Ezekiel 21:10

“It 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.”

This verse is part of a prophecy given by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the judgment and destruction that would come upon Jerusalem. In this particular passage, God is describing the sword of judgment that is being prepared to bring about a severe slaughter. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning.

“It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter”:The sword mentioned here is a metaphorical representation of the judgment and destruction that is about to come upon Jerusalem. It is depicted as a sharpened sword ready to bring great devastation and loss of life. This emphasizes the severity of the impending judgment.

“It is furbished that it may glitter”:The sword is not only sharpened but also polished or furbished to make it shine or glitter. This imagery highlights the dreadful and terrifying nature of the impending judgment. The gleaming sword symbolizes the clarity and inevitability of God’s judgment.

“Should we then make mirth?”:This question challenges the appropriateness of finding joy or making merry in the face of such impending calamity. The verse suggests that it would be inappropriate to rejoice or be joyful when the sword of judgment is hanging over Jerusalem. It calls for seriousness and solemnity in recognizing the seriousness of the situation.

“It contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree”:Here, the verse indicates that the sword of judgment, represented as an instrument of God’s punishment, disregards the authority and power represented by the “rod of my son.” This phrase likely refers to the ruling authority or scepter that represents the Davidic monarchy, the kingly line of descendants from David. The sword of judgment is portrayed as disregarding this symbol of authority, suggesting that the impending judgment will not spare even the highest positions of power.

Overall, Ezekiel 21:10 portrays a vivid picture of the severe judgment that God is preparing to bring upon Jerusalem. It emphasizes the seriousness and inappropriateness of finding joy or mirth in the face of impending calamity and highlights the indiscriminate nature of the judgment that will not spare even the highest positions of power.