Old Testament
Ezekiel 21:12
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Cry out and wail, son of man, because it will come upon my people, upon all the leaders of Israel. Terrors from the sword will be upon my people. So strike your thigh in grief.
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Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.
What Ezekiel 21:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing deep sorrow over the impending judgment that will come upon His people, particularly the leaders of Israel. The phrase 'cry out and wail' emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. God is asking Ezekiel, referred to as 'son of man,' to show his grief openly. The 'terrors from the sword' symbolize the violence and destruction that will affect everyone. The act of striking his thigh signifies a physical expression of mourning and distress. This moment highlights the weight of responsibility that leaders carry and the consequences of their actions. It serves as a reminder that the choices made by those in power can lead to suffering for the entire community. The emotional intensity of this message calls for reflection on how we respond to difficult situations and the impact of our decisions on others. Ultimately, it invites us to empathize with those who are suffering and to take action to support them in times of crisis. Understanding this can deepen our compassion and commitment to justice.
How to apply Ezekiel 21:12 to your life
When faced with difficult news or situations, allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Consider how your actions and decisions affect those around you. Engage in conversations about justice and support those who are suffering. Your empathy can make a difference in someone else's life. Take time to reflect on your role in your community's well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 21:12 mean?
Ezekiel 21:12 expresses God's sorrow over the impending judgment on His people, particularly the leaders of Israel. It highlights the seriousness of their situation and the consequences of their actions, urging Ezekiel to show his grief.
What is the significance of 'cry out and wail' in Ezekiel 21:12?
The phrase 'cry out and wail' emphasizes the deep emotional response required in light of the impending judgment. It signifies the gravity of the situation and the need for mourning over the suffering that will come.
What does 'terrors from the sword' refer to in Ezekiel 21:12?
'Terrors from the sword' symbolizes the violence and destruction that will befall the people of Israel due to their leaders' failures. It serves as a warning of the consequences of their actions.
Why does Ezekiel strike his thigh in Ezekiel 21:12?
Striking his thigh is a physical expression of mourning and distress, signifying the deep grief over the suffering that will impact the community. It illustrates the emotional weight of the situation.
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