Ezekiel 7:18
They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.
Ezekiel 7:18 · King James Version
Meaning
Upon reading this verse, it is important to understand that the act of girding oneself with sackcloth was a common practice of mourning and repentance in ancient times. Sackcloth was a coarse, rough material typically made from goat hair and was worn as a sign of humility before God. The mention of horror covering them likely signifies the great fear and despair that will come upon those who have sinned. Shame being upon all faces and baldness upon all their heads further illustrates the depth of their disgrace and humiliation. Baldness was often associated with mourning and shame in ancient cultures, highlighting the severity of the judgment that will befall those who stray from the path of righteousness. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of acknowledging and repenting for one's sins.
Theological Overview
The verse you are referring to is a vivid depiction of a scene of mourning and lamentation. The phrase "gird themselves with sackcloth" refers to the ancient custom of wearing coarse cloth as a sign of deep distress and repentance. Sackcloth was often worn during times of mourning or prayer as a symbol of humility before God. The mention of horror covering them and shame upon all faces emphasizes the magnitude of the tragedy that has befallen the people. Baldness was also a sign of mourning in ancient times, further underscoring the severity of the situation. This verse portrays a picture of a community in turmoil, facing the consequences of their actions with a profound sense of grief and remorse. Overall, the theological interpretation of this verse highlights the themes of humility, repentance, and the consequences of sin in the eyes of God.
Ezekiel 7:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.
World English Bible
They shall also clothe themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be on all faces, and baldness on all their heads.
Douay-Rheims
And they shall gird themselves with haircloth, and fear shall cover them and shame shall be upon every face, and baldness upon all their heads.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They shall also girde them selues with sackecloth, and feare shall couer them, and shame shalbe vpon all faces, and baldnes vpon their heads.