Ezekiel 21:28
New International Version
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says about the Ammonites and their insults: “’A sword, a sword, drawn for the slaughter, polished to consume and to flash like lightning!

New Living Translation
“And now, son of man, prophesy concerning the Ammonites and their mockery. Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: “A sword, a sword is drawn for your slaughter. It is polished to destroy, flashing like lightning!

English Standard Version
“And you, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach; say, A sword, a sword is drawn for the slaughter. It is polished to consume and to flash like lightning—

Berean Standard Bible
Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning—

King James Bible
And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

New King James Version
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach,’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn, Polished for slaughter, For consuming, for flashing—

New American Standard Bible
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says concerning the sons of Ammon and their taunting,’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn, sharpened for the slaughter, to make it consume, so that it may be like lightning—

NASB 1995
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the sons of Ammon and concerning their reproach,’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn, polished for the slaughter, to cause it to consume, that it may be like lightning—

NASB 1977
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the sons of Ammon and concerning their reproach,’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn, polished for the slaughter, to cause it to consume, that it may be like lightning—

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now as for you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh concerning the sons of Ammon and concerning their reproach,’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn, polished for the slaughter, to cause it to consume, that it may be like lightning—

Amplified Bible
“And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the sons of Ammon and concerning their reproach (disgrace),’ and say: ‘A sword, a sword is drawn for the slaughter; it is sharpened and polished to put an end [to everything], and to flash like lightning,

Christian Standard Bible
“Now you, son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt.’ You are to proclaim, ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now prophesy, son of man, and say: This is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt. You are to proclaim: A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning.

American Standard Version
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say thou, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

Contemporary English Version
The LORD God said: Ezekiel, son of man, the Ammonites have insulted Israel, so condemn them and tell them I am saying: A sword is drawn, ready to slaughter; it is polished and prepared to kill as fast as lightning.

English Revised Version
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say thou, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says about the Ammonites and their insults: A sword, a sword is drawn ready to kill. It's polished to destroy and flash like lightning.

Good News Translation
"Mortal man, prophesy. Announce what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying to the Ammonites, who are insulting Israel. Say to them: 'A sword is ready to destroy; It is polished to kill, to flash like lightning.

International Standard Version
And now Son of Man, prophesy to the Ammonites that this is what the Lord GOD says to the Ammonites about their approaching humiliation: "A sword! A sword is being drawn for slaughter. It's polished to flash like lightning.

Majority Standard Bible
Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ?A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning?

NET Bible
"As for you, son of man, prophesy and say, 'This is what the sovereign LORD says concerning the Ammonites and their coming humiliation; say: "'A sword, a sword drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning--

New Heart English Bible
"You, son of man, prophesy, and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the people of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say, "A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

World English Bible
“You, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘The Lord Yahweh says this concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach: “A sword! A sword is drawn! It is polished for the slaughter, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you, son of man, prophesy, and you have said, Thus said Lord YHWH concerning the sons of Ammon, and concerning their reproach, and you have said: A sword, a sword, open for slaughter, "" Polished to the utmost for brightness!

Young's Literal Translation
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah concerning the sons of Ammon, and concerning their reproach: and thou hast said: A sword, a sword, open for slaughter, Polished to the utmost for brightness!

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou son of man, prophesy and say, Thus said the Lord Jehovah to the sons of Ammon, and for their reproach; and say, The sword, the sword was loosed: for slaughter it was polished, to consume for sake of the lightning:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach, and thou shalt say: sword, O sword, come out of the scabbard to kill, be furbished to destroy, and to glitter,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as for you, son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus says the Lord God to the sons of Ammon, and to their disgrace, and you shall say: O sword, O sword, unsheathe yourself so as to slay; polish yourself so as to kill and to shine,

New American Bible
As for you, son of man, prophesy: Thus says the Lord GOD to the Ammonites and their insults: O sword, sword drawn for slaughter, burnished to consume, to flash lightning!

New Revised Standard Version
As for you, mortal, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; say: A sword, a sword! Drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you, Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the LORD God concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach: even say, The sword, the sword is drawn for the slaughter; it is sharpened and it glitters;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But you, son of man, prophesy and say: “Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS, concerning the children of Amon and concerning their shame, and say, ‘A sword, a sword, which is prepared for slaughter, and it is sharpened and flashing!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their taunt; and say thou: O sword, O sword keen-edged, Furbished for the slaughter, To the uttermost, because of the glitterings;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou, son of man, prophesy, and thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord, concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and thou shalt say, O sword, sword, drawn for slaughter, and drawn for destruction, awake, that thou mayest gleam.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD's Sword of Judgment
27A ruin, a ruin, I will make it a ruin! And it will not be restored until the arrival of Him to whom it belongs, to whom I have assigned the right of judgment.’ 28Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning— 29while they offer false visions for you and lying divinations about you—to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.…

Cross References
Isaiah 34:5-6
When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

Jeremiah 49:7-22
Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? / Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. / If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? ...

Obadiah 1:1-9
This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, “Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!”— / “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. / The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ ...

Amos 1:11-12
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. / So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.”

Malachi 1:3-4
but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” / Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.

Psalm 137:7
Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”

Lamentations 4:21-22
So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. / O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.

Isaiah 63:1-6
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...

