Ezekiel 21:7

Commentary on Ezekiel 21:7 (KJV)

Ezekiel 21:7 is a powerful and vivid verse from the prophet Ezekiel, conveying the profound dread and certainty of impending divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It captures the essence of a nation facing the inevitable consequences of its actions.

Context

The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, with the prophet Ezekiel serving as God's messenger to the exiles in Babylon and to those remaining in Jerusalem. Chapter 21 is often referred to as the "Prophecy of the Sword," where the Lord declares His intention to bring a devastating judgment upon the land of Israel, specifically Jerusalem, through the invading Babylonian army. Ezekiel himself is commanded to perform symbolic actions to illustrate these prophecies. His deep sighing in the preceding verse (Ezekiel 21:6) is not a personal act of despair but a prophetic sign, a visible manifestation of the sorrow and terror that will grip the people.

Key Themes

• Imminent and Certain Judgment: The repeated phrase "it cometh" and "behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass" underscores the absolute certainty and nearness of God's judgment. There is no escaping what is about to unfold. This highlights God's unwavering resolve to deal with sin and disobedience.
• Overwhelming Fear and Despair: The verse graphically describes the physical and psychological impact of this impending doom: "every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water." This paints a picture of complete collapse, where all strength, courage, and hope vanish in the face of terror. Similar descriptions of dread can be found elsewhere in prophecy.
• Prophetic Burden: Ezekiel's sighing is not arbitrary; it's a direct response to "the tidings" – the heavy news of destruction he is commissioned to deliver. This illustrates the often painful and burdensome role of a prophet who must convey God's difficult messages, a burden also seen in Jeremiah's experience.
• Divine Sovereignty: The declaration "saith the Lord GOD" at the end of the verse emphasizes that this judgment is not merely a political or military event but a divinely orchestrated act. It is God's will being fulfilled, demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and history. This resonates with the certainty of God's word accomplishing its purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sigh" in this context is 'anaḥah (אָנָחָה), which conveys a deep groan or lament, often born out of distress, suffering, or oppression. It's more than a simple sigh; it's an expression of profound agony. The phrase "weak [as] water" is a vivid Hebrew idiom describing utter loss of strength and resolve, indicating a complete physical and emotional breakdown.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:7 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's judgment. While the immediate context was ancient Israel, the principles remain relevant:

• Heeding Warnings: God often sends warnings before judgment. This verse underscores the importance of taking divine warnings seriously and responding with repentance.
• Consequences of Disobedience: It illustrates that persistent rebellion against God's commands leads to severe, unavoidable consequences, both for individuals and nations.
• God's Justice and Sovereignty: The passage affirms that God is sovereign over all events and that His justice will ultimately prevail. While His patience is great, His judgment is sure when His warnings are ignored.