Ezekiel 21:14

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

Ezekiel 21:14 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel contains prophecies and visions given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile. In this verse, Ezekiel is instructed to prophesy and symbolically smite his hands together, representing the imminent judgment and destruction that would come upon Jerusalem. This action was a visible sign of grief and mourning, and it also served as a gesture of scorn or derision, urging the enemy to carry out the judgment.

Meaning

The action of smiting hands together was a symbol of grief, mourning, or an expression of judgment. It indicated the severity of the impending judgment upon Jerusalem. By doing this action, Ezekiel was demonstrating the seriousness and certainty of God’s judgment against the people.

The phrase let the sword be doubled the third time suggests an intensification of judgment. It signifies a threefold increase in the severity of God’s judgment against Jerusalem. The sword is a symbol of war and destruction, representing the Babylonian army that would invade and conquer Jerusalem. The doubling of the sword emphasizes the magnitude of the devastation that would befall the city, and the repetition underscores the certainty and repeated nature of the coming destruction.

The verse mentions the sword of the slain, specifically the great men who would be slain. This refers to the prominent leaders, rulers, and officials of Jerusalem who would be killed during the Babylonian invasion. The mention of privy chambers highlights the fact that even those in positions of power and influence would not be spared from the judgment. The invasion would reach even the innermost chambers where these great men sought safety and refuge, showing that no one can hide from God’s judgment.

Application

While this verse specifically addresses the impending judgment upon Jerusalem, there are spiritual principles that can be derived from it. It serves as a reminder that God is a just and righteous judge who holds people accountable for their actions. It also highlights the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God’s commands. Ultimately, it points to the need for repentance and turning back to God to avoid His judgment.

Reflection

Ezekiel 21:14 portrays the severity of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem through the symbolic action of smiting hands together and the doubling of the sword. It emphasizes the certainty and magnitude of the impending destruction, even reaching the private chambers of the great men of the city. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion, calling for repentance and a return to God’s ways.