Ezekiel 21:28
And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:
Ezekiel 21:28 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is instructed by the Lord GOD to deliver a message concerning the Ammonites and their impending judgment. The Ammonites were a neighboring nation to Israel who had a history of hostility towards God's chosen people. The imagery of a drawn sword being furbished and ready for slaughter symbolizes the violent destruction that is about to come upon the Ammonites as a consequence of their sins and transgressions. The use of the term "glittering" further emphasizes the sharpness and effectiveness of the sword in carrying out the judgment of God. This verse serves as a warning to the Ammonites, highlighting the seriousness of their actions and the inevitable consequences of their disobedience. It also serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God in executing judgment and justice upon those who rebel against Him. As readers encounter this verse on the website, they are encouraged to reflect on the righteous judgment of God and to heed His warnings in order to avoid facing a similar fate.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the warning and judgment pronounced against the Ammonites by the prophet Ezekiel under the authority of God. The Ammonites were known for their hostility towards the Israelites and their alliance with Israel's enemies, making them deserving of punishment. The mention of the sword being drawn and furbished signifies the imminent destruction and devastation that awaited the Ammonites. The repetition of the word "sword" emphasizes the severity and inevitability of the judgment that would befall them. The glittering of the sword symbolizes the gleaming sharpness and readiness to bring about the desired outcome, which in this case is the slaughter of the Ammonites. The use of vivid imagery in this verse serves to convey the seriousness of God's judgment against those who defy His will and oppose His people. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the righteousness of God's justice.
Ezekiel 21:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say thou, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;
World English Bible
You, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;
Douay-Rheims
And thou son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach, and thou shalt say: O sword, O sword, come out of the scabbard to kill, be furbished to destroy, and to glitter,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou, sonne of man, prophecie, and say, Thus saith the Lord God to the children of Ammon, and to their blasphemie: say thou, I say, The sword, the sword is drawen foorth, and fourbished to the slaughter, to consume, because of the glittering: