Ezekiel 7:26

KJV

Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.

KJV (with Strong's)

Mischief {H1943} shall come {H935} upon mischief {H1943}, and rumour {H8052} shall be upon rumour {H8052}; then shall they seek {H1245} a vision {H2377} of the prophet {H5030}; but the law {H8451} shall perish {H6} from the priest {H3548}, and counsel {H6098} from the ancients {H2205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Calamity will follow calamity, rumor will follow rumor; they will seek a vision from the prophet, but Torah will perish from the cohen and advice from the leaders.

Berean Standard Bible

Disaster upon disaster will come, and rumor after rumor. Then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but instruction from the priests will perish, as will counsel from the elders.

American Standard Version

Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumor shall be upon rumor; and they shall seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the elders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:26 is a stark prophetic declaration foretelling the escalating chaos and spiritual desolation that would overwhelm Judah during the impending Babylonian invasion. It vividly portrays a society plunged into utter distress, where traditional conduits of divine revelation, spiritual instruction, and human wisdom—the prophet, the priest, and the elders—would fail or be rendered silent, leaving the people without any reliable guidance in their hour of deepest need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:26 stands as a climactic statement within the broader prophetic oracle of [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come"), which is a direct and severe pronouncement of God's judgment against the land of Israel. The chapter begins with the stark declaration, "An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land" ([Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come")). This sets a tone of finality and totality, emphasizing that the judgment is comprehensive and inescapable. The preceding verses detail the reasons for this judgment, including widespread idolatry, violence, and moral corruption. Verse 26 specifically highlights the spiritual and societal ramifications of this judgment, showing how the very structures meant to provide stability and divine guidance would crumble, leading to a desperate, yet futile, search for truth. It underscores the profound spiritual famine that accompanies God's wrath, a theme echoed elsewhere in the prophets, such as in [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11-12 - A Famine of the Word").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 7:26 is set against the backdrop of the imminent or ongoing Babylonian siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem (586 BCE). This period was one of immense political instability, military threat, and spiritual decline for the kingdom of Judah. In ancient Israelite society, the roles of prophet, priest, and elder (or "ancient") were foundational for maintaining spiritual and social order. Prophets (like Ezekiel himself) served as direct mouthpieces for God, delivering His word and warnings. Priests were responsible for the sacrificial system, maintaining the purity of worship, and, crucially, for preserving and teaching the [Torah](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Priests Teach God's Law") or God's law to the people ([Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priests Teach the Law")). Elders or "ancients" were respected community leaders, often men of age and experience, who provided practical wisdom, counsel, and judicial guidance in local affairs ([Deuteronomy 32:7](/deuteronomy/32-7 "Deuteronomy 32:7 - Remember the Days of Old")). The breakdown of these three pillars signified a complete societal collapse, both spiritually and practically, leaving the people without any legitimate source of authority or direction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent apostasy and moral decay. The escalating "mischief" and "rumour" are not random occurrences but manifestations of God's righteous wrath against a rebellious people who had forsaken their covenant. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Famine and Desolation**. The inability to find a vision from the prophet, the perishing of the law from the priest, and the absence of counsel from the elders depict a profound spiritual barrenness, a silence from God that is more terrifying than physical destruction. This is a judgment where God withdraws His presence and guidance, leaving His people to their own devices, as foreshadowed in [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Failure of Leadership**. The very institutions entrusted with upholding God's truth and guiding the nation are rendered ineffective, either through their own corruption or by divine decree, illustrating the dire consequences when spiritual and civic leaders fail in their God-given responsibilities. This failure is a recurring lament in prophetic books, such as in [Jeremiah 2:8](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Priests and Prophets Failed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _hôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "ruin" or "calamity," this word denotes active destruction, disaster, or moral evil. Its repetition ("mischief upon mischief") intensifies the sense of an overwhelming, compounding series of calamities, suggesting a relentless onslaught of troubles that grow exponentially, leaving no respite or hope of escape. It points to a pervasive state of distress and moral decay, a direct consequence of divine judgment.
* **Rumour (Hebrew, _shᵉmûwʻâh'_):** This term refers to something heard, an announcement, or a report, often implying unsettling or terrifying news. The phrase "rumour upon rumour" signifies a constant barrage of bad tidings—reports of impending invasions, defeats, famine, or internal strife—creating an atmosphere of extreme anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. It speaks to the psychological and social breakdown accompanying the physical calamities, where hope is eroded by a relentless influx of despairing news.
* **Perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to wander away," "lose oneself," or "to be destroyed." When applied to the "law" from the priest, it implies not merely a temporary absence or neglect, but a complete loss, destruction, or utter ineffectiveness. It signifies a profound spiritual void where the very source of divine instruction and moral guidance has become inaccessible or has ceased to exist in any meaningful way. This is a judgment of spiritual barrenness, indicating a complete cessation of the means of grace and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mischief shall come upon mischief,"**: This opening clause vividly portrays an escalating series of disasters and calamities. It's not a single event but a compounding effect, where one trouble immediately follows another, intensifying the suffering and creating an inescapable cycle of distress. This signifies a breakdown of all order and a relentless onslaught of troubles, indicating a comprehensive and unavoidable judgment.
* **"and rumour shall be upon rumour;"**: Parallel to the first clause, this indicates a constant influx of unsettling or terrifying news. Reports of war, famine, defeat, and internal strife would flood the land, creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear, anxiety, and confusion. The psychological toll of such relentless bad tidings would be immense, eroding hope and trust, and reflecting the widespread chaos.
* **"then shall they seek a vision of the prophet;"**: In their desperation, facing overwhelming crises and a world turned upside down, the people would instinctively turn to the traditional source of divine revelation: the prophet. This highlights humanity's natural inclination to seek spiritual guidance and understanding when earthly solutions fail, revealing a desperate longing for a word from God, even if it comes too late.
* **"but the law shall perish from the priest,"**: This marks a tragic turning point. The priests, divinely appointed to preserve, teach, and interpret God's law (Torah), would be unable to do so. "Perish" suggests a complete loss or ineffectiveness, implying either that the priests themselves were corrupt and ignorant, or that the circumstances of judgment (e.g., exile, destruction of the Temple) would render their function impossible. The result is a profound loss of divine instruction and moral compass for the nation.
* **"and counsel from the ancients."**: Completing the picture of societal collapse, the elders or "ancients," who were respected for their wisdom, experience, and practical guidance in community affairs, would also be unable to provide sound advice. This signifies a complete breakdown of human wisdom and leadership, leaving the people without any reliable source of practical or judicial direction, thus sealing their fate in confusion and despair.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom and spiritual desolation. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in "mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour." This creates a sense of overwhelming, relentless, and compounding calamity, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the judgment. It also functions as a form of **Anaphora** and **Parallelism**, where similar grammatical structures are repeated to build intensity and highlight the pervasive nature of the distress. The verse also features a stark **Contrast** between the people's desperate "seeking a vision of the prophet" and the subsequent declaration that "the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients." This contrast underscores the tragic irony of their situation: the very sources of guidance they desperately seek will be unavailable or rendered impotent. This highlights a profound **Spiritual Famine**, where God's word and wisdom are withdrawn, leaving a void. The overall tone is one of **Lament** and **Prophetic Warning**, designed to evoke a sense of urgency and the dire consequences of Israel's apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:26 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that persistent rebellion against God inevitably leads to His judgment, which often manifests as a withdrawal of His presence and guidance. When a people or individual rejects divine wisdom and moral principles, the natural consequence is escalating chaos, confusion, and a spiritual barrenness where truth and counsel become unattainable. This verse serves as a stark warning against spiritual apathy and the dangers of neglecting God's revealed will. It underscores the vital role of faithful spiritual leadership in preserving and proclaiming God's law, and the devastating impact when such leadership fails or is silenced by divine decree. The ultimate message is that true stability and direction are found only in adherence to God's ways, and His judgment can include the removal of the very means by which His people might find their way back.

