Ezekiel 21:13

13 For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more? says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 21:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 21:13

Because it is a trial
As all afflictions and calamities are, especially to the people of God they try their faith and patience, and every other grace; and also to wicked men, they try them, whether they will repent or not: and what if the sword contemn even the rod?
the sceptre: the king of Judah, and his family; not only come upon and cut off the people and the princes, but the royal family also; and even overturn the tribe of Judah, as the word also signifies; and subvert the government of it, of which the rod or sceptre is an ensign; this would be a sore trial indeed, and yet it is intimated that so it should be: it shall be no more, saith the Lord God;
the rod or sceptre shall be no more in one of David's line, of the tribe Judah, until the Messiah comes, ( Ezekiel 21:27 ) . I should choose to render the words thus, "for it is a trial, but what?" ^F23 what an one is it? or for what is it? what will be the fruit, effect, and issue of it? if also the sceptre despises;
the king despises the trial, the affliction, the calamity, and is not brought to repentance by it: it shall be no more,
or "it shall not be" ^F24, saith the Lord God;
it, the sceptre, shall be taken away, and not restored to the house of David, until the Messiah comes.

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (hmw Nxb yk) "quum fuit probatio quid tandem fuit?" Junius & Tremellius, Polanus.
F24 (hyhy al) , "non erit", V. L. "scilicet sceptrum", Mariana.

Ezekiel 21:13 In-Context

11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer.

12 Cry and wail, son of man; for it is on my people, it is on all the princes of Yisra'el: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; strike therefore on your thigh.

13 For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more? says the Lord GOD.

14 You therefore, son of man, prophesy, and strike your hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one who is deadly wounded, which enters into their chambers.

15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.