Ezekiel 21:3

KJV

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I [am] against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} to the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth {H3318} my sword {H2719} out of his sheath {H8593}, and will cut off {H3772} from thee the righteous {H6662} and the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

tell the land of Isra'el that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I am against you. I will draw my sword from its scabbard and cut off from you the righteous and the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.

American Standard Version

and say to the land of Israel, Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:3 delivers a severe prophetic declaration from the LORD, announcing His direct and active judgment against the land of Israel. Through the vivid imagery of a drawn sword, God reveals His intent to execute a devastating and indiscriminate judgment that will "cut off" both the righteous and the wicked, signifying a national calamity of unparalleled scope and severity. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice in response to Israel's persistent rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Ezekiel's prophecies (chapters 20-24) that focus on the impending and inevitable destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Chapter 21 specifically amplifies the theme of divine judgment, portraying it as a "sword" of the Lord. It follows a parable of a forest fire (Ezekiel 20:45-49) that symbolizes the consuming judgment upon Jerusalem and the surrounding land. The "sword" imagery is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the swift, decisive, and destructive nature of God's wrath. This particular verse serves as a direct address and a clear statement of the divine adversary, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of the sword's work that follow in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), ministering to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. His messages were often directed back to Jerusalem, which, at this point, had already experienced two deportations (605 BC and 597 BC) but had not yet suffered its final destruction (586 BC). The "land of Israel" in this context primarily refers to the remaining kingdom of Judah, specifically Jerusalem, which was still resisting God's warnings and clinging to false hopes of deliverance. The people were steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals, having repeatedly violated their covenant with Yahweh. The concept of a "sword" was a common metaphor for war and divine judgment in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but here it is explicitly God's own sword, signifying His direct agency in the impending catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 21:3 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that God is not a passive observer but the ultimate orchestrator of historical events, bringing judgment upon His rebellious people. The declaration "I am against thee" underscores His direct involvement. Secondly, it introduces the shocking theme of **Indiscriminate National Calamity**. While God typically distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked (as seen in [Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Abraham's Plea for Sodom")), this verse reveals that in a widespread national judgment for corporate sin, even the righteous may suffer the physical consequences alongside the wicked. This underscores the profound gravity of Israel's corporate sin and the holistic nature of divine discipline. This theme is further explored in passages like [Jeremiah 15:1-4](/jeremiah/15-1 "God's Refusal to Relent"). Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness**, serving as a stark reminder that persistent disobedience to God's covenant commands inevitably leads to severe divine discipline, culminating in national destruction and exile, as warned throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** From the root meaning "redness" or "soil," this term refers to the physical territory, the ground itself, but also by extension, the country or earth. In this context, "the land of Israel" signifies not just the geographical region but the entire nation and its inhabitants, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment upon the people and their dwelling place.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This word denotes a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement, often associated with destructive effect. Here, it is explicitly God's sword, a powerful anthropomorphic metaphor for divine wrath, warfare, and judgment. Its "drawing forth" from the sheath signifies immediate, decisive, and unstoppable action, indicating that God's patience has ended and His judgment is now active and imminent.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)," "to destroy or consume." It is frequently used in the context of covenant breaking, where one is "cut off" from the community or from life itself for violating divine commands (e.g., [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Covenant of Circumcision")). Here, it implies a complete severance or extermination, emphasizing the totality and finality of the impending disaster for the land of Israel, affecting all its inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say to the land of Israel,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine command to Ezekiel, directing his prophetic message not just to the people but to the very territory they inhabit, signifying that the judgment will impact the entire national entity and its physical existence.
* **"Thus saith the LORD;"**: This is the authoritative prophetic formula, affirming that the message originates directly from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the divine authority and certainty of the impending judgment, leaving no doubt about its source or its inevitability.
* **"Behold, I [am] against thee,"**: This declaration reveals God's active and adversarial stance. It is not merely an external enemy or natural disaster, but God Himself who has turned against His people due to their persistent sin and rebellion. This personal declaration of opposition is profoundly chilling for a nation that had been in covenant with Him.
* **"and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath,"**: This vivid imagery portrays God as a warrior preparing for battle. The "sword" symbolizes divine judgment and destruction, and its being "drawn forth" signifies that the instrument of wrath is no longer dormant but poised for immediate and decisive action. It implies an unstoppable force.
* **"and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked."**: This is the most startling and challenging clause. It declares that the impending national catastrophe will be so pervasive and severe that it will not spare anyone based on their individual moral standing. Both those who are considered righteous and those who are overtly wicked will suffer the physical consequences of the corporate judgment, highlighting the totality of the disaster and the severe consequences of national apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:3 is rich in **symbolism** and **anthropomorphism**. The "sword" is a potent symbol, representing divine judgment, war, and destruction. Its "drawing forth" from the sheath is an **anthropomorphic** action, attributing human-like physical actions to God, emphasizing His direct and active involvement in the impending calamity. This vivid imagery creates a sense of imminent and unstoppable doom. The phrase "I am against thee" is a direct **pronouncement of judgment**, a legal-like declaration of divine opposition. Furthermore, the stark pairing of "the righteous and the wicked" creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, highlighting the shocking and comprehensive nature of the national judgment, where typical distinctions of individual merit are seemingly overridden by the corporate consequences of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the Old Testament understanding of corporate responsibility and the nature of divine judgment. While God is inherently just and distinguishes between individuals, national sin can reach a point where the consequences are so severe that they impact all within the society, regardless of individual piety. This does not negate God's ultimate justice or His care for the righteous, but it underscores the devastating impact of widespread rebellion against His covenant. The "sword" of the Lord is a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature, signifying God's active intervention in history to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or salvation.

* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "God's Use of Nebuchadnezzar as His Servant")
* [Lamentations 2:21](/lamentations/2-21 "The Sword Devours Without Pity")
* [Amos 9:8](/amos/9-8 "The Lord's Eyes on the Sinful Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:3 serves as a sobering reminder of God's absolute holiness and justice. It challenges our often-individualistic understanding of sin and consequences, forcing us to grapple with the reality of corporate sin and its far-reaching effects. While we trust in God's individual righteousness, this passage teaches us that persistent national or communal rebellion against God's ways can lead to widespread suffering that touches everyone. It calls us to a deeper understanding of repentance, not just individually but also collectively, recognizing that our actions as a society have profound spiritual and temporal consequences. It reminds us that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character and His commitment to upholding His covenant. We are called to live righteously, not only for our own sake but also for the sake of the communities and nations we inhabit, understanding that our collective moral posture before God matters deeply.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of corporate sin and its consequences, as seen in this verse, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice?**
* **In what ways might the "sword" of God's judgment manifest in our world today, beyond literal warfare?**
* **How can individuals maintain their faith and hope when they experience suffering alongside the wicked in times of widespread calamity?**
* **What responsibility do we have as believers to pray for and work towards righteousness in our nations, given the potential for corporate judgment?**

### FAQ
**Does "cutting off the righteous and the wicked" mean God doesn't distinguish between them?**

Answer: No, it does not mean God ceases to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked in terms of their eternal destiny or His ultimate justice. Rather, in the context of a devastating national judgment for widespread corporate sin, the physical and temporal consequences can be so pervasive that they affect all inhabitants of the land. The righteous may suffer physical hardship, displacement, or even death alongside the wicked, not as a punishment for their personal sin, but as part of the overall societal collapse brought about by the nation's rebellion. God's ultimate justice and His care for His faithful remain, as seen in passages like [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "God Distinguishes the Righteous and Wicked"), but this verse highlights the severe and indiscriminate nature of national calamity when God's patience is exhausted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:3 speaks of a terrifying judgment upon Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Christ. The "sword" of God's wrath, drawn against a rebellious people, finds its true target and satisfaction not in the indiscriminate cutting off of humanity, but in the person of Jesus Christ. He became the ultimate "righteous" one who was "cut off" (cf. [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Jesus Cut Off from the Land of the Living")) for the sake of both the righteous and the wicked. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's judgment against sin, enduring the divine wrath that humanity deserved (as foreshadowed in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as a Propitiation")). Through His sacrifice, the righteous are not cut off but are instead preserved and granted eternal life, and the wicked are offered a path to righteousness through faith in Him. The sword of judgment that threatened to consume all has been sheathed in Christ's atoning work, opening the way for God's ultimate desire: that none should perish but have everlasting life (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Thus, the terrifying impartiality of judgment in Ezekiel 21:3 is transformed by the perfect, impartial grace found in the gospel, where all who believe, regardless of their past, find salvation in the Lamb who was slain (cf. [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "The Worthiness of the Lamb")).

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

Jeremiah 21:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

Job 9:22

¶ This [is] one [thing], therefore I said [it], He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.

Nahum 3:5

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.

Ezekiel 5:8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, [am] against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.

Nahum 2:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Ezekiel 21:19

Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose [it] at the head of the way to the city.