Ezekiel 19 7

Ezekiel 19:7 kjv

And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.

Ezekiel 19:7 nkjv

He knew their desolate places, And laid waste their cities; The land with its fullness was desolated By the noise of his roaring.

Ezekiel 19:7 niv

He broke downa their strongholds and devastated their towns. The land and all who were in it were terrified by his roaring.

Ezekiel 19:7 esv

and seized their widows. He laid waste their cities, and the land was appalled and all who were in it at the sound of his roaring.

Ezekiel 19:7 nlt

He demolished fortresses
and destroyed their towns and cities.
Their farms were desolated,
and their crops were destroyed.
The land and its people trembled in fear
when they heard him roar.

Ezekiel 19 verses

Ezekiel 19 7 Meaning

This verse describes the destructive actions and widespread impact of the "young lion" (representing the Babylonian empire, as an instrument of divine judgment) on the land of Judah. It vividly portrays a sequence of desolation: the lion acknowledges or takes hold of the power centers (palaces) and proceeds to lay waste to cities. Subsequently, the entire land becomes desolate, losing its population and prosperity, all caused by the terrifying sound and might of its "roaring." It underscores the comprehensive ruin that befell Judah due to its sins and the failure of its leadership.

Ezekiel 19 7 Context

Ezekiel 19 is a lament, or funeral dirge (qînāh), presented as a riddle, depicting the tragic fate of Judah's last kings. It uses the metaphor of a lioness (Judah) raising two strong cubs (kings) that become "young lions." The first young lion, probably Jehoahaz (Shallum), captures prey and learns to tear, but is caught in a pit (exiled to Egypt). The second, likely Jehoiakim or Jehoiachin, also becomes a destructive lion but is similarly captured and exiled by the nations. Verse 7 specifically describes the actions of this second "lion," symbolizing the devastating campaigns of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar against Judah. Historically, it refers to the sieges of Jerusalem which led to the destruction of the Temple and the city, the royal palace, and the widespread exile of its people, ultimately leading to the land's desolation. The context emphasizes that Judah's pride and the unrighteousness of its rulers led to these severe judgments, despite their covenant relationship with God.

Ezekiel 19 7 Word analysis

• And he knew (וַיֵּדַע, wayyed͡aʿ): The Hebrew root יָדַע (yāḏaʿ) signifies to know, perceive, understand, or experience. While it can mean passive knowledge, in this context, coupled with subsequent actions, many scholars interpret it as an active recognition that leads to, or is part of, destructive action. Some ancient translations render it more forcefully, suggesting 'he seized' or 'he devoured.' This active sense portrays the lion's predatory understanding and immediate response to its targets.
• their desolate (שְׁמֵמִים, šᵉmêmîm) palaces (אַרְמְנוֹתֵיהֶם, ʾarmnôṯêhem):
  • palaces (אַרְמְנוֹתֵיהֶם): Refers to fortified citadels, royal residences, or strongholds. These represent the centers of political power, wealth, and authority. Their destruction signifies the utter downfall of the ruling class and the governmental structure.
  • desolate (שְׁמֵמִים): An adjective meaning wasted, ruined, uninhabited, or appalling. Even before the final destruction, the places of power might have been already in a state of decay or pre-judgment abandonment, which the lion (Babylon) then fully exploited or completed the desolation.
• and he laid waste (וַיַּחֲרִב, wayyaḥărib): From the root חָרַב (ḥārab), meaning to be dry, desolate, wasted, or ruined. This is a powerful verb denoting active, thorough destruction. It implies not just neglect, but forceful demolition.
• their cities (עָרֵיהֶם, ʿārêhem): Beyond the palaces of the elite, this refers to the populated urban centers – the economic, social, and cultural hubs of the land. Their ruin signifies widespread societal collapse and loss of life and livelihood for the common people.
• and the land (הָאָרֶץ, hāʾāreṣ) was desolate (וַתִּשֹּׁם, wattiššōm):
  • the land (הָאָרֶץ): Refers to the entire territory of Judah. The shift from specific targets (palaces, cities) to the whole land emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the devastation.
  • was desolate (וַתִּשֹּׁם): From the root שָׁמֵם (šāmam), meaning to be utterly ruined, uninhabited, appalled. This passive construction highlights the ultimate state of the land after the lion's actions – it became a barren wasteland devoid of its former life and glory. This fulfills ancient covenant warnings.
• and the fulness thereof (וּמְלֹאָהּ, ûmᵉlōʾāh): This refers to everything that constitutes the land's abundance: its inhabitants, livestock, produce, and all its resources. It signifies that the land was stripped bare of its life and prosperity, indicating depopulation through exile or death.
• by the noise of his roaring (מִקּוֹל שַׁאֲגָתוֹ, miqqôl šaʾăgāṯô):
  • noise of his roaring: The lion's roar is a potent metaphor for immense power, terror, and an authoritative declaration of dominance. In a biblical context, it is often associated with the voice of God's judgment (e.g., Amos 3:8) or the destructive power of a conquering army (e.g., Jer 2:15). Here, it signifies the overwhelming military might and the fear it instilled, which was a direct cause of the widespread ruin and evacuation of the land. It evokes not just physical destruction, but a psychological terror that forces abandonment.

Ezekiel 19 7 Bonus section

This lament (qînāh) structure, with its rhythmic irregularity and falling cadences (a 3+2 or 2+2 metrical pattern often associated with dirges), intensifies the sense of sorrow and finality. The portrayal of the lion metaphor aligns with common ancient Near Eastern imagery where fierce animals symbolized powerful rulers or empires. This verse, and the broader lament, also implicitly serve as a warning to future generations about the consequences of failing to heed God's commands and misusing positions of power. The severity of the outcome reflects the gravity of breaking the covenant with the Living God. The phrase "fulness thereof" also holds significant meaning, implying the very essence and vibrance of life. When this is taken, it speaks to an empty shell, a profound void, not just physical emptiness, but a stripping away of identity and purpose, reinforcing the depth of the judgment.

Ezekiel 19 7 Commentary

Ezekiel 19:7 portrays the devastating outcome of God's judgment on Judah, channelled through the formidable power of the Babylonian empire, symbolized as a fearsome young lion. The verse moves sequentially from targeting specific symbols of power – the royal "palaces," signifying the fall of the monarchy and leadership – to the broader devastation of "cities," affecting the general populace and economic life. Ultimately, the entire "land was desolate," stripped of its very essence and "fulness," referring to its people, livestock, and produce, due to death and exile. The underlying cause for this comprehensive destruction is underscored by "the noise of his roaring," a powerful image not merely of sound, but of the terrifying and irresistible might that subjugates and destroys, instilling such fear that life and livelihood cease. This verse powerfully illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's justice, showing that when covenant disobedience persists, especially from leadership, even the holiest of lands and the most protected structures can face complete annihilation, turning former glory into a terrifying wasteland.