Ezekiel 7:21

KJV

And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} it into the hands {H3027} of the strangers {H2114} for a prey {H957}, and to the wicked {H7563} of the earth {H776} for a spoil {H7998}; and they shall pollute {H2490} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will hand it over to foreigners as booty, to the wicked of the earth as spoil, and they will profane it.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will hand these things over as plunder to foreigners and loot to the wicked of the earth, who will defile them.

American Standard Version

And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall profane it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:21 is a stark prophetic declaration of God's impending and severe judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, specifically detailing the desecration of the cherished temple and its treasures. It portrays God's active role in orchestrating this calamity, delivering the nation's most sacred symbols into the hands of foreign invaders as plunder and spoil, a direct consequence of Israel's pervasive sin and rebellion against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 forms a pivotal part of the prophet's early messages, delivered to the exiles in Babylon. Following the "sword" prophecies of chapter 6, which announced the desolation of the land and the destruction of idolatrous high places, chapter 7 intensifies the message by declaring "the end has come" for Israel. This chapter serves as a comprehensive pronouncement of judgment, detailing the swiftness, totality, and inescapability of Jerusalem's fall. Verse 21 specifically addresses the fate of the temple and its holy articles, setting the stage for the vivid descriptions of the abominations within the temple itself in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). The prophet systematically dismantles any false hope the people might cling to, emphasizing that no part of their society, from kings to priests, or even their most sacred institutions, will escape divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a period of profound national crisis for Judah, spanning the final years before Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon and continuing into the early years of the Babylonian exile. The primary audience was the Jewish exiles already in Babylon, though his messages also spoke to those remaining in Jerusalem. For the people of Judah, the Temple in Jerusalem was far more than a mere building; it was the symbolic epicenter of their faith, believed to be the dwelling place of Yahweh, and often, a source of profound, yet misplaced, security. They erroneously thought its presence guaranteed their safety and immunity from destruction, despite their widespread idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness, which Ezekiel vividly exposes in passages like [Ezekiel 8:6-18](/ezekiel/8-6 "Ezekiel 8:6-18 - The Abominations in the Temple"). This verse shatters that illusion, revealing God's intention to allow the temple's defilement as a direct, just response to their spiritual defilement. The "strangers" refer specifically to the Neo-Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God uses as instruments of His judgment, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God calls Nebuchadnezzar His servant").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the impending calamity is not merely a random act of war but a divinely ordained consequence for Judah's persistent sin and rebellion. God's declaration, "I will give it," highlights His active role in directing these events, affirming His **Sovereignty** over all nations and historical outcomes, even using pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His righteous will, as illustrated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). The verse also vividly portrays the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that spiritual rebellion inevitably leads to severe repercussions, even the profanation of what was once considered sacred. Finally, the phrase "they shall pollute it" speaks directly to the **Profanation of the Sacred**, a recurring motif in Ezekiel, where the physical desecration of the temple mirrors and culminates the spiritual defilement that Israel had already brought upon God's sanctuary and His holy name through their idolatry and unrighteousness, as God Himself laments in [Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - God's Sanctuary Defiled").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This word (H5414) is a primitive root with a vast semantic range, meaning "to give," but also "to put," "to make," "to appoint," or "to deliver." In Ezekiel 7:21, it signifies God's deliberate and active decision to "deliver" or "hand over" the temple and its contents. It emphasizes divine agency and intentionality in the judgment, rather than merely passive allowance. God is not an indifferent observer but the sovereign orchestrator of the events.
* **strangers (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** Derived from H2114, this root means "to turn aside," implying someone who is foreign or alien. It can also carry connotations of being profane or estranged. Here, "strangers" refers to foreign invaders, specifically the Babylonians, who are outside the covenant community. Their role as agents of defilement is underscored by the root's connection to profanity, as they are inherently "profane" in a cultic sense and will make the sacred "profane."
* **pollute (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This primitive root (H2490) means "to bore," "to wound," "to dissolve," but most significantly in this context, "to profane" or "to defile" a person, place, or thing. It implies stripping away holiness, making something common or unholy. The use of this word here is highly significant, as it indicates the ultimate indignity: the sacred Temple, which was meant to be the epitome of holiness, will be rendered common and defiled by the hands of the invaders, mirroring Israel's own prior spiritual profanation of God's name and sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey":** This clause highlights God's active, intentional role in the judgment. The pronoun "it" refers to the land, Jerusalem, and implicitly, the temple and its treasures. God, the sovereign Lord, is handing over His people's most cherished possessions—including the sacred temple—into the control ("hands") of foreign, non-covenant peoples ("strangers"). The term "prey" (Hebrew, _baz_) denotes plunder or booty taken by force, emphasizing the complete subjugation and exploitation of what was once Israel's.
* **"and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil":** This parallel clause reinforces the previous one, using synonymous terms to amplify the message. "The wicked of the earth" refers to the same foreign invaders, emphasizing their moral character from God's perspective, yet they are still instruments in His hand. "Spoil" (Hebrew, _shâlâl_) is another word for plunder or loot, reiterating the comprehensive nature of the confiscation and the utter defeat of Judah.
* **"and they shall pollute it":** This final, chilling declaration reveals the ultimate indignity. The "strangers" and "wicked" will not merely take the physical possessions but will also desecrate the holy place. To "pollute" (Hebrew, _châlal_) means to profane, defile, or make common that which is sacred. This act of physical defilement by the invaders is a direct consequence and a mirror of Israel's own spiritual defilement of the temple and their covenant with God through idolatry and sin.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Personification**, where God is depicted with "hands" (though the Hebrew _yâd_ also signifies power or control), actively "giving" over Jerusalem and its temple. This emphasizes God's direct agency and intentionality in the unfolding catastrophe, making it clear that this is not random misfortune but divine judgment. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism** in the repetition of "for a prey" and "for a spoil," which are synonymous terms. This synonymous parallelism intensifies the sense of complete and utter plunder, reinforcing the totality of the loss. Furthermore, the verse uses **Symbolism**, as "it" (referring to Jerusalem and implicitly the temple) symbolizes the nation's spiritual state and their false security. The desecration of this physical symbol directly reflects the spiritual defilement that Israel had already perpetrated. Finally, there is a profound **Irony** in the fact that the very place intended for God's holy presence, the Temple, is delivered into the hands of the "wicked" to be "polluted" because the people who worshipped there had already spiritually polluted it through their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:21 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and sovereignty, even in the face of His people's rebellion. It reveals that covenant relationship does not grant immunity from divine judgment when that covenant is repeatedly violated. God is faithful to His promises, including His warnings of discipline for disobedience. The defilement of the temple, the very symbol of God's presence among His people, serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness cannot be contained or manipulated by human institutions or rituals without genuine obedience and purity of heart. This act of judgment underscores that God's glory and name are paramount, and He will act decisively to vindicate His holiness when His people profane it.

