What is the meaning of Ezekiel 21:28?

Now prophesy, son of man

• Ezekiel again receives an unmistakable charge to speak, underscoring prophetic obedience (Ezekiel 2:7; Jeremiah 1:17).

• The phrase reminds readers that prophecy originates with God, not personal opinion (2 Peter 1:21).

• God’s repeated directive affirms His patience and resolve in warning nations before judgment (Jonah 3:1; Acts 3:22).

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and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt

• Ammon had mocked Judah’s fall, displaying contempt toward God’s covenant people (Zephaniah 2:8; Psalm 83:4–7).

• The Lord, therefore, addresses them directly, proving He rules every nation, not just Israel (Jeremiah 49:1–6; Amos 1:13–15).

• Divine judgment answers contempt; God defends His name and His people with perfect justice (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

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A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter

• Repetition heightens urgency and certainty, echoing earlier warnings to Judah (Ezekiel 21:3–5) now redirected toward Ammon.

• The “drawn” sword pictures imminent action, not a distant threat (Jeremiah 47:6).

• Slaughter indicates large-scale devastation, fulfilling God’s righteous verdict (Isaiah 34:6; Revelation 19:15).

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polished to consume

• A polished blade cuts efficiently, symbolizing precise, thorough judgment (Ezekiel 21:9–10).

• “To consume” shows that nothing opposed to God’s holiness will remain (Isaiah 1:28; Hebrews 10:27).

• The image comforts believers: evil is not ignored but decisively dealt with (Psalm 37:38; Nahum 1:2).

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to flash like lightning—

• Lightning is sudden, brilliant, and unstoppable, mirroring the speed of divine intervention (Nahum 3:3; Matthew 24:27).

• The flash also points to the public nature of judgment; the nations will see and know that the Lord has acted (Ezekiel 25:11; Psalm 97:4).

• Such vivid language urges present-day readers to live in reverent readiness (1 Thessalonians 5:2–4; 2 Peter 3:10).

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summary

Ezekiel 21:28 delivers God’s direct response to Ammon’s scoffing attitude. The prophet must speak because God will not overlook contempt. A sharpened, polished, flashing sword depicts swift, complete, and visible judgment. The passage affirms that every nation is accountable to the Lord, He defends His name and His people, and His justice arrives with precision and power.