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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 21 - Verse 3

21:3
And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the Lord is delivering a harsh message to the land of Israel. The phrase "Behold, I am against thee" signifies the Lord's anger and disapproval towards the people of Israel. By stating that He will draw forth His sword and cut off both the righteous and the wicked, the Lord is declaring that all will face consequences for their actions, regardless of their perceived righteousness. This serves as a reminder that God's judgment is just and impartial, and that no one is exempt from His righteous wrath. This verse emphasizes the importance of living according to God's will and following His commandments, as both the righteous and the wicked will face His judgment. It serves as a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Ezekiel 21:3, the Lord is speaking to the land of Israel, proclaiming His judgment upon them. The use of the metaphorical language of drawing the sword out of its sheath to cut off both the righteous and the wicked signifies the severity and impartiality of God's judgment. This verse highlights the consequences of sin and disobedience, emphasizing that no one will be spared from the consequences of their actions. The theological interpretation of this verse serves as a reminder of God's righteousness and his role as a just judge. Additionally, a closer look at the word "sword" in Hebrew (חֶרֶב - chereb) reveals its symbolic significance in the biblical context, representing divine punishment or warfare against those who have strayed from God's commands. Thus, the word study elucidates the gravity of the situation and the certainty of God's judgment upon the land of Israel. It serves as a warning to all who read it to heed God's word and turn away from sin to avoid facing His righteous judgment.

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