Ezekiel 21:28
And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֥י
And thou son
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
And thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֗ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֗ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 23
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הִנָּבֵ֤א
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵ֤א
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
4 of 23
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
בְּנֵ֥י
And thou son
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
And thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֖וֹן
H5983
חֶרְפָּתָ֑ם
and concerning their reproach
H2781
חֶרְפָּתָ֑ם
and concerning their reproach
Strong's:
H2781
Word #:
14 of 23
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
חֶ֤רֶב
the sword
H2719
חֶ֤רֶב
the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
16 of 23
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
חֶ֤רֶב
the sword
H2719
חֶ֤רֶב
the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
17 of 23
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
פְּתוּחָה֙
is drawn
H6605
פְּתוּחָה֙
is drawn
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
18 of 23
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
לְטֶ֣בַח
for the slaughter
H2874
לְטֶ֣בַח
for the slaughter
Strong's:
H2874
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)
מְרוּטָ֔ה
it is furbished
H4803
מְרוּטָ֔ה
it is furbished
Strong's:
H4803
Word #:
20 of 23
to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen
Historical Context
The Ammonites (descendants of Lot through incest, Genesis 19:38) occupied territory east of the Jordan River. They perpetually opposed Israel and rejoiced at Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC. Ezekiel prophesied their destruction circa 587 BC, shortly after his visions of Jerusalem's judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does rejoicing over others' judgment invite judgment upon ourselves?
- What does God's extended 'sword' metaphor teach about His impartial justice?
- How should believers respond when witnessing divine judgment on the wicked?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished—This oracle shifts from Babylon (21:1-27) to Ammon, who gloated over Judah's fall. The Hebrew חֶרֶב (ḥerev, 'sword') is repeated for emphasis, with מְרֻטָּה (mĕruṭṭāh, 'drawn/unsheathed') and מְרוּטָה (mĕrûṭāh, 'polished/furbished') showing the weapon's readiness.
Concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach (חֶרְפָּתָם, ḥerpātām)—Ammon mocked Jerusalem's destruction (25:3, 6), but God's sword would not return to its sheath until Ammon too was judged. The 'glittering' (בָּרָק, bārāq, 'lightning/flash') describes the polished blade's terrifying appearance. Five years after Jerusalem fell (587 BC), Nebuchadnezzar conquered Ammon (582 BC), fulfilling this prophecy exactly.