Ezekiel 33:21

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [that] one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} year {H8141} of our captivity {H1546}, in the tenth {H6224} month, in the fifth {H2568} day of the month {H2320}, that one that had escaped {H6412} out of Jerusalem {H3389} came {H935} unto me, saying {H559}, The city {H5892} is smitten {H5221}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Yerushalayim came to me with the news, "The city has been struck."

Berean Standard Bible

In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and reported, “The city has been taken!”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:21 marks a profound turning point in the prophet Ezekiel's ministry, delivering the long-awaited and devastating news of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonian forces. This verse precisely dates the arrival of a lone escapee from the besieged city, whose terse declaration, "The city is smitten," confirms the fulfillment of years of divine warnings and shifts the prophetic focus from impending judgment to the arduous path of explanation, comfort, and future restoration for the exiled people of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Prior to this pivotal moment, Ezekiel's prophetic ministry had been primarily focused on declaring God's impending judgment against Jerusalem and Judah, often accompanied by symbolic actions and dire warnings. A crucial aspect of this period was the symbolic sealing of Ezekiel's mouth regarding direct pronouncements about Jerusalem's fate, as recorded in [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened"). This silence was to persist until the news of the city's destruction reached him, serving as a powerful sign of God's withdrawal from the rebellious city. With the arrival of the escapee in Ezekiel 33:21, this silence is dramatically broken, signaling a profound shift in the prophet's role from a "watchman" warning of doom to one who now interprets the catastrophe and begins to speak of future hope and restoration, as evidenced in the subsequent chapters of the book. The immediate preceding verses (Ezekiel 33:1-20) reiterate the watchman's responsibility and God's justice, setting the stage for the concrete manifestation of the judgment that Ezekiel had so long foretold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezekiel 33:21 are set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a traumatic period in Israelite history. The first deportation occurred in 605 BC, followed by the second in 597 BC (which included Ezekiel), and the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. The verse specifies the date as "the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month." While Jerusalem was actually destroyed in the fifth month of the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign (which corresponds to the eleventh year of Judah's captivity, as noted in [Jeremiah 52:12](/jeremiah/52-12 "Jeremiah 52:12 - Destruction of Jerusalem")), the news reached Ezekiel in Babylon approximately one and a half years later. This delay highlights the immense distances and primitive communication methods of the ancient world. The escapee's perilous journey from a ravaged city to the distant exiles in Babylon would have been arduous and fraught with danger, making his arrival a momentous and highly anticipated event for the prophet and the community. The news would have shattered any lingering illusions among the exiles that Jerusalem would be spared, forcing them to confront the full reality of their national catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 33:21 is a nexus for several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. The arrival of the messenger and his stark declaration serve as undeniable proof that God's word, spoken through Ezekiel and other prophets like Jeremiah, is true and reliable. The judgment long foretold has now come to pass, validating the divine warnings. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment** as a righteous and inevitable consequence of persistent sin and rebellion. The fall of Jerusalem was not a random act of war but the culmination of God's holy wrath against His people's idolatry, injustice, and rejection of His covenant. This serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of disobedience, a theme echoed in passages such as [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, this verse marks a crucial **Transition in Prophetic Ministry**. For Ezekiel, the news of Jerusalem's fall liberates him from the "watchman" role of warning and opens his mouth to a new phase of ministry focused on explaining the reasons for the exile, offering comfort, and, most significantly, proclaiming the future hope of restoration for Israel, including the promise of a [new heart and spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart") under a new covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gâlûwth'_):** This feminine noun refers to the state of being exiled or carried away from one's homeland, and concretely, to the collective body of exiles themselves. In Ezekiel 33:21, it grounds the prophet's experience in the historical reality of the Babylonian deportation, emphasizing the collective trauma and displacement of the Judahite people. The "twelfth year of our captivity" precisely situates the timeline within this period of forced relocation and subjugation.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This proper noun refers to the capital city of Palestine, often understood as "founded peaceful." In this context, Jerusalem represents not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and national heart of Judah, the city of God's temple and covenant presence. Its mention here as the source of the escapee and the object of destruction ("smitten") signifies the catastrophic end of an era and the shattering of the people's false security in its inviolability.
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root verb means "to strike" or "to smite," encompassing a wide range of actions from a light tap to a severe blow, literally or figuratively. Here, in the passive voice ("is smitten"), it powerfully conveys the total and decisive defeat, conquest, and destruction of Jerusalem. It is a blunt, unvarnished declaration of utter devastation, leaving no ambiguity about the city's fate and the finality of God's judgment against it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month,"**: This precise chronological marker emphasizes the historical accuracy and divine orchestration of events. It grounds the prophecy in a specific, verifiable timeline, highlighting the long period of exile before the definitive news arrived. The detail underscores the prophet's experience alongside his fellow exiles ("our captivity").
* **"[that] one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me,"**: This clause introduces the messenger, a "refugee" or "fugitive" who has survived the siege and destruction. His very presence is a testament to the horror that has unfolded in Jerusalem. His arduous journey symbolizes the breaking of the communication barrier and the direct, undeniable confirmation of the city's fate reaching the exiles.
* **"saying, The city is smitten."**: This short, declarative statement is the devastating climax of the verse. The verb "smitten" (Hebrew: _nâkâh_) conveys a sense of violent, complete destruction. It is the long-anticipated, dreaded news that confirms the fulfillment of all Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment. This blunt declaration marks the definitive end of Jerusalem's resistance and the full realization of God's righteous wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:21 employs several powerful literary devices. The meticulous **Chronological Precision** ("twelfth year... tenth month... fifth day") lends an air of historical verisimilitude and gravitas to the event, anchoring the spiritual message in a concrete, undeniable reality. The figure of "one that had escaped" functions as a **Symbol** of the brokenness and devastation of Jerusalem, a living testament to the catastrophe. His arrival shatters the lingering hopes and illusions of the exiles, making the abstract warnings of judgment undeniably real. The terse, declarative statement, "The city is smitten," is a moment of profound **Dramatic Irony**. The audience (both ancient and modern) knows the city has been destroyed for some time (Jeremiah 52:12 dates the destruction earlier), but Ezekiel and the exiles are only now receiving the official, direct confirmation. This delay heightens the emotional impact of the news when it finally arrives, marking a definitive turning point. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a powerful instance of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, where the spoken word of God, through His prophet, is visibly and tragically realized in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:21 is a watershed moment, affirming God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in judgment. The fall of Jerusalem was not a defeat for God but a demonstration of His righteous character and the inevitable consequences of sustained rebellion. This event, though tragic, cleared the way for God's redemptive plan for His people, shifting the narrative from judgment to the promise of restoration and a new covenant. It underscores that God's word, whether of warning or promise, is always true and will be fulfilled in His time and way.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty"): Just as the news of Jerusalem's fall confirmed the fulfillment of judgment, this verse affirms that God's word always accomplishes its purpose.
* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation"): This passage vividly describes the desolation of Jerusalem, providing a poetic lament that resonates with the stark reality conveyed by the escapee's message.
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment"): This New Testament passage speaks to the accumulation of wrath against those who harden their hearts, mirroring the principle of divine judgment seen in Jerusalem's fall.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:21 serves as a stark reminder that God's word is not merely theoretical but has real-world consequences, both in judgment and in promise. For the exiles, this news was devastating, yet it also marked the end of a period of denial and the beginning of a new phase where true repentance and the hope of restoration could take root. For us today, it underscores the trustworthiness of Scripture: if God's warnings of judgment were fulfilled with such precision, then His promises of salvation, grace, and future glory are equally certain. It calls us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are not hardened by disobedience but are responsive to God's warnings and eager to embrace His path of righteousness. Even in moments of profound loss or the collapse of what we held dear, this verse subtly points to the truth that God is still at work, clearing the ground for new beginnings and deeper reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of the date and the specific news of Jerusalem's fall impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His prophetic word?**
* **In what ways might we, like the exiles, cling to false hopes or deny uncomfortable truths about our own spiritual state or the world around us?**
* **How does the transition in Ezekiel's ministry (from warning to comfort and restoration) inform our understanding of God's character and His purposes even in the midst of judgment?**
* **What "cities" or false securities in your own life might God be "smitting" to draw you into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did it take so long for the news of Jerusalem's fall to reach Ezekiel?**