* [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - Rare Word of the Lord")
* [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11-12 - Famine of God's Word")
* [Proverbs 29:18](/proverbs/29-18 "Proverbs 29:18 - Where There Is No Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:26 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound consequences when a society, or indeed an individual, drifts away from divine truth and moral anchors. The escalating "mischief" and "rumour" reflect the inevitable chaos that ensues when spiritual principles are abandoned, leading to a desperate search for guidance where none can be found. For us today, this verse challenges us to recognize the critical importance of God's Word as our ultimate source of truth and stability. It compels us to actively seek and submit to His wisdom, rather than relying on fleeting human counsel or succumbing to the noise of a chaotic world. It also highlights our responsibility to uphold and promote sound biblical teaching and wise counsel within our communities, ensuring that the "law" and "counsel" are not allowed to "perish" from our midst. In times of crisis, our first inclination should not be to chase after every new "rumour" or human solution, but to anchor ourselves firmly in the unchanging Word of God, which alone provides true light and direction, offering an antidote to spiritual famine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "mischief upon mischief" and "rumour upon rumour" manifest in our contemporary society, and how do we respond to such escalating chaos?**
* **How do we ensure that "the law" (God's Word) does not "perish from the priest" (or from our spiritual leaders and teachers) in our churches today?**
* **What steps can we take personally to cultivate wisdom and discern sound "counsel" in a world often devoid of it, rather than seeking fleeting "visions" from unreliable sources?**
* **How does the absence of reliable spiritual and moral guidance impact individuals and communities, and what is our role in addressing this void?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "mischief" and "rumour" is being referred to in Ezekiel 7:26?**

