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And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign LORD.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It will put them all to the test. What chance do they have? says the Sovereign LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For it will not be a testing—what could it do if you despise the rod?” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Because <i>it is</i> a trial, and what if <i>the sword</i> contemn even the rod? it shall be no <i>more</i>, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Because <i>it is</i> a testing, And what if <i>the sword</i> despises even the scepter? <i>The scepter</i> shall be no <i>more,</i>” says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For <i>there is</i> a testing; and what if even the rod which despises will cease to be?” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For there is a testing; and what if even the rod which despises will be no more?&#8221 declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For <i>there is</i> a testing; and what if even the rod which despises will be no more?” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For <i>there is</i> a testing; and what if even the scepter which <i>the sword</i> despises will be no more?” declares Lord Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For this sword has been tested [on others]; and what if it views with contempt the scepter [of Judah]? The scepter shall be no more [but shall be swept away],” says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely it will be a trial! And what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter will not continue.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely it will be a trial! And what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter will not continue. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that contemneth shall be no more? saith the Lord Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am testing my people, and they can do nothing to stop me. I, the LORD, have spoken. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that contemneth shall be no more? saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Testing will surely come. What if you refuse to be disciplined again? Won't you be tested? declares the Almighty LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am testing my people, and if they refuse to repent, all these things will happen to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />because testing is sure to come. 'In putting the sword to the test along with the scepter, it won't keep on rejecting, will it?' declares the Lord GOD."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?? declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"'For testing will come, and what will happen when the scepter, which the sword despises, is no more? declares the sovereign LORD.' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more?" says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemneth even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“For there is a trial. What if even the rod that condemns will be no more?” says the Lord Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Because [it is] a trier, "" And what if it is even despising the scepter? It will not be, a declaration of Lord YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Because it is a trier, And what if even the sceptre it is despising? It shall not be, an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For it is a trial, and what if also the rod was rejected? it shall not be, says the Lord Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because it is tried: and that when it shall overthrow the sceptre, and it shall not be, saith the Lord God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />for it has been tested. And this one, when he will have overthrown the scepter, will not be, says the Lord God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for it is tested, and why not? Since you rejected my staff, should it not happen?— oracle of the Lord GOD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For consider: What! If you despise the rod, will it not happen? says the Lord GOD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Clap your hands because this calamity is justified; if the royal family is rejected, it shall be no more, says the LORD God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Clap hands, because this is justified, and if the generation is rejected, it will not be, says THE LORD OF LORDS!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For there is a trial; and what if it contemn even the rod? It shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and what if even the tribe be rejected? it shall not be, saith the Lord God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5746" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm">The LORD's Sword of Judgment</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: ḇō·ḥan (V-Pual-Perf-3ms) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">testing will come!</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">And what</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šê·ḇeṭ (N-ms) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">the scepter,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mō·’e·seṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">which the sword despises,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">continue?’</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Jeremiah 6:27-30</a></span><br />“I have appointed you to examine My people like ore, so you may know and try their ways. / All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt. / The bellows blow fiercely, blasting away the lead with fire. The refining proceeds in vain, for the wicked are not purged. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a></span><br />But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Zechariah 13:9</a></span><br />This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></span><br />For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></span><br />A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">Isaiah 1:25</a></span><br />I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross; I will remove all your impurities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-7.htm">Jeremiah 9:7</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of the daughter of My people?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a></span><br />In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Revelation 3:18</a></span><br />I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-27.htm">Hebrews 12:27</a></span><br />The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-12.htm">Matthew 3:12</a></span><br />His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-17.htm">Luke 3:17</a></span><br />His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12</a></span><br />Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Because it is a trial, and what if the sword scorn even the rod? it shall be no more, said the Lord GOD.</p><p class="hdg">Because, etc.</p><p class="hdg">a trial</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-23.htm">Job 9:23</a></b></br> If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/8-2.htm">2 Corinthians 8:2</a></b></br> How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.</p><p class="hdg">contemn</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10,25</a></b></br> 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, <i>as</i> every tree… </p><p class="hdg">it shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/21-27.htm">Ezekiel 21:27</a></b></br> I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no <i>more</i>, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it <i>him</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-36.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-24.htm">Contemn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Contemneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Contemning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-14.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-44.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-57.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Despising</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/psalms/109-6.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Trier</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/24-14.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Contemn</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Contemneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Contemning</a> <a href="/daniel/11-8.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-26.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-10.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-24.htm">Despising</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-3.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/amos/1-5.