Ezekiel 21:13 kjv
Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 21:13 nkjv
"Because it is a testing, And what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter shall be no more," says the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 21:13 niv
"?'Testing will surely come. And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign LORD.'
Ezekiel 21:13 esv
For it will not be a testing ? what could it do if you despise the rod?" declares the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 21:13 nlt
It will put them all to the test.
What chance do they have?
says the Sovereign LORD.
Ezekiel 21 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 49:10 | "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from...". | Promise of enduring rule from Judah. |
| 2 Sam 7:16 | "Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me...". | Davidic Covenant's eternal promise. |
| Ps 89:38-39 | "But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against...". | Lament over seemingly broken Davidic covenant. |
| 1 Sam 13:13-14 | "You have not kept the command of the LORD...your kingdom would not...". | Saul's kingship removed due to disobedience. |
| 1 Kgs 11:11-12 | "I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your...". | Solomon's kingdom torn due to idolatry. |
| Isa 3:12-15 | "O my people, your oppressors are children...What do you mean by crushing...". | God's judgment on corrupt leaders. |
| Isa 9:7 | "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end...". | Messianic hope for an everlasting righteous scepter. |
| Jer 2:26-27 | "As a thief is shamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is...". | Shame and judgment for forsaking God. |
| Jer 9:7 | "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will refine them...". | God's intention to test and refine His people. |
| Lam 5:16 | "The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!". | The demise of the monarchy/sovereignty. |
| Ezek 19:12 | "But it was plucked up in fury; cast down to the earth...". | Judah's royal line, depicted as a vine, destroyed. |
| Ezek 21:26-27 | "remove the turban and take off the crown. Things shall not remain...". | The ultimate dethroning of Judah's king. |
| Hos 1:4 | "For in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the...". | God bringing an end to a royal dynasty. |
| Amos 2:4-5 | "Thus says the LORD: 'For three transgressions of Judah...". | Judgment against Judah for rejecting God's law. |
| Zech 13:9 | "I will put this third into the fire and refine them...". | Refining and testing through tribulation. |
| Mal 3:2-3 | "But who can endure the day of his coming?...He will sit as a refiner...". | God as a refiner, purification of people/leaders. |
| 1 Pet 1:6-7 | "though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved...". | Believers' faith being tested by fire. |
| Heb 12:5-7 | "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you...". | Divine discipline as a sign of sonship. |
| Lk 1:32-33 | "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and...". | Fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Christ. |
| Rev 19:15 | "From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations...". | Christ as the ultimate righteous ruler with a scepter of judgment. |
| Jude 1:4 | "For certain people have crept in unnoticed...who pervert the grace...". | Warning against those who despise authority. |
| Rom 1:18 | "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness...". | God's judgment against human unrighteousness. |
| Jer 7:4 | "Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the...’". | False sense of security based on symbols. |
| 2 Tim 2:19 | "Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal...". | God's ultimate faithfulness even amidst unfaithfulness. |
Ezekiel 21 verses
Ezekiel 21 13 Meaning
Ezekiel 21:13 declares a pivotal moment of divine judgment for Judah. It emphasizes that this is a "testing time," a period of severe probation orchestrated by God. The rhetorical question, "and what if even the scepter, which despises, should be no more?" underscores the grave possibility and near certainty of the abolition of the current corrupted royal authority in Judah. The verse challenges the perceived invincibility of the Davidic monarchy, implying that because this leadership has consistently disdained or rejected divine discipline and righteousness, its end is imminent as decreed by the Lord God. It signifies a radical disruption to the established order, a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 21 13 Context
Ezekiel 21 is part of a larger section (chapters 20-24) where Ezekiel delivers messages of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. Chapter 21, specifically, prophesies the coming invasion by Babylon, referred to as the "sword of the Lord," bringing devastation upon the land and its people. The preceding verses (21:1-12) speak of a sharpened sword prepared for slaughter, lamenting the fall of the "prince of Israel" (Zedekiah). The Lord's lament expresses profound sorrow over the impending destruction and the futility of Judah's resistance. Verse 13 comes immediately after a description of this metaphorical sword, which "scorns all counsel" and declares God's intent for relentless judgment. The historical context is the period leading up to the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the Babylonian exile, a time when Judah’s kings had consistently pursued policies contrary to God's will, relying on alliances and their own strength rather than divine guidance, leading to deep moral and spiritual corruption. The verse directly challenges Judah's leadership (the "scepter") which embodied this rebellious spirit, warning of its imminent demise.
Ezekiel 21 13 Word analysis
- For it is a testing time (כִּי בֹ֣חַן הִ֔יא - kî bōḥan hî’):
- כִּי (kî): "For," "because," introducing a reason or explanation. It links this statement to the preceding judgment.
- בֹ֣חַן (bōḥan): Meaning "trial," "testing," "proving," "examination," or "probation." It suggests a crucible-like experience. This is not arbitrary destruction but a purposeful, divinely appointed period where Judah's faith and obedience are under severe scrutiny and consequence. It implies God's righteousness in judging their character. The 'online scholars' data often emphasizes this 'testing' as a final opportunity or the result of ignored past opportunities.
- הִ֔יא (hî’): "It is," feminine singular pronoun, referring to the entire situation or the specific 'testing time'.
- and what if even (וּמָ֖ה אִם-גַּם - ūmāh ’im-gam):
- וּמָ֖ה (ūmāh): "And what?" "And what then?" It introduces a rhetorical question implying a foregone conclusion.
- אִם-גַּם (’im-gam): "If even," "even if." It amplifies the weight of the preceding judgment, extending its implication to something previously thought untouchable.
- the scepter (שֵׁ֣בֶט - shēbeṭ):
- שֵׁ֣בֶט (shēbeṭ): Literally "rod," "staff." In this context, it functions as a metaphor for royal authority, kingship, or the ruling lineage, specifically the Davidic monarchy in Judah. It's the symbol of political and judicial power.
- which despises (מָאוֹס - mā’ōs):
- מָאוֹס (mā’ōs): This word is pivotal and somewhat complex. It is a participle or noun form related to the root מ.א.ס (m.ʾ.s), meaning "to despise," "reject," "scorn," "loathe," or "render worthless." Most modern translations interpret it as the scepter (representing the current corrupt kings) actively despising God's authority, warnings, or the 'rod' of divine discipline. This points to the arrogance and unrepentant attitude of Judah's leadership, rendering themselves unworthy. Other interpretations (less common for mā'ōs directly related to shevet) include "a thing to be despised," indicating the scepter itself has become contemptible in God's eyes, or the 'scepter of one who despises'. The context of persistent rebellion strongly favors the sense of active despising. This shows the leadership's spiritual blind spots and pride.
- should be no more? (אֵֽינֶ֑נּוּ - ’ênennū):
- אֵֽינֶ֑נּוּ (’ênennū): "Is not," "there is not," "it is not." It implies complete cessation, non-existence, or removal. It answers the rhetorical question, affirming that the scepter will cease to be. The end is a certainty.
- declares the Lord God (נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥י יְהוִֽה - nĕ’um ’ăḏōnāy Yəh’wih):
- נְאֻ֖ם (’ōtēnāʾ): "Declaration," "utterance." A prophetic formula indicating the divine origin and authority of the message.
- אֲדֹנָ֥י (ʾăḏōnāy): "My Lord," "the Lord." A title of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority.
- יְהוִֽה (Yəh’wih): The personal name of God, YHWH, often rendered as "LORD." Its combination with ’ăḏōnāy (Lord GOD) stresses God's absolute authority and covenant faithfulness, ensuring the pronouncement's unwavering truth.