Ezekiel 21:15
I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֣עַן׀
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן׀
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
לָמ֣וּג
may faint
H4127
לָמ֣וּג
may faint
Strong's:
H4127
Word #:
2 of 16
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
לֵ֗ב
that their heart
H3820
לֵ֗ב
that their heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 16
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים
and their ruins
H4383
הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים
and their ruins
Strong's:
H4383
Word #:
5 of 16
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
against all their gates
H8179
שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
against all their gates
Strong's:
H8179
Word #:
8 of 16
an opening, i.e., door or gate
נָתַ֖תִּי
I have set
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
I have set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
H2719
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 16
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה
it is made
H6213
עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה
it is made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְבָרָ֖ק
bright
H1300
לְבָרָ֖ק
bright
Strong's:
H1300
Word #:
14 of 16
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:27But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.Ezekiel 21:10It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's gates were defensive strongpoints. When Babylon breached them (2 Kings 25:4, Jeremiah 52:7), the city's fall was certain. The imagery of sword at every gate depicts the siege's totality. Archaeological evidence shows destruction layers at Jerusalem dating to 586 BC, confirming the ruins' multiplication.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together the necessity of proclaiming judgment with appropriate grief over it?
- What does the image of no escape route teach about the futility of resisting God's judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.' The sword threatens 'all their gates'—comprehensive siege, no escape route. The purpose: hearts fainting, ruins multiplying. 'It is made bright...wrapped up for the slaughter' repeats the sharpened, prepared imagery. The 'ah!' (Hebrew 'ach) is an exclamation of distress. The prophet grieves even while proclaiming inevitable judgment.