Jeremiah 25:21
Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites;

Isaiah 21:11-12
This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” / The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”

Joel 3:19
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland, because of the violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.

Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...

Luke 10:10-16
But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ / I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. ...

Romans 9:13
So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Hebrews 12:16-17
See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.


Treasury of Scripture

And you, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus said the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say you, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

concerning the

Ezekiel 21:20
Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.

Ezekiel 25:2-7
Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; …

Jeremiah 49:1-5
Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities? …

the sword

Ezekiel 21:9,10
Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: …

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Ammon Ammonites Cause Children Consume Devour Drawn Furbished Glittering Keen-Edged Lightning Polished Prophesy Reproach Slaughter Sword Taunt Uttermost
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Ezekiel 21
1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing
8. The sharp and bright sword
18. against Jerusalem
25. against the kingdom
28. and against the Ammonites














And you, son of man, prophesy
The phrase "son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the connection between the divine message and human agency. The command to "prophesy" indicates a divine mandate, where Ezekiel is called to speak God's words with authority. This highlights the responsibility of the prophet to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of its reception.

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase establishes the divine origin of the message. "Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "Adonai Yahweh," combining the sovereign title "Adonai" with the personal name of God, "Yahweh." This dual title emphasizes both God's authority and His covenant relationship with His people. It reassures the listener that the message is not of human origin but is a direct communication from the Creator.

concerning the Ammonites
The Ammonites were a neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. Historically, the Ammonites descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, and were thus related to the Israelites. However, their frequent hostility towards Israel led to divine judgment. This context reminds us of the broader narrative of God's justice and the consequences of enmity against His chosen people.

and their contempt
The word "contempt" signifies disdain or scorn. The Ammonites' contempt likely refers to their mocking or hostile attitude towards Israel, especially during times of Israel's distress. Biblically, contempt for God's people is equated with contempt for God Himself, warranting divine retribution. This serves as a warning against pride and the mistreatment of others.

A sword, a sword is drawn for slaughter
The repetition of "a sword" emphasizes the certainty and imminence of judgment. In biblical symbolism, the sword often represents divine judgment and warfare. The imagery of a sword "drawn for slaughter" conveys the seriousness and severity of the impending judgment against the Ammonites. It is a vivid reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

polished to consume
The word "polished" suggests readiness and preparation. A polished sword is one that is sharpened and ready for use, indicating that the judgment is not only imminent but also meticulously prepared by God. The phrase "to consume" implies total destruction, underscoring the completeness of the divine judgment that will leave nothing unscathed.

to flash like lightning
This imagery evokes the suddenness and overwhelming power of God's judgment. Lightning is both brilliant and terrifying, symbolizing the swift and unstoppable nature of divine retribution. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's might and the futility of resisting His will. The comparison to lightning also suggests the clarity and visibility of God's actions, leaving no doubt about His sovereignty and justice.

(28) Concerning the Ammonites.--At the opening of this prophecy (Ezekiel 21:19-20) the king of Babylon was represented as hesitating whether to attack Jerusalem or Rabbah, and as being led to the determination of attacking the former. This would leave the inference that the Ammonites might escape altogether; and from the destruction of God's peculiar people, along with the immunity of their ancient enemies, the heathen would be likely to draw conclusions inconsistent with the power and majesty of God. Hence this prophecy is added to show that His judgments shall certainly fall on them also, and in this case the ruin foretold is final and hopeless, without the promise given to Israel in Ezekiel 21:27. Another prophecy against Ammon is given in Ezekiel 25:1-7. As a matter of history, the Ammonites were conquered, and their country desolated, by Nebuchadnezzar a few years after the destruction of Jerusalem, and they gradually dwindled away until their name and place among the nations finally disappeared.

Their reproach--i.e., their exultation in the desolation of Israel. (See Ezekiel 25:3; Zephaniah 2:8.) . . .

Verse 28. - Thus saith the Lord God concerning the Ammonites. Ezekiel has not forgotten that scene at the parting of the ways. The Ammonites, when they saw the issue of the divination, and the march of the Chaldean army to the west, thought themselves safe. They took up their reproach against Jerusalem, and exulted in its fall. They are warned, as in another strophe of the "Lay of the Sword of Jehovah," that their confidence is vain (comp. Zephaniah 2:8 for a like exultation at an earlier period).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now
וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

prophesy,
הִנָּבֵ֤א (hin·nā·ḇê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and declare
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙ (wə·’ā·mar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

that this is what
כֹּ֤ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהֹוִ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

says
אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

concerning
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Ammonites
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and their contempt:
חֶרְפָּתָ֑ם (ḥer·pā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

‘A sword!
חֶ֣רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

A sword
חֶ֤רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

is drawn
פְּתוּחָה֙ (pə·ṯū·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

for slaughter,
לְטֶ֣בַח (lə·ṭe·ḇaḥ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2874: Something slaughtered, a beast, butchery

polished
מְרוּטָ֔ה (mə·rū·ṭāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 4803: To make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish

to consume,
לְהָכִ֖יל (lə·hā·ḵîl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

to
לְמַ֥עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

flash like lightning.
בָּרָֽק׃ (bā·rāq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1300: Lightning, a gleam, a flashing sword


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:28 You son of man prophesy and say (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 21:27
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