13 " 'Testing will surely come. And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign Lord.'
13 For it will not be a testing--what could it do if you despise the rod?"
13 "'Testing comes. Why have you despised discipline? You can't get around it. Decree of God, the Master.'
13 "Because it is a testing, And what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter shall be no more," says the Lord God.
13 It will put them all to the test. What chance do they have? says the Sovereign Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17
(Read Ezekiel 21:1-17)
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.