Ezekiel 21:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012}, and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Say {H559}, A sword {H2719}, a sword {H2719} is sharpened {H2300}, and also furbished {H4803}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, prophesy. Say that Adonai ELOHIM says to say this: 'A sword, a sword has been sharpened and polished,

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished—

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:9 presents a stark and urgent divine pronouncement delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. It serves as a chilling declaration from the LORD, emphasizing the absolute certainty and meticulous preparation of an impending judgment. The repeated imagery of a "sword," described as both "sharpened" and "furbished," vividly portrays God's readiness to execute His righteous wrath upon Judah, signifying an imminent and devastating military invasion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is a pivotal chapter within a larger section of prophecies (Ezekiel 20-24) where the prophet pronounces severe judgment against Jerusalem and the land of Israel for their persistent idolatry, rebellion, and covenant unfaithfulness. This particular verse immediately follows a symbolic prophecy against the "forest of the South" in [Ezekiel 20:45-49](/ezekiel/20-45 "Ezekiel 20:45-49 - Prophecy Against the South"), which is understood as a veiled reference to Jerusalem. The "sword" imagery introduced here becomes the dominant motif throughout the chapter, appearing repeatedly in verses like [Ezekiel 21:10](/ezekiel/21-10 "Ezekiel 21:10 - The Sword's Purpose"), [Ezekiel 21:14](/ezekiel/21-14 "Ezekiel 21:14 - The Sword's Double Edge"), and [Ezekiel 21:28](/ezekiel/21-28 "Ezekiel 21:28 - Sword Against the Ammonites"), underscoring the pervasive and inescapable nature of the coming destruction. The verse sets the stage for the detailed description of the sword's purpose, path, and devastating effects that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile (early 6th century BCE). The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had already been taken to Babylon in 597 BCE, and Jerusalem was under the looming threat of final destruction, which eventually occurred in 586 BCE. The "sword" was the quintessential weapon of war in the ancient Near East, symbolizing military might, conquest, and the execution of judgment. The act of sharpening and furbishing a sword was a common and necessary preparation for battle, indicating a deliberate and imminent engagement. Culturally, the concept of a divine warrior using instruments of war to enact judgment was well-established in Israelite theology, often seen as God's response to covenant breaking, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The Babylonian army, led by Nebuchadnezzar, was God's chosen instrument for this judgment, a fact acknowledged by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")).

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the impending devastation is not a random act of war but a direct, deliberate, and righteous consequence of Israel's persistent sin and rebellion against [the LORD](/ezekiel/21-9 "Ezekiel 21:9 - The LORD's Authority"). Second, the repetition and description of the sword underscore the **Imminence and Certainty** of this judgment; it is not a distant threat but an immediate, meticulously prepared reality. The "sharpened" and "furbished" nature of the sword conveys God's unwavering resolve and precision in executing His justice. Third, the opening command, "Son of man, prophesy," reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Authority** and Ezekiel's role as God's faithful messenger. He is a watchman (as described in [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - Ezekiel as Watchman")) tasked with delivering an unavoidable and often terrifying message, even when repentance seems unlikely or the people are unresponsive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This word (H2719) refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a knife, sword, or other sharp implement. In this context, it is a powerful metonym for war, destruction, and death. Its repetition in the verse, "A sword, a sword," intensifies the sense of its overwhelming presence and the inevitability of the judgment it represents. It is the primary instrument of divine wrath.
* **sharpened (Hebrew, _châdad'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H2300) meaning "to be (causatively, make) sharp" or "severe," this word emphasizes the keenness and readiness of the sword. It implies that the weapon has been made exceedingly effective and prepared for immediate, decisive action. This is not a dull or neglected blade, but one honed for its specific, deadly purpose.
* **furbished (Hebrew, _mâraṭ'_):** This word (H4803) comes from a root meaning "to polish" or "to make bright." When applied to a sword, it suggests that the blade has been cleaned, polished, and made gleaming. This "furbishing" indicates not just readiness, but a terrifying perfection and beauty in its destructive capacity. It implies that the sword is not only sharp but also aesthetically prepared for its terrifying task, reflecting the meticulous and deliberate nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. "Son of man" (H1121, H120) is God's consistent address to Ezekiel, emphasizing his human frailty and dependence on divine revelation, yet also his unique role as God's chosen messenger. The repeated command "prophesy, and say" underscores the urgency and necessity of delivering this specific word from "the LORD" (H3068, YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, whose word carries ultimate authority and certainty.
* **"A sword, a sword is sharpened,"**: This declaration introduces the central image of judgment. The immediate repetition of "A sword, a sword" serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the absolute certainty, imminence, and overwhelming nature of the impending destruction. The term "sharpened" (H2300) signifies that this instrument of judgment is not merely present but has been meticulously prepared, made keen and ready for its devastating work. It conveys a sense of precision and deadly effectiveness.
* **"and also furbished:"**: This final phrase adds another layer to the sword's readiness. "Furbished" (H4803) means polished or made bright. This suggests that the sword is not only sharp but also gleaming, perhaps even beautiful in its terrifying purpose. It implies a state of perfection and readiness for immediate and precise execution, highlighting God's deliberate and purposeful action in bringing about judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:9 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically a form of **anadiplosis**, seen in "A sword, a sword." This immediate reiteration of the word "sword" serves to intensify the message, creating a sense of urgency, certainty, and overwhelming presence. It hammers home the singular, destructive instrument of God's wrath. Furthermore, the passage employs vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear picture of a weapon meticulously prepared for battle. The terms "sharpened" and "furbished" are not merely descriptive; they evoke a sensory experience of a keen, gleaming blade, ready to strike. This imagery contributes to the overall tone of divine precision and inevitability. The "sword" itself functions as a potent **Metaphor** for divine judgment, war, and destruction. It is not just a physical weapon but a symbol of God's righteous retribution against a rebellious people, an instrument wielded by the Almighty Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:9 profoundly reveals the holiness and justice of God, demonstrating that His character demands a response to sin. The "sharpened and furbished sword" is a vivid manifestation of God's commitment to uphold His covenant and righteous standards. It underscores the truth that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a deliberate, precise, and inevitable consequence of persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God takes sin seriously and will act decisively to address it, even if it means using foreign nations as instruments of His wrath. The meticulous preparation of the "sword" reflects God's sovereignty and His purposeful control over history and the destinies of nations, ensuring that His will is executed with absolute precision.

