Ezekiel 21:7
“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.”
Context:Ezekiel was a prophet who was called by God to speak to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He prophesied about the impending judgement and destruction that would come upon Jerusalem and the people of Judah due to their persistent rebellion and disobedience to God’s commandments.
The Question of Sighing:In this verse, the people ask Ezekiel why he is sighing. The question could arise because sighing is often an expression of grief or distress. The people are curious about the reason behind Ezekiel’s emotional state.
The Response:Ezekiel is instructed to answer that he is sighing because of the tidings, or news, that he has received. The word “tidings” here refers to the message of judgement and destruction that he has been given by God to deliver to the people.
The Impact of the Tidings:The verse describes the profound impact that the news of impending destruction will have on the people. It states that every heart shall melt, hands shall be feeble, spirits shall faint, and knees shall be weak as water. This vivid language signifies the deep fear and overwhelming distress that will grip the people when they hear the message of judgement.
The Certainty of the Prophecy:The verse concludes with a statement of certainty, assuring that the prophecy will come to pass. It emphasises that the impending judgement and destruction will indeed happen, as declared by the Lord God.
Overall, Ezekiel 21:7 serves as a warning to the people of Israel, conveying the seriousness of their disobedience and the consequences that await them. It highlights the emotional and physical impact that the news of judgement will have on the people, and affirms the certainty of God’s prophetic word.
