Ezekiel 7 - Introduction

Dirge over the downfall of the kingdom of Judah

The passage is probably in some confusion; Ezekiel 7:8 are virtually a repetition of Ezekiel 7:3. In LXX. Ezekiel 7:3 stand immediately after Ezekiel 7:8, and have the appearance of being a duplicate. In other respects the text is very difficult, and in several places no longer presents the original reading. The chapter appears to have two divisions:

First, Ezekiel 7:1, announcement that the end of the state is come, in a series of interjectional sentences, and

Secondly, Ezekiel 7:14, a picture of its dissolution, in language some what calmer and more connected.

First, announcement of the end, in three short strophes:

(1) Ezekiel 7:1. The end is come upon the four corners of the land.

(2) Ezekiel 7:5. The end is come upon the inhabitants of the land.

(3) Ezekiel 7:10. The ruin is common and universal. Persons and possessions alike perish.