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.

That all flesh {H1320} may know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} have drawn forth {H3318} my sword {H2719} out of his sheath {H8593}: it shall not return {H7725} any more.

Everyone alive will know that I, ADONAI, drew my sword from its scabbard; it will not be sheathed again.'

Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’

and all flesh shall know that I, Jehovah, have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more.

Ezekiel 21:5 delivers a powerful declaration from God concerning the inevitability and universal recognition of His impending judgment.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. Chapter 21, specifically, focuses on the "sword of the LORD" being drawn against Jerusalem and the land of Israel. It portrays God's judgment as a terrifying, unstoppable force, often symbolized by a sharpened sword. The immediate context sees Ezekiel commanded to prophesy against Jerusalem and the land, emphasizing that the judgment is not random but a direct, deliberate act of God due to Israel's idolatry and rebellion. This divine "sword" largely refers to the invading Babylonian army, which God uses as an instrument of His wrath.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "I the LORD have drawn forth my sword" unequivocally states that God Himself is the initiator and executor of this severe judgment. It highlights His absolute sovereignty over nations and historical events, even when human armies are involved.
  • Irreversibility and Finality: "It shall not return any more" signifies the decisive and complete nature of this judgment. Once set in motion, God's plan of punishment will run its full course without being recalled or diverted. This echoes the certainty of God's word not returning to Him void, but accomplishing its intended purpose.
  • Universal Recognition: The ultimate purpose of this drastic action is "That all flesh may know." God's judgment is not merely punitive but revelatory. Through these severe acts, all humanity, not just Israel, would be compelled to acknowledge the power, justice, and existence of the one true God, the LORD (YHWH). This theme of God being known among the nations is recurrent in prophetic literature.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sword" (chereb) is a common biblical metaphor for war, destruction, and divine judgment. The imagery of it being "drawn forth" and not "returning" emphasizes its active and irreversible deployment. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores that this is the covenant God of Israel, acting in accordance with His character and previous warnings.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:5 serves as a potent reminder of God's justice and His commitment to hold humanity accountable for sin. While the immediate context was judgment on ancient Israel, the principle remains: God is sovereign, and His warnings are serious. For believers, it reinforces the need for reverence and obedience, knowing that God is not to be trifled with. For all, it highlights that God's actions, even those of judgment, ultimately serve to reveal His nature and call all people to acknowledge Him. It prompts reflection on the serious consequences of rebellion against a holy God, while also pointing to the hope found in His mercy and the ultimate provision of salvation through Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Nahum 1:9

    ¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

  • Jeremiah 23:20

    The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

  • 1 Samuel 3:12

    In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

  • Ezekiel 20:48

    And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

  • Isaiah 45:23

    I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

  • Deuteronomy 29:24

    Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

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