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Ezekiel 21:15

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

Ezekiel 21:15 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter." is a powerful and vivid depiction of destruction and judgment. In this verse, the sword represents the instrument of God's judgment against the people who have turned away from Him. By setting the sword against their gates, God is symbolically showing that their defenses will be useless against His wrath. The mention of their heart fainting suggests the fear and terror that will come upon them in the face of impending destruction. The phrase "it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter" further emphasizes the inevitability and severity of the judgment that is to come. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and serves as a reminder of His ultimate power and righteousness.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Ezekiel is that it illustrates the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. The imagery of the sword being set against the gates signifies the impending doom that will befall those who have strayed from God's path. The mention of their heart fainting and their ruins being multiplied paints a bleak picture of the destruction and suffering that will come upon those who have turned away from God. The phrase "ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter" emphasizes the certainty and severity of the punishment that awaits the unfaithful. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's commandments, for straying from His path will lead to destruction and ruin.

Ezekiel 21:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

World English Bible

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

Douay-Rheims

And languish in heart, and that multiplieth ruins. In all their gates I have set the dread of the sharp sword, the sword that is furbished to glitter, that is made ready for slaughter.

Geneva Bible (1599)

I haue brought the feare of the sword into all their gates to make their heart to faint, and to multiplie their ruines. Ah it is made bright, and it is dressed for the slaughter.