Luke 1:52).
  • End of an Era: This prophecy marks the end of the independent Davidic kingdom in Judah, leading to the Babylonian captivity. It signals a period of profound disruption and change, paving the way for a future hope that would ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "diadem" (ืžึดืฆึฐื ึถืคึถืช, mitznephet) can refer to a turban or headwear, often associated with both priestly (Exodus 29:6) and royal authority. The "crown" (ืขึฒื˜ึธืจึธื”, atarah) is a more general term for a king's crown, a clear symbol of kingship. The phrase "this [shall] not [be] the same" emphasizes the irreversible nature of the coming change, indicating a complete transformation of the political and spiritual landscape of Judah. It signifies that the old order is completely abolished.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:26 offers timeless lessons that resonate with believers today:

  • Humility is Key: The verse serves as a powerful warning against pride and arrogance, particularly for those in positions of authority. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). True lasting authority comes from God, not from human strength or position.
  • God's Justice Prevails: It affirms God's unwavering commitment to justice, where imbalances are corrected, and the oppressed can find hope in His intervention. No earthly power, no matter how mighty, can ultimately thwart God's righteous judgment.
  • Hope Beyond Crisis: While the immediate context is one of severe judgment, the broader prophecy in Ezekiel, particularly the very next verse (Ezekiel 21:27), points to a future restoration and the coming of a rightful King โ€“ the Messiah. This reminds believers that even in times of collapse and upheaval, God is working towards His ultimate redemptive plan. The temporary removal of the earthly crown foreshadows the establishment of an eternal, righteous kingdom under Christ, whose reign will never end.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.