* [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - God's Role in Calamity")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - Defilement of God's Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:21 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's holiness and His unwavering justice. It challenges us to confront any spiritual complacency or misplaced security we might harbor, particularly in religious structures, traditions, or even our own perceived righteousness, rather than in a genuine, obedient relationship with God. The defilement of the temple, a place of immense spiritual significance, underscores that outward forms of piety or sacred spaces mean nothing if the heart is far from God. Our actions, both individual and corporate, have profound consequences, and while God is rich in mercy, He is also perfectly just. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination, urging us to identify and repent of any areas of spiritual defilement, idolatry, or unfaithfulness in our lives. It compels us to pursue true holiness and reverence for God, understanding that His presence is not bound to physical structures but resides in hearts that are pure, obedient, and truly devoted to Him, as exhorted in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Called to Holiness").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be placing my security or hope in something other than God alone?**
* **In what ways might my actions, attitudes, or priorities be "polluting" or defiling the spiritual temple of my own life or the church community?**
* **How does understanding God's active role in judgment (e.g., "I will give it") shape my view of His sovereignty and justice in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What does "pollute it" specifically refer to in the context of the temple?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 7:21, "pollute it" (Hebrew, _châlal_) refers to the physical and ritual desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by foreign invaders. This would involve the plundering of its sacred vessels, the defiling of its holy spaces by pagan rituals or the presence of unholy individuals, and the general stripping away of its sanctity. This act of physical defilement by the Babylonians was a direct consequence and a mirror of the spiritual defilement that the Israelites themselves had already brought upon the temple through their idolatry, moral corruption, and unfaithfulness to God, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple").

**Why would God allow His own temple to be defiled by "strangers" and "the wicked of the earth"?**

Answer: God allowed His temple to be defiled as a severe act of judgment against His people, Judah, for their persistent and egregious sin, particularly their idolatry and profanation of His name. The temple, meant to be a place of holiness and worship, had become a source of false security and was itself defiled by the abominations committed within its precincts. By allowing "strangers" (the Babylonians) to defile it, God demonstrated that His presence and holiness are not bound to a physical structure when His people have broken covenant. This act underscored His sovereignty over all nations, even using pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:21, with its grim prophecy of the temple's defilement, foreshadows a profound shift in God's dwelling place and the nature of true worship, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The physical temple in Jerusalem, though once the locus of God's presence, was susceptible to human sin and subsequent divine judgment and defilement. This Old Testament reality points forward to Christ, who declares Himself to be the true temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His body [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple"). While the physical temple was polluted by human sin and pagan invaders, Christ, the perfect temple, was "polluted" not by His own sin, but by taking upon Himself the sins of the world, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was the definitive act that cleansed the true temple—humanity—from the defilement of sin, offering a perfect and eternal atonement that the sacrifices in the earthly temple could only foreshadow [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Through Christ, believers become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House"), thereby fulfilling the purpose of a holy dwelling place for God, no longer confined to a physical structure but residing in the hearts of His redeemed people.

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

2 Kings 24:13

And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

Psalms 74:2

Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

Psalms 74:8

They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.

2 Chronicles 36:18

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:19

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

2 Kings 25:13

And the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

2 Kings 25:16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.