Ezekiel 24:21

KJV

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H559} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will profane {H2490} my sanctuary {H4720}, the excellency {H1347} of your strength {H5797}, the desire {H4261} of your eyes {H5869}, and that which your soul {H5315} pitieth {H4263}; and your sons {H1121} and your daughters {H1323} whom ye have left {H5800} shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to speak to the house of Isra'el and say that this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I am about to profane my sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the delight of your eyes and your heart's desire. Your sons and daughters whom you have left behind will die by the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’

American Standard Version

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left behind shall fall by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:21 delivers a profound and devastating prophecy from the Lord GOD to the exiled house of Israel, declaring the imminent and active destruction of Jerusalem and its most cherished possession, the Temple. This divine pronouncement reveals God's direct agency in profaning His own sanctuary—the very symbol of Israel's strength, pride, and deepest affection—as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness. The verse culminates in the grim fate of their beloved children, who would fall by the sword, underscoring the complete and painful nature of the impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 24:21 is the climactic prophetic declaration following two powerful symbolic acts. The first is the "Parable of the Boiling Pot" (Ezekiel 24:1-14), which graphically portrays Jerusalem as a pot filled with the nation's inhabitants, destined for a fiery judgment that would consume its wickedness. This parable, delivered on the very day the siege of Jerusalem began (Ezekiel 24:1-2), served as a direct and immediate revelation of the city's impending doom. The second act is the sudden and unexplained death of Ezekiel's wife (Ezekiel 24:15-27), which God commanded Ezekiel not to mourn publicly. This personal tragedy, mirroring the profound and unmourned loss of Jerusalem and the Temple, served as a sign to the exiles that their most precious possession would be taken from them without the customary period of lamentation, signifying the overwhelming nature of the catastrophe. Verse 21 directly explains the divine rationale behind these signs, confirming God's sovereign hand in the unfolding tragedy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered to Ezekiel and the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a period of deep national crisis, specifically as Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem commenced in 588 BCE. For centuries, the Temple in Jerusalem had been the spiritual, national, and cultural heart of Israel. It was not merely a building but the dwelling place of God's presence (the Shekinah), the center of their sacrificial system, and the ultimate symbol of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Culturally, the Temple represented Israel's identity, their perceived invincibility, and their hope for the future. The idea that God Himself would "profane" His sanctuary was utterly shocking and counter-intuitive to a people who believed their Temple guaranteed their safety. This act signified the complete dismantling of their earthly hopes and a profound theological and national trauma, demonstrating that God's presence was not bound by a physical structure, especially when His people were unfaithful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the destruction of Jerusalem was not merely a geopolitical event but a deliberate act of God's justice against a rebellious people. God explicitly states, "I will profane my sanctuary," asserting His active role. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Covenant Unfaithfulness**, revealing that Israel's persistent sin was the root cause of this severe judgment. The Temple, though holy, could not protect a people who had violated their covenant. This aligns with warnings found throughout the Torah, such as the curses for disobedience detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"). Thirdly, the verse addresses the **Loss of False Security and Misplaced Trust**. The Temple, described as "the excellency of your strength" and "the desire of your eyes," had become a source of national pride and a misplaced object of trust, rather than God Himself. Its destruction shattered this illusion, teaching Israel that true security lies only in faithful obedience to Yahweh. Finally, the mention of "sons and daughters" falling by the sword emphasizes the devastating **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating the far-reaching and deeply personal impact of national apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Profane (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this primitive root means "to bore," "to wound," "to dissolve," and figuratively, "to profane," "to defile," or "to make common." In this context, it signifies God Himself treating His own holy place as common or defiled. This is a shocking declaration, as the Temple was consecrated for His exclusive presence. God's act of "profaning" His sanctuary underscores that its holiness was dependent on His presence and the people's faithfulness, not an inherent quality that could withstand their persistent sin. It implies a stripping away of its sacred status due to the defilement brought by Israel's actions.
