Ezekiel 7:18

They shall also gird [themselves] with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame [shall be] upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.

They shall also gird {H2296} themselves with sackcloth {H8242}, and horror {H6427} shall cover {H3680} them; and shame {H955} shall be upon all faces {H6440}, and baldness {H7144} upon all their heads {H7218}.

They will put on sackcloth; horror will cover them; every face will be ashamed, every head shaved bald.

They will put on sackcloth, and terror will overwhelm them. Shame will cover all their faces, and all their heads will be shaved.

They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.

Context of Ezekiel 7:18

Ezekiel 7 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's imminent and comprehensive judgment upon the land of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. The chapter describes the "end" coming upon Israel due to their pervasive idolatry, violence, and corruption. It paints a vivid picture of the impending Babylonian invasion, which would bring widespread destruction, famine, and pestilence. Verse 18 specifically details the human reaction to this divine wrath, illustrating the profound despair, public humiliation, and deep mourning that would grip the populace as their security and prosperity crumbled.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Despair and Profound Mourning: The imagery of girding with sackcloth and baldness speaks to an overwhelming sense of grief and hopelessness. This is not merely a traditional act of mourning but a compelled expression of utter despair in the face of inescapable calamity. The people are stripped of their dignity and left with nothing but sorrow.
  • Public Shame and Humiliation: "Shame shall be upon all faces" underscores the public disgrace and loss of honor experienced by a nation whose glory has been utterly stripped away. Their idolatrous practices and moral decay have led to a humiliating downfall, exposed for all to see.
  • Inevitable Consequences of Sin: This verse serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against God's covenant and widespread spiritual apostasy lead to severe and unavoidable consequences. The judgment described is a direct result of their actions, highlighting God's justice and His intolerance for sin. This echoes warnings found in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 7:19.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sackcloth" (Hebrew: saq) refers to a coarse, dark fabric typically made from goat's hair. It was commonly worn in ancient Near Eastern cultures during times of intense grief, mourning, repentance, or extreme distress. Its rough texture and humble appearance signified deep sorrow and humility. "Baldness" (Hebrew: qorḥah) in this context refers to a shaved head, an intentional act of extreme mourning or humiliation. While priests were forbidden from shaving their heads for the dead (Leviticus 21:5), it was a common sign of lamentation for ordinary people facing national disaster or profound personal loss, as seen in Amos 8:10.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel 7:18 describes a specific historical judgment on ancient Israel, its underlying principles remain relevant for all. It serves as a powerful warning about the gravity of persistent sin and the inevitable consequences of rebellion against divine truth. For believers, it highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance and living in obedience to God's Word, recognizing that God is righteous and His warnings are to be taken seriously. This verse contrasts the forced mourning of judgment with the call to true repentance, which should stem from a contrite heart rather than mere outward displays of despair. As the prophet Joel urged, it is better to "rend your heart, and not your garments" in seeking God's mercy.

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.

  • Amos 8:10

    And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

  • Isaiah 15:2

    He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

  • Isaiah 15:3

    In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

  • Ezekiel 27:31

    And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart [and] bitter wailing.

  • Isaiah 3:24

    And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

  • Job 21:6

    Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

  • Psalms 55:4

    My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

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