Ezekiel 21:28

¶ And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword [is] drawn: for the slaughter [it is] furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

And thou, son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} concerning the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}, and concerning their reproach {H2781}; even say {H559} thou, The sword {H2719}, the sword {H2719} is drawn {H6605}: for the slaughter {H2874} it is furbished {H4803}, to consume {H398} because of the glittering {H1300}:

"You, human being, prophesy! Say that Adonai ELOHIM says this about the people of 'Amon and their insults: 'A sword, a sword, is drawn for slaughter, polished to the utmost, to flash like lightning -

Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning—

And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say thou, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

Commentary

Ezekiel 21:28 contains a specific prophecy of judgment delivered by God through the prophet Ezekiel concerning the ancient nation of the Ammonites.

Context

This verse is part of a larger oracle in Ezekiel chapter 21 where God declares judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah, symbolized by a sharpened sword. However, the prophecy then turns to surrounding nations who were adversaries of Israel, including the Ammonites. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), were perennial enemies of Israel, often engaging in conflict and, in this specific period, gloating over the destruction and suffering of Judah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Nations: The passage demonstrates that God's judgment is not limited to His covenant people but extends to other nations, particularly those who oppose His purposes or mistreat His people.
  • Consequences of Reproach: The Ammonites are explicitly targeted "concerning their reproach." This refers to their scornful attitude, mockery, and gloating over Judah's downfall, which God saw and would hold them accountable for.
  • The Sword of the LORD: The recurring imagery of the "sword" throughout Ezekiel 21 represents God's instrument of wrath and destruction. Here, the sword is described as "drawn," "furbished" (polished and sharpened), and ready for "slaughter," indicating the certainty and severity of the impending judgment upon Ammon. The phrase "to consume because of the glittering" might suggest the sword is ready to strike swiftly or that their own pride (glittering weapons?) contributes to their downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "reproach" in Hebrew is cherpâh (חֶרְפָּה). It carries the sense of disgrace, shame, insult, or scorn. In the context of the Ammonites, it highlights their contemptuous attitude towards the suffering of God's people, an attitude that provoked divine retribution.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy against the Ammonites is echoed in other prophetic books, demonstrating a consistent theme of judgment against nations hostile to Israel. Jeremiah 49:1-6 also contains a significant oracle against Ammon. The broader principle of God judging nations for their treatment of His people is seen throughout scripture, such as in Amos 1:13-15, which also condemns Ammon for its cruelty.

Reflection

Ezekiel 21:28 serves as a powerful reminder that God observes the attitudes and actions of all nations. The Ammonites were judged not just for military opposition, but specifically for their "reproach" – their scornful and malicious reaction to the suffering of Judah. This highlights the seriousness with which God views contempt and cruelty, especially towards those who are afflicted. It underscores the principle of accountability before God, not only for overt sins but also for the prideful and scornful disposition of the heart.

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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 21:9

    Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

  • Ezekiel 21:10

    It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, [as] every tree.

  • Ezekiel 21:20

    Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.

  • Zephaniah 2:8

    ¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.

  • Zephaniah 2:10

    This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 12:12

    The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the LORD shall devour from the [one] end of the land even to the [other] end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.

  • Jeremiah 49:1

    ¶ Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why [then] doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?