* **Sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, this term refers to a "consecrated thing or place," specifically a "palace" or "sanctuary." It denotes a place set apart for sacred purposes, particularly for the worship of Yahweh. The Temple was the central place of Israel's religious life, where God's presence was manifested. The profanation of the _miqdâsh_ by God Himself is a powerful statement of His judgment, indicating that the very place meant to facilitate communion with Him had become an object of His wrath due to the people's unholiness.
* **Excellency (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this word means "arrogance," "majesty," "pride," or "ornament." When combined with "strength" (H5797, _ʻôz'_), "the excellency of your strength" (KJV) or "the pride of your power" (NIV) points to the Temple as the pinnacle of Israel's national glory, their source of perceived might, and the object of their boasting. It signifies not just its beauty or architectural grandeur, but its role as the symbol of their national identity and their confidence in divine protection. Its destruction would therefore be the shattering of their deepest pride and perceived security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and the specific audience of the prophecy. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct, unmediated message from Yahweh (the Lord GOD) to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing that this is not human speculation but a definitive word from the sovereign Creator.
* **"Behold, I will profane my sanctuary,":** This is the core of the shocking declaration. God Himself, the holy one, states His intention to desecrate His own Temple. This is a judicial act, a divine judgment against the people's sin, demonstrating that the Temple's holiness was conditional upon Israel's faithfulness. It signifies that God's presence would be withdrawn, and the physical structure would be rendered common and vulnerable to destruction.
* **"the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth;":** This powerful triplet describes the profound emotional and theological significance of the Temple to the Israelites. It was "the excellency of their strength," representing their national pride, power, and perceived security. It was "the desire of their eyes," indicating its beauty, splendor, and the object of their longing and admiration. And it was "that which your soul pitieth," meaning it was the object of their deepest affection, compassion, and emotional attachment. These phrases underscore the immense value Israel placed on the Temple, making its impending destruction all the more devastating.
* **"and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.":** This final clause reveals the devastating human cost of the judgment. Beyond the destruction of the Temple, the prophecy includes the death of their children, specifically those "whom ye have left" (likely referring to those left behind in Jerusalem when others were exiled, or perhaps those they had 'abandoned' to their fate through their sin). This signifies a complete and agonizing loss, affecting the very future and continuity of the nation, and representing the ultimate consequence of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the Temple, an inanimate object, is imbued with human-like qualities and emotional significance. It is described as "the desire of your eyes" and "that which your soul pitieth," highlighting the deep emotional attachment and affection the Israelites held for their sanctuary. This makes its prophesied destruction all the more poignant and painful. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in God declaring, "I will profane my sanctuary." The very nature of a sanctuary is its sacredness and separation for divine use; for God Himself to declare its profanation underscores the severity of Israel's sin, which has rendered even the holiest place subject to divine judgment. The cumulative description of the Temple as "the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth" functions as a form of **Intensification** or **Climax**, building up the profound value of the Temple to the people, thereby amplifying the shock and devastation of its impending destruction. Finally, the phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" marks the passage as a **Prophetic Oracle**, signaling its divine origin and absolute authority, leaving no doubt that this is God's definitive word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:21 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves judging His own people and their most sacred institutions. The profanation of the Temple underscores that God's presence is not bound by physical structures, nor can a building, however magnificent, serve as a shield against divine wrath when a people has persistently violated their covenant. This passage highlights the profound truth that true worship and security lie in a faithful relationship with God, not in external forms or symbols. It challenges the notion that God's blessings are unconditional, revealing that severe consequences await those who turn from Him, even if they outwardly maintain religious practices. The destruction of the Temple and the loss of life were not arbitrary acts but the painful outworking of God's righteous judgment against Israel's idolatry and rebellion.

