Ezekiel 29:7
When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.
Ezekiel 29:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible describes a metaphorical relationship between the people of Israel and God. The imagery used suggests that when the people relied on God for support and guidance, they were strong and powerful. However, when they turned away from Him and leaned on their own understanding, they were left weak and vulnerable. The breaking and rending of shoulders and loins symbolize the loss of strength and stability that comes from straying from God's path. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. By staying connected to Him, we can find the strength and support we need to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.
Theological Overview
One key theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Isaiah is that it highlights the consequences of relying on human strength rather than trusting in God. The imagery of breaking and rending when individuals lean on or take hold of someone's hand symbolizes the weakness and inability of humanity to carry the burdens of life by themselves. The verse serves as a reminder that God is the only one we can truly lean on and trust in times of trouble. The word "rend" emphasizes the force and power with which God can break the human reliance on their own strength. This verse can be seen as a call for dependence on God and a warning against self-reliance. In the context of the broader passage, it speaks to the importance of putting our trust in the Lord rather than in ourselves or other faulty supports.
Ezekiel 29:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and didst rend all their shoulders; and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.
World English Bible
When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their shoulders; and when they leaned on you, you broke, and paralyzed all of their thighs.”
Douay-Rheims
When they took hold of thee with the hand thou didst break, and rent all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brokest, and weakenest all their loins.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When they tooke holde of thee with their hand, thou diddest breake, and rent all their shoulder: and when they leaned vpon thee, thou brakest and madest all their loynes to stand vpright.