CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 21:10 it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/21-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/26_Ezk_21_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 21:10 - The LORD's Sword of Judgment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/21-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/21-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm" title="Ezekiel 21:9">◄</a> Ezekiel 21:10 <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm" title="Ezekiel 21:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! &#8220&#8217Shall we rejoice in the scepter of my royal son? The sword despises every such stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is sharpened for terrible slaughter and polished to flash like lightning! Now will you laugh? Those far stronger than you have fallen beneath its power!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! (Or shall we rejoice? You have despised the rod, my son, with everything of wood.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Sharpened to make a dreadful slaughter, Polished to flash like lightning! Should we then make mirth? It despises the scepter of My son, <i>As it does</i> all wood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘Sharpened to make a slaughter, Polished to flash like lightning!’ Or shall we rejoice, the rod of My son despising every tree?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216Sharpened to make a slaughter, Polished to flash like lightning!&#8217 Or shall we rejoice, the rod of My son despising every tree?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Sharpened to make a slaughter, Polished to flash like lightning!’<PR>Or shall we rejoice, the rod of My son despising every tree? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Sharpened to make a slaughter, Polished to flash like lightning!’ Or shall we rejoice <i>in</i> the scepter of My son? <i>The sword</i> despises every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘It is sharpened to make a slaughter, Polished to flash <i>and</i> glimmer like lightning!’ Shall we then rejoice [when such a disaster approaches]? But it rejects <i>and</i> views with contempt the scepter of My son [Judah].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice? The scepter of my son, the sword despises every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice? The scepter of My son, the sword despises every tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it contemneth every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it contemneth every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It's sharpened to kill and polished to flash like lightning. How can we rejoice? My son has refused to be disciplined or punished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is sharpened to kill, polished to flash like lightning. There can be no rejoicing, for my people have disregarded every warning and punishment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It's being sharpened for slaughter, and being polished to gleam like lightning.' "We shouldn't be rejoicing, should we, while my Son's scepter, the sword, is despising every tree? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened for slaughter, it is polished to flash like lightning! "'Should we rejoice in the scepter of my son? No! The sword despises every tree! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? The rod of my son, it condemns every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is sharpened to make a grievous slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened that it may make a slaughter. It is polished that it may be as lightning. Should we then make mirth? The rod of my son condemns every tree. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />It is sharpened so as to slaughter a slaughter. It is polished so as to have brightness, "" Or do we rejoice? It is despising the scepter of My son [as] every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> So as to slaughter a slaughter it is sharpened. So as to have brightness it is polished, Desire hath rejoiced the sceptre of my son, It is despising every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In order to slaughter a slaughter it was sharpened; in order for lightning to be to it, it was polished; then shall we exult? the rod of my son despised, every tree.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened to kill victims: it is furbished that it may glitter: thou removest the sceptre of my son, thou hast cut down every tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It has been sharpened, so that it may cut down victims! It has been polished, so that it may shine! You are disturbing the scepter of my son. You have cut down every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Sharpened to make a slaughter, burnished to flash lightning! Why should I stop now? You have rejected the rod and every judgment! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />it is sharpened for slaughter, honed to flash like lightning! How can we make merry? You have despised the rod, and all discipline.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is burnished that it may glitter; and it is sharpened to cut off the family of my son; and to reject every other branch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it is prepared that it will kill the slain. It is sharpened that it shines and is ready to break off the generation of my Son, and despises every tree<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is sharpened that it may make a sore slaughter, It is furbished that it may glitter-- Or shall we make mirth?-- Against the rod of My son, contemning every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that thou mayest slay victims; be sharpened that thou mayest be bright, ready for slaughter, slay, set at nought, despise every tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/21-10.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=5706" 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">9</span>“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2300.htm" title="2300: hū·ḥad·dāh (V-Hofal-Perf-3fs) -- To be sharp, keen. A primitive root; to be sharp or severe.">it is sharpened</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an- (Prep) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hĕ·yêh- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/2874.htm" title="2874: ṭe·ḇaḥ (N-ms) -- Slaughtering, slaughter. From tabach; properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast; abstr. Butchery.">the slaughter,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2873.htm" title="2873: ṭə·ḇō·aḥ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To slaughter, butcher, slay. A primitive root; to slaughter."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4803.htm" title="4803: mō·rāṭ·ṭāh (V-Pual-Perf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to polish; by implication, to make bald, to gall; also, to sharpen.">polished</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1300.htm" title="1300: bā·rāq (N-ms) -- Lightning. From baraq; lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword.">to flash like lightning!</a> <a href="/hebrew/7797.htm" title="7797: nā·śîś (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To exult, rejoice. Or siys; a primitive root; to be bright, i.e. Cheerful.">Should we rejoice</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šê·ḇeṭ (N-msc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">in the scepter</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of My son?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mō·’e·seṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fsc) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">The sword despises</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">every</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: ‘êṣ (N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">such stick.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer.