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 underscores the divine authority behind the message. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing both the sovereignty and the covenantal relationship God has with His people. This introduction serves as a reminder that the words to follow are not merely human opinions but carry the weight of divine decree, demanding attention and obedience.

Remove the turban
The "turban" here symbolizes the priestly and kingly authority in Israel. In ancient Israel, the turban was part of the high priest's attire, representing holiness and the mediating role between God and the people. The command to remove it signifies a stripping away of religious authority and a disruption of the established order, indicating a time of judgment and transformation.

and take off the crown
The "crown" represents royal authority and the Davidic line of kings. In the historical context, this is a direct reference to the impending fall of the monarchy in Judah. The removal of the crown signifies the end of earthly power and the humbling of those who have misused their authority. It is a call to recognize that true kingship belongs to God alone.

Things will not remain as they are
This phrase speaks to the inevitability of change and the divine orchestration of events. It reflects the upheaval that God is bringing about, challenging the status quo. Historically, this was a period of great turmoil for Israel, with the Babylonian exile on the horizon. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the world, reshaping it according to His purposes.

exalt the lowly
This part of the verse highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's preferential option for the humble and oppressed. The Hebrew root for "exalt" is "rum," which means to lift up or elevate. This divine reversal is a promise of hope for those who have been marginalized, affirming that God sees their plight and will act on their behalf.

and bring low the exalted
Conversely, those who are "exalted" in their own eyes or by worldly standards will be humbled. This reflects the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The historical context of Israel's leaders, who often led the nation astray, serves as a cautionary tale. Spiritually, it is a call to humility, recognizing that all power and authority ultimately belong to 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.