Ezekiel 26:20
When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;
Ezekiel 26:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel talks about a prophecy of destruction and restoration. The phrase "When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit" refers to a judgment and punishment that will befall a certain group of people. The "pit" symbolizes death and destruction, indicating a severe consequence for their actions. However, the verse also speaks of a promise of restoration. Despite being brought down to desolate places, the individuals will eventually be set in the land of the living with glory bestowed upon them. This signifies a hopeful future and a chance for redemption. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions but also offers a message of hope and renewal for those who seek it.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the speaker foretells a judgment that will befall a specific group of people, bringing them down to the pit where the people of old reside. The phrase "set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old" emphasizes the harshness of this punishment, as they will be placed in a desolate location, cut off from the land of the living. This imagery of being in the pit symbolizes a state of hopelessness and despair, suggesting that those who are brought down will be left without any hope of escape. However, the mention of setting glory in the land of the living provides a glimmer of hope amidst the grim pronouncement. It suggests that amidst judgment and punishment, there is still the possibility of restoration and redemption. This verse invites contemplation on themes of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate purposes of God's actions.
Ezekiel 26:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
then will I bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make thee to dwell in the nether parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living.
World English Bible
then I will bring you down with those who descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make you to dwell in the lower parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with those who go down to the pit, that you be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living:
Douay-Rheims
And when I shall bring thee down with those that descend into the pit to the everlasting people, and shall set thee in the lowest parts of the earth, as places desolate of old, with them that are brought down into the pit, that thou be not inhabited: and when I shall give glory in the land of the living,
Geneva Bible (1599)
When I shall cast thee downe with them that descende into the pitte, with the people of olde time, and shall set thee in the lowe partes of the earth, like the olde ruines, with them, I say, which goe downe to the pitte, so that thou shalt not be inhabited, and I shall shewe my glory in the land of the liuing,