Ezekiel 7:27

KJV

The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} shall mourn {H56}, and the prince {H5387} shall be clothed {H3847} with desolation {H8077}, and the hands {H3027} of the people {H5971} of the land {H776} shall be troubled {H926}: I will do {H6213} unto them after their way {H1870}, and according to their deserts {H4941} will I judge {H8199} them; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king will go into mourning, the prince will be clothed with fright, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble in terror. I will treat them as their way of life deserves and judge them as they have judged others. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and I will judge them by their own standards. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:27 delivers a profound and chilling prophecy of comprehensive judgment upon Judah, declaring that all levels of society—from the king to the common people—will experience profound despair and desolation. This verse underscores the principle of divine retribution, asserting that God's actions are a direct and just response to their persistent rebellion and sin, culminating in the inescapable revelation of His sovereign identity as the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:27 serves as the climactic conclusion to a chapter entirely dedicated to the theme of "the end" for the land of Israel. Chapter 7 is a stark oracle of judgment, following earlier pronouncements against Jerusalem's idolatry (chapters 5-6) and preceding the detailed account of the city's siege and fall. The chapter employs vivid, escalating imagery of widespread destruction, panic, and the futility of human efforts to escape divine wrath. It systematically dismantles any false hopes of reprieve, emphasizing the finality and totality of God's impending judgment on all aspects of Israelite society and their sacred institutions, particularly the Temple, which they mistakenly believed offered inviolable protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, having been deported in 597 BC. At the time of this prophecy (likely early 6th century BC), Jerusalem was still standing, though under severe threat from Babylon. Many exiles, and even those remaining in Judah, harbored a false sense of security, believing that God would not allow Jerusalem or His Temple to be destroyed. This belief was rooted in a misinterpretation of God's covenant promises and a denial of their persistent idolatry and social injustices. Ezekiel's message directly confronts this delusion, foretelling the imminent and devastating fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an event that would shatter their national identity and religious assumptions. The "king" and "prince" refer to the reigning monarchy (Zedekiah and his officials), while "the people of the land" refers to the general populace, highlighting the pervasive nature of the judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Universal Judgment**, demonstrating that God's justice spares no one, regardless of their social standing or perceived power, when a nation collectively rebels against Him. This is intimately linked to **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God's actions are presented not as arbitrary punishment but as a direct and proportionate consequence of the people's "way" and "deserts." The repeated phrase "and they shall know that I [am] the LORD" (appearing over 60 times in Ezekiel, as seen in [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - You will know that I am the LORD")) is a signature theme of **God's Sovereignty and Self-Revelation**, asserting that even through devastating judgment, God's ultimate purpose is to reveal His unique identity, power, and authority to His people and the nations. The imagery of mourning, desolation, and troubled hands also powerfully conveys themes of **Despair and Helplessness** in the face of overwhelming divine wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolation (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** From H8077, this word conveys a sense of utter ruin, waste, and astonishment. When the prince is "clothed with desolation," it signifies not merely an external state but an internal, pervasive experience of utter devastation and ruin that envelops him, stripping away all dignity and hope. It implies a state of shock and utter emptiness.
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this term refers to a road, but more profoundly, it denotes a course of life or mode of action, often adverbially. In this context, "after their way" means according to their established patterns of behavior, their moral conduct, and their chosen path of disobedience and idolatry. It emphasizes that the judgment is a direct and just consequence of their own lifestyle and choices.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means to ascertain by seeing, to recognize, comprehend, or experience. The phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" implies more than intellectual assent; it signifies a profound, experiential recognition of God's true identity, power, and sovereignty, forced upon them by the very acts of judgment. It is a revelation of His unique, self-existent nature (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) that will be undeniable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king shall mourn":** This clause signifies the profound grief and humiliation that will befall the highest authority figure. The king, typically a symbol of stability and power, will be reduced to a state of lamentation, reflecting the complete collapse of his kingdom and his inability to protect his people or himself.
* **"and the prince shall be clothed with desolation":** This vivid imagery extends the judgment to the royal lineage and high officials. To be "clothed with desolation" implies that ruin and emptiness will be their very garment, a public and inescapable symbol of their utter ruin, loss of status, and the pervasive destruction of their world.
* **"and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled":** This phrase depicts the widespread panic, helplessness, and inability to act or resist among the general populace. "Hands" often symbolize power, activity, or capacity; their being "troubled" indicates a state of terror, confusion, and paralysis, signifying that no one, regardless of their station, will be able to escape or mitigate the impending catastrophe.
* **"I will do unto them after their way":** This is a declaration of divine retribution. God explicitly states that His actions are not arbitrary but are a direct response to the "way" or course of life that the people have chosen—their persistent idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against His covenant.
* **"and according to their deserts will I judge them":** This reinforces the principle of divine justice. "Deserts" (mishpâṭ) refers to what is due to them based on their actions, a just verdict or sentence. God's judgment is perfectly equitable, precisely fitting the measure of their sins and moral failures.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate purpose behind the severe judgment. Through the experience of devastation and the precise execution of justice, the people (and surrounding nations) will be forced to acknowledge and experientially understand the unique, sovereign, and self-existent nature of God (Yahweh), recognizing Him as the one true God who is faithful to His word, even in judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:27 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "the prince shall be clothed with desolation," where an abstract concept (desolation) is given the human action of clothing, vividly illustrating how thoroughly ruin will envelop the leadership. The cumulative effect of describing the king mourning, the prince clothed in desolation, and the people's hands troubled creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and universal nature of the impending catastrophe. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct pronouncement from God ("I will do... I will judge..."), lending it undeniable authority and finality. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, particularly in the phrases "after their way" and "according to their deserts," which reinforce the concept of just retribution through synonymous ideas.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:27 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and accountability, demonstrating that God is not mocked and that persistent sin inevitably leads to severe consequences. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting all societal strata, underscores that no one is exempt from God's righteous standards. Ultimately, even in judgment, God's purpose is redemptive: to reveal His true identity and sovereignty, compelling His people to acknowledge Him as the one true LORD. This revelation, though painful, is designed to lead to a deeper, experiential knowledge of His character.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Render to Each According to His Deeds")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The LORD is Known by the Judgment He Executes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:27 serves as a sober reminder that God is just and holds all individuals and nations accountable for their actions. It challenges us to examine our own "way" and "deserts," recognizing that our choices have consequences, both individually and corporately. For believers, this verse reinforces the seriousness of sin and the importance of living in humility and obedience before a holy God. It also offers a profound perspective on suffering: even in times of great difficulty or societal upheaval, God remains sovereign, and His ultimate purpose is to reveal Himself. This understanding can transform our lament into a deeper trust, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and our ultimate good, even when His methods are severe. It calls us to a deeper, experiential "knowing" of God, not just intellectually, but through humble submission and recognition of His supreme authority in all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's universal judgment in Ezekiel 7:27 challenge my understanding of His mercy and justice?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to "know that I am the LORD" in an experiential way, beyond intellectual assent?**
* **In what "ways" (courses of life or modes of action) might I or my community be acting contrary to God's will, inviting undesirable consequences?**
* **How can I maintain hope and trust in God's sovereignty when faced with widespread desolation or troubling circumstances in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What does "the king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation" signify for the common person?**

