211 God's Message came to me: 2 "Son of man, now face Jerusalem and let the Message roll out against the Sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel. 3 Say, 'God's Message: I'm against you. I'm pulling my sword from its sheath and killing both the wicked and the righteous. 4 Because I'm treating everyone the same, good and bad, everyone from south to north is going to feel my sword! 5 Everyone will know that I mean business.' 6 "So, son of man, groan! Double up in pain. Make a scene! 7 "When they ask you, 'Why all this groaning, this carrying on?' say, 'Because of the news that's coming. It'll knock the breath out of everyone. Hearts will stop cold, knees turn to rubber. Yes, it's coming. No stopping it. Decree of God, the Master.'"
8 God's Message to me: 9 "Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, 'The Master says: "'A sword! A sword! razor-sharp and polished, 10 Sharpened to kill, polished to flash like lightning! "'My child, you've despised the scepter of Judah by worshiping every tree-idol. 11 "'The sword is made to glisten, to be held and brandished. It's sharpened and polished, ready to be brandished by the killer.' 12 "Yell out and wail, son of man. The sword is against my people! The princes of Israel and my people - abandoned to the sword! Wring your hands! Tear out your hair! 13 "'Testing comes. Why have you despised discipline? You can't get around it. Decree of God, the Master.' 14 "So, prophesy, son of man! Clap your hands. Get their attention. Tell them that the sword's coming down once, twice, three times. It's a sword to kill, a sword for a massacre, A sword relentless, a sword inescapable - 15 People collapsing right and left, going down like dominoes. I've stationed a murderous sword at every gate in the city, Flashing like lightning, brandished murderously. 16 Cut to the right, thrust to the left, murderous, sharp-edged sword! 17 Then I'll clap my hands, a signal that my anger is spent. I, God, have spoken."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17
Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17
(Read Ezekiel 21:1-17)
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.