Ezekiel 21:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 21:7
7 And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 21 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, creation, love. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 21:7
7 And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.
Analysis
'And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.' When people ask about his sighing, Ezekiel must explain: devastating news is coming. The description—hearts melting, hands feeble, spirits fainting, knees like water—depicts comprehensive terror and helplessness. 'Behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass' emphasizes absolute certainty. No escape, no prevention.
Historical Context
This describes the response when Jerusalem's fall became known. Ezekiel 33:21-22 records when a fugitive arrived announcing 'The city is smitten.' The news devastated the exiles who still hoped for quick deliverance. Their physical and emotional collapse fulfilled this prophecy exactly.
Reflection
- How should certainty of judgment affect our evangelistic urgency?
- What does comprehensive human helplessness before divine judgment teach about the need for God's mercy?
Word Studies
- Spirit: רוּחַ (Ruach) H7307 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 7:17, 7:26, Isaiah 13:7, Jeremiah 50:43, Nahum 2:10, Hebrews 12:12