Ezekiel 21:27

A 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.'

Study Bible

A ruin, a ruin, I will make it a ruin!
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and completeness of the destruction decreed by God. The repetition of "ruin" underscores the total devastation that will come upon Jerusalem and its temple. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled with the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Theologically, it reflects God's judgment on the unfaithfulness of His people, a theme consistent throughout the prophetic books. The use of repetition is a common Hebrew literary device to emphasize the severity and inevitability of the judgment.

And it will not be restored
This indicates a period of desolation and abandonment. Historically, Jerusalem remained in ruins for many years after the Babylonian exile. Theologically, this suggests a divine pause, where restoration is withheld until a divinely appointed time. This period of waiting is significant in the biblical narrative, as it points to the need for repentance and the hope of future redemption.

until the arrival of Him to whom it belongs
This phrase is messianic, pointing to the coming of the rightful ruler. In Christian theology, this is seen as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is the rightful heir to the throne of David. The phrase "to whom it belongs" suggests ownership and authority, indicating that the restoration of Jerusalem and the establishment of God's kingdom will occur under the leadership of the Messiah.

to whom I have assigned the right of judgment.’
This highlights the divine authority given to the Messiah. In the New Testament, Jesus is often depicted as the judge of the living and the dead (e.g., John 5:22-27). The assignment of judgment to the Messiah underscores His role in executing God's justice and establishing His kingdom. This connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Christ.

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. Jerusalem
The city facing impending judgment and destruction due to the people's disobedience and idolatry.

3. The Crown
Symbolizes the kingship and authority over Israel, which is being removed due to the nation's unfaithfulness.

4. He to Whom it Rightly Belongs
A messianic reference, pointing to the future rightful king, traditionally understood as Jesus Christ in Christian theology.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecies, where the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their sins.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Restoration
God is in control of both the judgment and the restoration of His people. The removal of the crown signifies His authority to discipline, while the promise of its rightful return points to His plan for redemption.

The Messianic Hope
This verse foreshadows the coming of Christ, the ultimate King. Believers are reminded of the hope and assurance found in Jesus, who fulfills God's promises.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The repeated declaration of "a ruin" serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience.

The Certainty of God's Promises
Despite the immediate context of destruction, the promise of the rightful king assures us of God's faithfulness to His word. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the removal of the crown in Ezekiel 21:27 reflect God's judgment on Israel, and what can we learn about God's character from this?

2. In what ways does the promise of the crown being given to "He to whom it rightly belongs" point to the hope found in Jesus Christ?

3. How can the repeated phrase "a ruin, a ruin, I will make it a ruin" serve as a warning for us today in our personal walk with God?

4. What connections can you find between Ezekiel 21:27 and the promises of a coming Messiah in other parts of the Old Testament?

5. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of this verse, and how can it apply to modern-day situations of spiritual exile or distance from God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:10
This verse speaks of the scepter not departing from Judah until Shiloh comes, which parallels the idea of the crown being given to the rightful heir.

Luke 1:32-33
The angel's announcement to Mary about Jesus' eternal reign connects to the prophecy of the rightful king receiving the crown.

Revelation 19:16
Describes Jesus as the King of Kings, fulfilling the prophecy of the one to whom the crown belongs.