Answer: The delay of approximately one and a half years for the news to reach Ezekiel in Babylon (Jerusalem fell in the 5th month of the 11th year of captivity, and the news arrived in the 10th month of the 12th year) was primarily due to the vast geographical distance between Jerusalem and Babylon and the limitations of ancient communication methods. There were no instantaneous means of transmitting information. A messenger would have had to travel hundreds of miles through potentially hostile territory, often on foot, making the journey long and perilous. This delay also served a theological purpose, as [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened") indicates that Ezekiel's mouth was to remain shut regarding direct prophecies about Jerusalem until the news of its fall reached him, emphasizing the definitive end of that phase of judgment.

**What is the significance of Ezekiel's mouth being "opened" after this news?**

Answer: Prior to the news of Jerusalem's fall, [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened") states that Ezekiel's mouth would be "opened" upon the arrival of an escapee, symbolizing a shift in his prophetic ministry. Before this, his role was primarily to warn Judah of impending judgment, a message that often met with resistance and unbelief. With the city's destruction confirmed, the period of warning was over. God's judgment had been executed. The "opening" of Ezekiel's mouth signified a new phase of ministry: explaining the reasons for the exile, offering comfort to the shattered exiles, and, most importantly, proclaiming future hope, restoration, and the promise of a new covenant with a [new heart and spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart"). This transition demonstrates God's faithfulness even in judgment, always pointing towards ultimate redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:21, though a somber account of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The "smitten city" of Jerusalem, a symbol of humanity's rebellion and the consequences of sin, foreshadows the ultimate "smitten" one: Jesus Christ. He, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was "smitten by God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ's Suffering")) not for His own sin, but for the sins of the world. The judgment that fell upon rebellious Jerusalem ultimately fell upon Christ on the cross, where He bore the full wrath of God against sin, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Furthermore, the shift in Ezekiel's ministry from warning to the proclamation of hope and restoration finds its ultimate reality in Christ. He is the one who brings true and lasting restoration, not merely to a physical city, but to the hearts of individuals through the new covenant, where the law is written on hearts and sins are remembered no more ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"); [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). The news of Jerusalem's fall cleared the way for a new spiritual reality, just as Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the new creation, inviting all who believe into a spiritual Jerusalem, the [heavenly city](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"), where God truly dwells among His people forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 1:2

In the fifth [day] of the month, which [was] the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

Ezekiel 24:26

[That] he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears?

Ezekiel 24:27

In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 32:1

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Jeremiah 52:4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.