Ezekiel 21:7

And when they ask, 'Why are you groaning?' you are to say, 'Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.' Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD."

Study Bible

And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’
In this context, Ezekiel is instructed to express a deep, audible lamentation. Groaning is a prophetic act symbolizing the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The people’s inquiry reflects their ignorance or denial of the severity of their situation. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where prophets are asked to perform symbolic acts to convey God's message, such as Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful woman (Hosea 1:2).

you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming.
The "news" refers to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. This prophecy is consistent with the warnings given by other prophets like Jeremiah, who also foretold the fall of Jerusalem due to the people's persistent sin (Jeremiah 25:9). The certainty of this news underscores the inevitability of God's judgment when His people refuse to repent.

Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp.
This phrase indicates a complete loss of courage and strength among the people. The imagery of melting hearts and limp hands is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe overwhelming fear and despair, such as in Joshua 2:11, where the inhabitants of Jericho are terrified of the Israelites. It signifies the total helplessness and panic that will grip the people when the judgment arrives.

Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.
The fainting of spirits and knees turning to water further emphasize the terror and weakness that will overcome the people. This vivid imagery is a common biblical expression of extreme fear and helplessness, as seen in Isaiah 13:7. It highlights the psychological and physical impact of the coming calamity, leaving the people utterly defenseless.

Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen,
The repetition of the certainty of the event underscores the reliability of God's word. This assurance of fulfillment is a common prophetic theme, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is described as never returning void. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plans.

declares the Lord GOD.”
The declaration by the Lord GOD affirms the divine authority behind the prophecy. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes both God's sovereign rule and His covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase assures the audience that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God, reinforcing the seriousness and inevitability of the prophecy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies.

3. Babylon
The empire that conquered Jerusalem and took the Israelites into exile. It serves as the backdrop for much of Ezekiel's ministry.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and just God who speaks through Ezekiel, warning of judgment and calling for repentance.

5. The Coming Judgment
The impending disaster and judgment that God is about to bring upon Jerusalem and its people due to their persistent sin.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's declarations through His prophets are certain and will come to pass. We must take His warnings seriously and live in a way that honors Him.

The Response to Sin
Sin leads to judgment and destruction. We are called to examine our lives, repent, and turn back to God to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Ezekiel are tasked with delivering difficult messages. We should be open to receiving correction and guidance from those God places in our lives.

The Emotional Impact of Judgment
The imagery of hearts melting and knees turning to water highlights the emotional and physical toll of facing God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin.

Hope in Repentance
While judgment is certain for unrepentant sin, God always offers hope and restoration to those who turn back to Him with sincere hearts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet inform our understanding of the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we prepare our hearts to respond appropriately to God's warnings in our own lives?

3. How do the emotions described in Ezekiel 21:7 (hearts melting, hands going limp) reflect the reality of facing God's judgment?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment described in Ezekiel and the final judgment depicted in Revelation?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 21:7 to encourage others to seek repentance and restoration with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13:7
This verse also speaks of hearts melting and hands becoming weak, emphasizing the terror and helplessness that accompany God's judgment.

Jeremiah 6:24
Similar imagery is used to describe the fear and anguish that will come upon the people when they hear of the impending disaster.

Daniel 5:6
The phrase "knees will turn to water" is reminiscent of King Belshazzar's reaction to the writing on the wall, illustrating the fear of divine judgment.

Revelation 6:15-17
The New Testament echoes the theme of fear and trembling in the face of God's righteous judgment during the end times.