…<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="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-6</a></span><br />When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-10.htm">Jeremiah 46:10</a></span><br />For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a></span><br />Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-16.htm">Isaiah 66:16</a></span><br />For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-31.htm">Jeremiah 25:31</a></span><br />The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-41.htm">Deuteronomy 32:41-42</a></span><br />when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. / I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh—the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a></span><br />And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a></span><br />He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/47-6.htm">Jeremiah 47:6-7</a></span><br />‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ / How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a></span><br />He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Psalm 7:12-13</a></span><br />If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. / He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">Isaiah 31:8</a></span><br />“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34</a></span><br />Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35</a></span><br />so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">it is furbished</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Jeremiah 46:4</a></b></br> Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with <i>your</i> helmets; furbish the spears, <i>and</i> put on the brigandines.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Nahum 3:3</a></b></br> The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and <i>there is</i> a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and <i>there is</i> none end of <i>their</i> corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-11.htm">Habakkuk 3:11</a></b></br> The sun <i>and</i> moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, <i>and</i> at the shining of thy glittering spear.</p><p class="hdg">should</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a></b></br> A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12-14</a></b></br> And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/19-11.htm">Ezekiel 19:11-14</a></b></br> And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Ezekiel 20:47</a></b></br> And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a></b></br> I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/50-9.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Contemneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Contemning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-24.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-7.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-57.htm">Despising</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Furbished</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Glitter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-12.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/ezekiel/9-9.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-10.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Polished</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-12.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-37.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-14.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-14.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-21.htm">Slaughter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-21.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm">Thunder-Flame</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-32.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Contemneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Contemning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-8.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Despising</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Furbished</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Glitter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-12.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/hosea/2-11.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Polished</a> <a href="/ezekiel/35-15.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Slaughter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-35.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Thunder-Flame</a> <a href="/ezekiel/31-8.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-5.htm">Wood</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>it is sharpened for the slaughter</b><br>This phrase indicates preparation for judgment. In the context of Ezekiel, the "sword" symbolizes God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. The sharpening of the sword suggests readiness and inevitability, reflecting the seriousness of the coming destruction. Historically, this aligns with the Babylonian invasion, which was a divine instrument of judgment. The imagery of a sharpened sword is also found in other prophetic books, such as <a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-6</a>, emphasizing God's wrath against sin.<p><b>polished to flash like lightning!</b><br>The polishing of the sword to flash like lightning suggests both the swiftness and the terrifying nature of the judgment. Lightning is often associated with divine presence and power, as seen in <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a> during the giving of the Law at Sinai. This imagery underscores the unstoppable and fearsome nature of God's judgment. The polished sword also reflects the purity and righteousness of God's justice, as nothing can withstand His holy decree.<p><b>Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son?</b><br>The "scepter" symbolizes authority and kingship, often associated with the Davidic line. Here, it questions whether there should be joy in the current leadership, which has failed to uphold God's covenant. The phrase "My son" could refer to the Davidic king, possibly Zedekiah, who was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. This rhetorical question highlights the failure of the earthly kingship to bring about righteousness and points to the need for a true and righteous King, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.<p><b>The sword despises every such stick.</b><br>The "stick" here contrasts with the "scepter," suggesting weakness and inadequacy. The sword, representing God's judgment, shows no regard for the false security or authority that the people might trust in. This reflects the futility of relying on human power or false idols, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/isaiah/30.htm">Isaiah 30:1-5</a>, where reliance on Egypt is condemned. The ultimate fulfillment of true authority and power is found in Christ, who wields the sword of truth and justice (<a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a>).<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 is the author of the book and the one delivering God's message.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The empire that conquered Jerusalem and took the Israelites into exile. It is the backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sword.htm">The Sword</a></b><br>Symbolizes God's impending judgment and the instrument of His wrath against Jerusalem and its inhabitants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_scepter.htm">The Scepter</a></b><br>Represents the ruling authority, possibly referring to the Davidic line or the leadership of Israel, which is under judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_trees.htm">The Trees</a></b><br>Symbolic of people or nations, often used in prophetic literature to represent those who will be affected by God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Certainty of God's Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgment is inevitable and precise, as depicted by the sharpened and polished sword. Believers should live with an awareness of God's holiness and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>The imagery of the sword and scepter reminds us that God is sovereign over nations and rulers. Trust in His ultimate authority and plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_readiness.htm">Repentance and Readiness</a></b><br>The call to recognize the impending judgment should lead to repentance and spiritual readiness. Evaluate your life in light of God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Just as the sword is sharp and effective, so is God's Word. Engage with Scripture regularly to allow it to shape and guide your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_promises.htm">Hope in God's Promises</a></b><br>Even in judgment, God's promises remain. Look to the hope of restoration and redemption through Christ.