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 you, ‘Why are you groaning?’
The phrase "And when they ask you" indicates a prophetic interaction between Ezekiel and the people. The Hebrew root for "ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking of understanding or inquiry, suggesting that the people are perplexed by Ezekiel's actions. "Groaning" (אָנַח, anach) is a deep, mournful sound, often associated with grief or distress. This groaning is not just a physical expression but a prophetic sign of the impending judgment, reflecting the deep sorrow and anguish that will befall the people.

‘Because of the news that is coming
The "news" (שְׁמוּעָה, shemu'ah) refers to the prophetic message of impending doom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, news often traveled slowly, but prophetic news was seen as divinely inspired and certain. The phrase "that is coming" emphasizes the inevitability and imminence of God's judgment. This serves as a warning to the people to prepare their hearts and turn back to God.

Every heart will melt
The imagery of a heart melting (נָמַס, namas) conveys utter fear and despair. In Hebrew culture, the heart is the center of emotion and will. A melting heart signifies a complete loss of courage and resolve, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the coming judgment.

and every hand will go limp
Hands going limp (רָפָה, raphah) symbolize powerlessness and inability to act. In biblical times, hands were a symbol of strength and action. The limpness of hands indicates a total surrender to the circumstances, a recognition that human strength is futile against divine judgment.

every spirit will faint
The fainting of the spirit (כָּהָה, kahah) suggests a loss of inner strength and vitality. The spirit, or ruach in Hebrew, is often associated with life and breath. A fainting spirit indicates a deep, pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair, as the people realize the gravity of their situation.

and every knee will turn to water
This vivid metaphor of knees turning to water (מַיִם, mayim) illustrates extreme fear and instability. In ancient times, strong knees were a sign of readiness and strength. The transformation to water signifies a complete collapse under the weight of impending judgment, leaving the people unable to stand firm.

Yes, it is coming, and it will surely happen,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
The repetition of "it is coming, and it will surely happen" underscores the certainty of God's word. The phrase "declares the Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh) affirms the authority and sovereignty of God. This declaration serves as a final, unassailable confirmation that the prophesied events are not mere possibilities but divinely ordained certainties. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's ultimate control over history.

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.