Answer: The "mischief" (Hebrew, _hôvâh_) refers to a compounding series of calamities, disasters, and moral evils that would befall Judah. This includes the devastating effects of the Babylonian invasion, such as war, famine, pestilence, and the general breakdown of societal order. It's an overwhelming, relentless onslaught of troubles. The "rumour" (Hebrew, _shᵉmûwʻâh_) signifies a constant barrage of unsettling or terrifying news and reports. These would be tidings of military defeats, the fall of cities, the capture of people, and the general state of despair and confusion that would grip the nation as the judgment unfolded. Together, they paint a picture of total societal and psychological collapse, where bad news and disaster are ceaseless and overwhelming.

**Why would "the law perish from the priest" and "counsel from the ancients"?**

Answer: This signifies a complete breakdown of the traditional sources of divine and human wisdom. The priests were divinely appointed to preserve, teach, and interpret God's Law ([Torah](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Priests Teach God's Law")) to the people ([Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priests Teach the Law")). "Perishing" implies either that the priests themselves had become corrupt and unfaithful, neglecting their duties and thus rendering the law inaccessible or distorted, or that the circumstances of the judgment (e.g., the destruction of the Temple, exile) would physically remove their ability to function. Similarly, "the ancients" or elders were respected community leaders who provided practical wisdom and judicial counsel. Their inability to offer counsel means a collapse of human wisdom, experience, and leadership. This spiritual and intellectual void is a severe aspect of God's judgment, leaving the people without any reliable guidance, whether divine or human.

**Who are "the ancients" mentioned in this verse, and what was their role in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: "The ancients" (Hebrew, _zâqên_) refers to the elders of Israel. These were typically older, experienced men who held respected positions of leadership and authority within their communities. Their role was multifaceted: they served as judges in local disputes ([Deuteronomy 21:19](/deuteronomy/21-19 "Deuteronomy 21:19 - Elders as Judges")), provided wise counsel on community affairs, represented the people before kings or prophets, and were seen as repositories of traditional wisdom and knowledge. In essence, they were the civic and moral compass of the community, offering practical guidance based on accumulated experience and understanding of societal norms and justice. The perishing of "counsel from the ancients" indicates a complete collapse of this vital societal function, leaving the people without practical or judicial direction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:26, with its grim depiction of a spiritual famine and the failure of traditional sources of guidance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect Prophet, Priest, and King—Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the people sought a "vision of the prophet," but even genuine prophetic voices could be rare or eventually silenced by judgment. The "law" could "perish from the priest" due to corruption or the destruction of the temple, and "counsel from the ancients" could fail due to human limitations. However, in Christ, we find the complete and eternal fulfillment of all these roles. He is the ultimate Prophet, the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly reveals the Father and speaks with unparalleled authority ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). He is our Great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and continually intercedes for us, embodying and fulfilling the Law, making it accessible through grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). And as the King of kings, He is the source of all wisdom and counsel, providing perfect guidance and understanding that never perishes ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike the temporary and fallible human sources of guidance in Ezekiel's day, Christ offers an enduring, infallible, and ever-present source of truth, wisdom, and salvation, ensuring that those who seek Him will never be left without direction in the midst of life's "mischief" and "rumour" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the ultimate answer to humanity's desperate search for guidance.

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

Jeremiah 4:20

Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

Ezekiel 14:1

¶ Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

Psalms 74:9

We see not our signs: [there is] no more any prophet: neither [is there] among us any that knoweth how long.

Micah 3:6

Therefore night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Ezekiel 20:1

¶ And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, [that] certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

Ezekiel 20:3

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.