Ezekiel 24:21
Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.
Ezekiel 24:21 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword." conveys a message of impending judgment and punishment from God upon the people of Israel. In this verse, God is warning the Israelites that because of their disobedience and sin, He will bring desolation upon their sanctuary, their source of strength and comfort. The mention of their sons and daughters falling by the sword emphasizes the severity of the consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of staying faithful to His commandments and teachings. It is a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
Theological Overview
One important theological interpretation of this verse in Ezekiel 24:21 is the concept of God's judgment and discipline. In this passage, God is expressing his intent to profane his sanctuary, symbolizing a severe judgment upon the people of Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. The sanctuary, which was once the pride and joy of the Israelites, will no longer be a place of refuge or delight, but rather a reminder of their spiritual downfall. This verse illustrates the consequences of forsaking God's commands and turning to false gods, leading to the ultimate destruction of their loved ones by the sword. The word "profane" in this context implies a defilement or desecration of something sacred, highlighting the severity of God's punishment. Through this passage, we see a clear depiction of God's righteous anger and the necessity of obedience and repentance to avoid his judgment.
Ezekiel 24:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left behind shall fall by the sword.
World English Bible
Speak to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pities; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind shall fall by the sword.
Douay-Rheims
Speak to the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will profane my sanctuary, the glory of your realm, and the thing that your eyes desire, and for which your soul feareth: your sons, and your daughters, whom you have left, shall fall by the sword.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Speake vnto the house of Israel, Thus sayth the Lord God, Behold, I will pollute my Sanctuarie, euen the pride of your power, the pleasure of your eyes, and your hearts desire, and your sonnes, and your daughters whom ye haue left, shall fall by the sworde.