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/amos/1-5.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-13.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-14.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/daniel/8-12.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Trier</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/21-1.htm">Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/21-8.htm">The sharp and bright sword</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/21-18.htm">against Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/21-25.htm">against the kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/21-28.htm">and against the Ammonites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Surely testing will come!</b><br>This phrase indicates an impending trial or judgment. In the context of Ezekiel, this refers to the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. The testing is a divine judgment against the nation of Israel for their idolatry and rebellion against God. This concept of testing is consistent with other biblical passages where God tests His people to refine and purify them, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a> and <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>. The testing serves as a means to reveal the true character and faithfulness of the people.<p><b>And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?</b><br>The "scepter" symbolizes royal authority and leadership, specifically referring to the Davidic line of kings in Judah. The sword represents the instrument of God's judgment, in this case, the Babylonian army. The phrase suggests a scenario where even the established royal authority, which should be a symbol of stability and continuity, is not spared from judgment. This reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian conquest, where King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was captured, and the monarchy was effectively ended. The scepter's failure to continue points to the temporary cessation of the Davidic line, which is significant in biblical prophecy. However, this also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant through Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the eternal King in the line of David (<a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a>).<p><b>declares the Lord GOD.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God in delivering this message. It is a common prophetic formula that underscores that the words spoken are not merely the prophet's own but are divinely inspired. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) highlights both the lordship and covenantal relationship God has with His people. This declaration assures the certainty of the prophecy and the inevitability of its fulfillment, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment and sovereignty found throughout the book of Ezekiel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a></b><br>The sovereign and divine authority speaking through Ezekiel, declaring judgment and testing upon Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_scepter.htm">The Scepter</a></b><br>Symbolizes the ruling authority or leadership of Israel, which is under threat of judgment and destruction.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sword.htm">The Sword</a></b><br>Represents God's instrument of judgment, often depicted as a tool of divine retribution against sin and rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, currently facing divine judgment due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_testing.htm">The Certainty of Testing</a></b><br>God's declaration of testing is inevitable. Believers should prepare their hearts and lives for times of testing and refinement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fragility_of_human_authority.htm">The Fragility of Human Authority</a></b><br>Earthly power and leadership are temporary and can be easily removed by God. Trust should be placed in God's eternal authority rather than human institutions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Purpose of Divine Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgment serves to correct and purify His people. It is an opportunity for repentance and realignment with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>God is in control of all events, including the rise and fall of nations. Believers can find peace in His sovereign plan, even amidst chaos.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The threat of judgment is a call to repentance. Believers should examine their lives and turn away from sin to avoid the consequences of disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_21's_judgment_align_with_god's_mercy.htm">How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God's mercy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_outside_bible_for_ezekiel_21.htm">Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting the military and political tumult depicted throughout Ezekiel 21?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_zechariah_10_11_literal_or_hyperbole.htm">Zechariah 10:11: Can the idea of passing through a 'sea of distress' and subduing its waves be taken literally, or is it a mythological hyperbole?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_destroy_both_justly.htm">In Ezekiel 21:3-4, how can God threaten to destroy both the righteous and the wicked without contradicting other texts that portray Him as just?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Because it is a trial.</span>--Here again the original is obscure from its conciseness and abruptness, leading to great variety of interpretation. Neither the text nor the margin of our translation is quite intelligible. The words for "rod" and "contemn" are the same as in <a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm" title="It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it scorns the rod of my son, as every tree.">Ezekiel 21:10</a>, and must be taken in the same sense. The most satisfactory translation is this: "For it (the sword) has been proved (viz., on others), and what if this contemning rod shall be no more?" <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the power of the sword of Babylon has already been proved; and the sceptre of Judah, which despises it, shall be clean swept away. Various other translations, differing in detail, give the same general sense.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Because it is a trial,</span> etc. The verse has received as many interpretations, and is just as obscure as ver. 10, with which it is obviously connected. I begin as before with that which seems most probable. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> Keil: <span class="accented">For the trial is made, and what if the despising sceptre shall riot come?</span> The "despising sceptre" is the kingdom of Judah, and the prophet asks, "What will happen, what extreme of misery is to be looked for, if that kingdom shall not appear, if Judah shall be left without a ruler? <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Ewald: <span class="accented">For it is tried</span> - <span class="accented">and what? Whether it is also a soft rod! That will not be</span>. Sc. men will find on trial that the sword of Jehovah is not a soft rod, but the sharpest of all weapons. <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> Hengstenberg: <span class="accented">And how? Shall the despising rod that outstript all other punishments not be? i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. shall the sword of Jehovah not do its work effectively? . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a trial will come!</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹ֔חַן</span> <span class="translit">(ḇō·ḥan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_974.htm">Strong's 974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to investigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And what</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמָ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the scepter,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֥בֶט</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ḇeṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[which the] [sword] despises,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹאֶ֖סֶת</span> <span class="translit">(mō·’e·seṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spurn, to disappear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continue?</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽהְיֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declares</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">GOD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוִֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Ezekiel 21:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:13 For there is a trial (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/21-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>