Ezekiel 21:27

Context

Ezekiel 21:27 is a powerful declaration of divine judgment and future hope, delivered during the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a larger prophecy often referred to as the "sword song," where God speaks through Ezekiel concerning the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the Davidic monarchy. Specifically, it addresses the removal of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah before the city's fall and the subsequent seventy-year captivity. The prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations and rulers, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in power.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Overthrow: The triple repetition of "overturn, overturn, overturn" (Hebrew: 'avvah, 'avvah, 'avvah) powerfully emphasizes the certainty, completeness, and perhaps successive nature of God's judgment upon the corrupt leadership of Judah. It signifies the absolute end of the existing political order and the Davidic line's temporary suspension from the throne. This divine action demonstrates God's ultimate control over all earthly kingdoms.
• Suspension of the Davidic Monarchy: The phrase "it shall be no [more]" indicates that the current form of kingship in Judah would cease. This was a devastating blow to the people who relied on the unbroken line of David's throne, as promised in the Davidic covenant. God's judgment, however, was not a revocation of His promise but a temporary cessation of its earthly manifestation due to Israel's unfaithfulness.
• Messianic Hope: The pivotal phrase "until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [him]" points directly to a future, legitimate ruler. This is a profound messianic prophecy, looking beyond the immediate judgment to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. He is the one who possesses the divine right (Hebrew: mishpat, meaning 'justice' or 'right') to the throne of David. This declaration offers a beacon of hope amidst the despair of exile, promising that God's covenant promises would ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "overturn" ('avvah) implies a perversion or twisting, suggesting that the current rule was inherently twisted and therefore ripe for divine reversal. The repetition amplifies the force of this overturning, indicating that God's judgment would be thorough and undeniable. The phrase "whose right it is" (asher lo ha-mishpat) literally means "to whom the judgment belongs" or "to whom the right belongs," highlighting the absolute divine claim of the coming King.

Related Scriptures

This verse echoes the promise of a perpetual kingdom found in 2 Samuel 7:16, while simultaneously clarifying that the immediate line would be interrupted. The coming of the one "whose right it is" is fulfilled in Christ, who is explicitly identified as inheriting the throne of His father David in Luke 1:32-33. The ultimate establishment of His reign is also prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7, where it is declared that "the government shall be upon his shoulder." This prophecy anticipates the day when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15).

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:27 reminds us that while earthly powers and governments rise and fall, God's ultimate plan remains steadfast. No human authority can stand against His will indefinitely. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and hope:

1. It affirms God's sovereignty over history and human affairs.
2. It points us to Jesus Christ as the true and eternal King, whose reign is just and unbreakable.
3. It encourages us to place our hope not in temporary earthly systems, but in the enduring and righteous kingdom of God, which will one day be fully established by the one "whose right it is."