<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/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/do_findings_confirm_ezekiel_14_13-21.htm">Are there any archaeological findings that confirm the severe judgments (famine, wild beasts, sword, plague) predicted in Ezekiel 14:13-21?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_child_sacrifice_in_ezekiel_16_20-21_credible.htm">How credible is the depiction of widespread child sacrifice in Ezekiel 16:20-21, given limited archaeological evidence for such practices in Jerusalem?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Make mirth.</span>--The answer to this question has already been given in <a href="/ezekiel/21-6.htm" title="Sigh therefore, you son of man, with the breaking of your loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.">Ezekiel 21:6</a>, and is repeated in <a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm" title="Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be on my people, it shall be on all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be on my people: smite therefore on your thigh.">Ezekiel 21:12</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Contemneth the rod of my son.</span>--This refers to <a href="/context/genesis/49-9.htm" title="Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, you are gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?">Genesis 49:9-10</a>, in which Jacob addresses Judah as "my son," and foretells that "the sceptre shall not depart from" him until Shiloh come. There is another allusion to the same passage in <a href="/ezekiel/21-27.htm" title="I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.">Ezekiel 21:27</a>. Comp, also <a href="/context/ezekiel/17-22.htm" title="Thus said the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on an high mountain and eminent:">Ezekiel 17:22-23</a>. There is, however, serious difficulty as to the construction and meaning of the clause. The ancient versions and many commentators have more or less changed the text without improvement. The original is obscure in its extreme brevity, and allows "the rod of my son" to be either the object (as it is taken in the text) or the subject (as in the margin). The true sense is probably that which makes the clause into an objection offered <span class= "ital">by </span>the Jew to the prophet's denunciation: "But 'the rod of my son' despiseth every tree;" <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the Divine promise of old to Judah is sure, and his sceptre must remain whatever power arises against it. The objection was in a certain sense true, but the objectors had little idea of the means by which its truth should be established, and vainly imagined that it gave a temporal security to the kingdom of Judah, whatever might be its sins. The prophet does not notice the objection further than to go on with his prediction of the approaching desolation. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The sceptre of my son,</span> etc. The clause is obscure, possibly corrupt, and has received many interpretations. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> Taking the received text, the most probable explanation is that given by Keil and Kliefoth: <span class="accented">Shall we rejoice</span> (saying), <span class="accented">The sceptre of my son despiseth all woods</span>. Here the "rod" is the "sceptre" of the tribe of Judah (<a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>), and the words are supposed to be spoken by those who hear of the destroying sword. They need not dread the sword, they say, because the sceptre of the house of David, whom Jehovah recognizes as his son, despises all wood, looks on every other rod that is the symbol of sovereignty, with scorn. It is urged, in favour of this interpretation, that ver. 27 contains an unmistakable refer, nee to the prophetic words of <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Ewald: <span class="accented">It is no weak rod of my son, the softest of all wood</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. the sword of Jehovah is no weak weapon such as might be used for the chastisement of a child (<a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Proverbs 10:13</a>; <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a>). <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> Hengstenberg: <span class="accented">Shall we rejoice over the rod of my son, despising every tree?</span> There is no cause for anything but the reverse of joy in the rod, the punishment which God appoints for Israel as his son, and which surpasses all others in its severity. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/21-10.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">it is sharpened</span><br /><span class="heb">הוּחַ֔דָּה</span> <span class="translit">(hū·ḥad·dāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, sharp, severe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֨עַן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the slaughter,</span><br /><span class="heb">טֶ֙בַח֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṭe·ḇaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2873.htm">Strong's 2873: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slaughter, butcher, slay</span><br /><br /><span class="word">polished</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹרָ֑טָּה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·rāṭ·ṭāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4803.htm">Strong's 4803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to flash like lightning!</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֖רָק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·rāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1300.htm">Strong's 1300: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lightning, a gleam, a flashing sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Should we rejoice</span><br /><span class="heb">נָשִׂ֔ישׂ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·śîś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7797.htm">Strong's 7797: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bright, cheerful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the scepter</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֥בֶט</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ḇeṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">of My son?</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The sword despises</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹאֶ֥סֶת</span> <span class="translit">(mō·’e·seṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct<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">every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tree.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵֽץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘êṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tree, trees, wood</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/21-10.htm">Ezekiel 21:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/21-10.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:10 It is sharpened that it may make (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:11" /></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>