Ezekiel 21:26

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the words are not Ezekiel's own but are directly from God. This establishes the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy.

Remove the turban, and take off the crown:
The turban and crown symbolize priestly and kingly authority, respectively. In the context of Ezekiel, this signifies the end of the current leadership in Judah. The removal of these symbols indicates a divine judgment against the ruling class. Historically, this reflects the impending fall of Jerusalem and the end of the Davidic line of kings at that time. It also foreshadows the coming of a new order under the Messiah, who will fulfill both priestly and kingly roles.

Things will not remain as they are:
This phrase indicates a significant change is coming. It suggests a divine intervention that will alter the current state of affairs. In the historical context, it refers to the upheaval and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem. Theologically, it points to the transformative work of God in history, often seen in the prophetic literature as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah.

Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted:
This is a theme consistent throughout Scripture, where God often reverses human expectations and social orders. It reflects the biblical principle found in passages like 1 Samuel 2:7-8 and Luke 1:52, where God humbles the proud and lifts up the humble. This reversal is a hallmark of God's justice and sovereignty. In a messianic sense, it points to Jesus Christ, who embodies this principle by coming as a humble servant and being exalted by God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and restoration to the people of Israel.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel, declaring His will and judgment upon the nation and its leaders.

3. The Turban and the Crown
Symbols of priestly and kingly authority in Israel. Their removal signifies the end of the current order and the judgment upon the leaders.

4. The Lowly and the Exalted
Represents a reversal of fortunes, where those who are humble and oppressed will be lifted, and those who are proud and powerful will be brought down.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time of great upheaval and judgment for Israel due to their disobedience.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God has the authority to remove and establish leaders. We must recognize His ultimate control over earthly powers.

Reversal of Fortunes
God often works in ways that overturn human expectations. We should be prepared for God to act in unexpected ways in our lives.

Humility Before God
The exaltation of the lowly and the humbling of the exalted remind us to live humbly, trusting in God's timing and justice.

Repentance and Restoration
The removal of the turban and crown signifies the need for repentance. True restoration comes when we align ourselves with God's will.

Hope in God's Justice
Even in times of judgment, there is hope for those who remain faithful. God's justice will ultimately prevail.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the removal of the turban and crown in Ezekiel 21:26 symbolize God's judgment on Israel's leadership, and what can we learn about God's view of authority?

2. In what ways does the theme of reversal in Ezekiel 21:26 challenge our understanding of power and humility in our own lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of "exalting the lowly and bringing low the exalted" in our interactions with others, especially in positions of leadership or influence?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a reversal of fortunes. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as 1 Samuel 2:7-8 and Luke 1:52, enhance our understanding of God's consistent character throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 2:7-8
This passage speaks of God bringing down the proud and lifting the humble, echoing the theme of reversal found in Ezekiel 21:26.

Luke 1:52
Mary's Magnificat reflects the same principle of God exalting the humble and bringing down rulers, showing the consistency of God's character throughout Scripture.

James 4:10
Encourages believers to humble themselves before the Lord, who will lift them up, aligning with the message of reversal in Ezekiel.