Ezekiel 21:30

Shall I cause [it] to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.

Shall I cause it to return {H7725} into his sheath {H8593}? I will judge {H8199} thee in the place {H4725} where thou wast created {H1254}, in the land {H776} of thy nativity {H4351}.

Cause it to return to its scabbard! I will judge you in the place where you were created, in the land of your origin.

Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you.

Cause it to return into its sheath. In the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy birth, will I judge thee.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 21 is a powerful prophetic chapter often referred to as the "Song of the Sword." In it, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from the Lord concerning the impending Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and Judah. The "sword" is a vivid metaphor for God's divine judgment and destructive power, poised to strike the wicked among His people. Leading up to verse 30, the Lord describes the sharpening and readiness of this sword, emphasizing its unstoppable nature and the devastation it will bring upon the land and its inhabitants, including the princes of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Unstoppable Divine Judgment: The rhetorical question, "Shall I cause [it] to return into his sheath?" underscores God's unwavering resolve. The judgment is not reversible; the "sword" of divine wrath will not be sheathed until its purpose is fully accomplished. This highlights God's commitment to executing justice against persistent rebellion.
  • Judgment in the Place of Sin: The declaration, "I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity," is profoundly significant. It means that Jerusalem and Judah, the very heartland where Israel was formed as a nation and where much of their spiritual and moral corruption took place, would be the site of their severe punishment. This emphasizes that consequences are often faced directly where the transgression occurred, bringing a poignant irony to their downfall in their own homeland.
  • God's Sovereignty and Justice: This verse reaffirms God's absolute control over history and His righteous character. He is not a distant observer but an active judge who brings about the necessary consequences for sin, even using foreign powers like Babylon as instruments of His will. This judgment serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of national and individual disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sheath" (Hebrew: ta'ar) refers to the scabbard for a sword. The question implies a state of readiness and an intention to carry out the full extent of the judgment. The phrase "land of thy nativity" (Hebrew: eretz mekuratech) powerfully connects the judgment to Israel's identity and origin, emphasizing that the place of their covenant relationship and blessings would also be the place of their severe discipline due to their unfaithfulness.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:30 serves as a timeless warning that God's justice is certain and His judgments are not arbitrary. For a general audience, it reminds us that:

  1. Consequences are Real: Sin, especially persistent rebellion, carries inevitable consequences. God's patience is not endless.
  2. Accountability is Personal and Communal: While this verse addresses a nation, the principle extends to individuals. We are accountable for our actions where we live and interact.
  3. God's Character is Just: Even in severe judgment, God acts in accordance with His righteous nature. This should inspire both fear and reverence, leading to repentance and obedience rather than presumption.
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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

  • Jeremiah 47:6

    O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

  • Jeremiah 47:7

    How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.

  • Ezekiel 16:38

    And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

  • Genesis 15:14

    And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

  • Ezekiel 21:4

    Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

  • Ezekiel 21:5

    That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

  • Ezekiel 16:3

    And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity [is] of the land of Canaan; thy father [was] an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite.