Ezekiel 21:9
Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הִנָּבֵא֙
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵא֙
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
3 of 13
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
כֹּ֖ה
H3541
כֹּ֖ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
חֶ֛רֶב
A sword
H2719
חֶ֛רֶב
A sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
9 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
חֶ֛רֶב
A sword
H2719
חֶ֛רֶב
A sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
10 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
הוּחַ֖דָּה
is sharpened
H2300
הוּחַ֖דָּה
is sharpened
Strong's:
H2300
Word #:
11 of 13
to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe
Cross References
Ezekiel 21:3And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.Ezekiel 21:28And 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:
Historical Context
Babylon's military prowess was legendary—disciplined armies with well-maintained weapons. Ezekiel's sharpened, polished sword represents both Babylon's literal military readiness and God's perfect preparation of judgment instruments. When Babylon besieged Jerusalem (589-586 BC), their military efficiency fulfilled the sharpened sword imagery—no aspect of their invasion was unprepared or ineffective.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prepared sword (sharpened and polished) illustrate God's thorough readiness to execute judgment?
- What does divine preparation of judgment instruments teach about sovereignty over historical forces?
- In what ways should awareness of God's prepared judgment create urgency in evangelism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:" The poetic repetition "A sword, a sword" creates urgency and emphasis. "Sharpened" (chuddadah, חֻדָּדָה) and "furbished" (merutah, מְרֻטָה, polished) indicate complete preparation for battle. The sword isn't dull or rusty but perfectly maintained, ready for maximum effectiveness. This preparation imagery emphasizes judgment's certainty—God's sword is ready, waiting only for appointed time to strike.