Ezekiel 19:7
And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
And he knew
H3045
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
And he knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְעָרֵיהֶ֖ם
their cities
H5892
וְעָרֵיהֶ֖ם
their cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הֶחֱרִ֑יב
and he laid waste
H2717
הֶחֱרִ֑יב
and he laid waste
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
4 of 9
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
Historical Context
Jehoiachin's brief reign saw continued rebellion against Babylon, contributing to the catastrophic siege. Though he personally didn't reign long enough for extensive destruction, his family's policies (particularly his father Jehoiakim's rebellion) led to Jerusalem's devastation. The imagery captures cumulative royal failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do leaders' choices affect entire populations beyond themselves?
- What responsibility do we bear for consequences our actions have on others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.' The young lion's predation causes comprehensive destruction—palaces, cities, land itself desolate. 'The noise of his roaring' suggests both terrifying power and empty boasting. The result: complete devastation. Oppressive leadership destroys the nation it should protect.