* [Deuteronomy 28:22](/deuteronomy/28-22 "The Sword as a Curse")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Christ's Sword of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:9, while rooted in an ancient context of divine judgment upon Israel, offers timeless principles for contemporary reflection. It stands as a solemn reminder of God's unwavering holiness and the serious consequences of persistent disobedience to His revealed will. The "sharpened and furbished sword" compels us to consider the gravity of sin in our own lives and the world, and to recognize that God's justice is as real and certain as His mercy. This passage should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, not as terror, but as a profound reverence for His righteous character. It calls us to examine our hearts, repent of any rebellion, and seek alignment with His divine standards. Ultimately, understanding the severity of God's judgment deepens our appreciation for the immeasurable grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, providing an escape from the "sword" of judgment for all who believe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I personally take the warnings and calls to repentance found in God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's will, and how might I proactively align myself with His righteous standards?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as depicted here, deepen my appreciation for the mercy and grace extended through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "Son of man" mean in this context and how does it relate to Jesus?**

Answer: In the book of Ezekiel, "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_ - H1121, H120) is God's primary way of addressing the prophet Ezekiel, appearing over 90 times. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity, his mortality, and his humble status in contrast to the divine majesty of the LORD (H3068) who commissions him. It highlights that Ezekiel is a mere mortal delivering a divine message, underscoring the authority of the message itself rather than the messenger. While this phrase in Ezekiel refers to the prophet, it foreshadows the later use of "Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - Son of Man in Daniel") to describe a messianic, divine-human figure who receives everlasting dominion. Jesus frequently used "Son of Man" as His self-designation in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus as Son of Man")), connecting Himself to both the humble, suffering servant aspect and the glorious, authoritative figure who would come in judgment. Thus, while Ezekiel is a "son of man" delivering a message of judgment, Jesus is the ultimate "Son of Man" who will execute all judgment (e.g., [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus, the Son of Man, as Judge")).

**Why is the sword described as being "furbished" in addition to being "sharpened"?**

Answer: The description of the sword as "furbished" (Hebrew: _marat_ - H4803), meaning polished or made bright, adds a crucial layer of meaning beyond mere sharpness. While "sharpened" emphasizes its readiness to cut and destroy, "furbished" suggests a meticulous preparation that makes the sword gleam. This imagery conveys several profound theological points. First, it speaks to the **deliberateness and perfection of God's judgment**. This is not a hasty or impulsive act, but one executed with precision and care, reflecting God's righteous character. Second, the gleaming quality of a furbished sword can be terrifyingly beautiful in its destructive purpose, highlighting the **awe-inspiring and fearful aspect of divine wrath**. It implies that God's instrument of judgment is not only effective but also perfectly prepared for its task, leaving no doubt about its purpose or outcome. It underscores that God is sovereign over all events, even the most catastrophic, and that His judgments are executed with absolute control and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:9, with its terrifying imagery of a sharpened and furbished sword of judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to God's judgment upon Israel through the Babylonian sword, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one who both embodies and disarms this divine wrath for believers. Jesus is presented as the ultimate judge, the "Son of Man" who has been given authority to execute judgment because He is the Son of Man (e.g., [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus, the Son of Man, as Judge")). He is also depicted in Revelation with a sharp two-edged sword coming from His mouth, symbolizing the power and judgment of His word (e.g., [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - Christ's Appearance") and [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Return as Judge")). However, for those who believe, Christ fully absorbed the "sharpened and furbished sword" of God's wrath on the cross. His sacrifice was the perfect, meticulously prepared act of divine justice and mercy, satisfying the demands of God's holiness so that believers might be spared from condemnation (e.g., [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). The "sword" of judgment that was prepared for humanity was instead plunged into Christ, the Lamb of God (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering")). Thus, while Ezekiel's sword brings death, Christ's self-sacrifice brings life, transforming the instrument of judgment into the means of salvation for all who trust in Him. For believers, the only "sword" they now face is the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (e.g., [Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "The Armor of God")), a tool for spiritual warfare and truth, not condemnation.

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

Isaiah 34:5

For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

Isaiah 34:6

The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

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:

Ezekiel 21:3

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.

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Isaiah 66:16

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.