* [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Nebuzaradan Burns the Temple")
* [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Do Not Trust in Deceptive Words About the Temple")
* [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:21 offers a powerful and sobering lesson for all generations. It compels us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. For ancient Israel, the Temple, though divinely ordained, had become an idol—a source of misplaced confidence that supplanted their reliance on God Himself. Similarly, we can be tempted to place our hope in institutions, traditions, material possessions, or even our own strengths and accomplishments, elevating them to a place of "excellency" and "desire" in our hearts, much like the Temple was to Israel. This passage challenges us to recognize that God's holiness demands genuine reverence and obedience, not mere ritual or outward adherence. When our hearts drift from Him, even what we hold most dear can become subject to His corrective judgment. It reminds us that true strength, security, and peace are found only in a living, faithful relationship with the Lord, not in the blessings or symbols He provides. We are called to surrender our "sanctuaries" to Him, ensuring that our deepest affections and desires are fixed on God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sanctuaries" or sources of security do we sometimes elevate above God in our lives, placing our ultimate trust in them?**
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's holiness and His response to unfaithfulness, even within His covenant people?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to trust in religious forms, traditions, or even our own spiritual disciplines more than in a genuine, living relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Why would God "profane" His own sanctuary?**

Answer: The term "profane" (Hebrew: _châlal_) here signifies God's judicial act of treating His holy Temple as common or defiled. This was not an arbitrary act but a direct consequence of Israel's persistent sin, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. The Temple, meant to be a place of His holy presence and pure worship, had been defiled by the people's actions, including their bringing idols into its precincts and engaging in detestable practices. By "profaning" it, God was demonstrating that His presence and the Temple's holiness were conditional upon the people's obedience. He was essentially withdrawing His protective presence, allowing the Temple to be destroyed, thereby proving that a physical structure could not guarantee their safety when their hearts were far from Him. This act underscored that God's character demands righteousness, and He will not tolerate the defilement of His name or His dwelling place indefinitely, as seen in warnings like [Jeremiah 7:4-15](/jeremiah/7-4-15 "Jeremiah 7:4-15 - The Temple Sermon").

**What is the significance of the Temple being "the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth"?**

Answer: These phrases are highly emotive and descriptive, highlighting the immense and multifaceted value the Temple held for the Israelites. "The excellency of your strength" (Hebrew: _gâʼôwn ʻôz_) refers to the Temple as the pinnacle of their national pride, their perceived source of power, and the symbol of their security. They believed that as long as the Temple stood, God was with them, and they were invincible. "The desire of your eyes" speaks to its beauty, splendor, and the aesthetic pleasure and longing it evoked. It was a magnificent structure, the pride of Jerusalem. "That which your soul pitieth" (Hebrew: _machmâl nephesh_) conveys the deep emotional attachment, affection, and compassion they felt for it. It was not just a building but the very heart of their spiritual and national identity, something they cherished deeply. By describing the Temple in such terms, God emphasizes the profound and agonizing loss its destruction would represent, making the judgment all the more impactful and demonstrating that He was striking at the very core of their misplaced trust and affection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 24:21, with its prophecy of the Temple's profanation and destruction, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing to the obsolescence of the physical sanctuary and the inauguration of a new, spiritual reality in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, though divinely instituted, was a shadow of a greater reality to come. When Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")," He was speaking of the temple of His body (see [John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaking of His Body as the Temple")). His crucifixion and resurrection marked the ultimate "profanation" of sin and death, allowing God's presence to dwell not in a building made with hands, but in the person of Christ and, by extension, in believers through the Holy Spirit (as articulated in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The judgment on the physical Temple in Ezekiel foreshadows God's ultimate judgment on sin, which Christ bore on the cross, becoming the perfect sacrifice that forever atoned for humanity's unfaithfulness. The "sons and daughters" falling by the sword represents the spiritual death and separation from God that sin brings, a fate from which Christ delivers those who believe in Him. Ultimately, the New Testament reveals that in the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a temple, for "[the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")," signifying that God's presence is now fully and eternally accessible through Christ Himself.

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

Ezekiel 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

Ezekiel 23:25

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.

Psalms 27:4

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Jeremiah 7:14

Therefore will I do unto [this] house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

Ezekiel 24:16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.

Jeremiah 6:11

Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with [him that is] full of days.

Psalms 84:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable [are] thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!