Answer: This imagery emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment. It signifies that the societal structure itself, from its highest echelons to its foundational elements, will collapse. For the common person, it means that no one, regardless of their position, will be spared the devastating effects. When leaders mourn and are stripped of their dignity, it signals a complete breakdown of order and protection, leaving everyone vulnerable and in despair. It underscores that the judgment is not just against individuals but against the entire rebellious system, affecting every inhabitant of the land.

**Why is the phrase "they shall know that I [am] the LORD" so significant in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase, a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophecy, is crucial because it reveals the ultimate purpose behind God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration. It's not merely about punishment, but about revelation. The people had intellectual knowledge of Yahweh, but they did not truly "know" Him in a way that transformed their lives and led to obedience. Through the severe experience of judgment, God forces an experiential acknowledgment of His unique, sovereign, and self-existent nature. It means they will recognize His power, His faithfulness to His word (both promises and warnings), and His absolute authority, ultimately leading to a profound, undeniable understanding of who He truly is. This phrase highlights God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and the ultimate recognition of His unparalleled deity, as seen in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Through His Actions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:27, while a stark prophecy of Old Covenant judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. First, it foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against sin, a judgment that was fully borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. Humanity, like ancient Israel, had gone "after their way" and accumulated "deserts" of sin, deserving of God's righteous wrath. However, in Christ, God's perfect justice and boundless mercy converge. The "desolation" and "mourning" that humanity deserved for its rebellion were placed upon the [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords") and [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Prince of Peace"). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, was "clothed with desolation" on the cross, experiencing the ultimate separation from God and bearing the full weight of humanity's sin, so that we might be clothed with His righteousness (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Furthermore, the declaration "they shall know that I [am] the LORD" points to the ultimate revelation of God through Jesus Christ. While judgment revealed God's sovereignty in Ezekiel's day, it is through Christ that we truly "know" the Father (as Jesus states in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life") and [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus Christ")). He is the perfect image of the invisible God (as described in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, The Image of the Invisible God")), and in His life, death, and resurrection, God's character, justice, and love are supremely revealed. The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel, though terrifying, ultimately serves to prepare the way for the recognition of God's absolute authority, which culminates in the universal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Ezekiel 7:27, while a prophecy of doom, ultimately directs our gaze to the cross, where divine justice was satisfied, and the path to knowing the LORD was opened to all who believe.

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 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 7:4

And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 7:8

Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.

1 Kings 20:28

And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 26:16

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;