What is happening when the messenger says, "The city is smitten"?

When the escaped man comes to Ezekiel and says, “The city is smitten,” he is bringing the news that Jerusalem has finally been destroyed. This happens in the twelfth year of the exile. For years God had warned through Ezekiel that the city would fall because of the people’s sins. Now that warning has come true. This report marks a turning point in Ezekiel’s work. God’s hand comes on him again, opens his mouth, and confirms that what he had been saying about judgment on Jerusalem was not just his own idea but truly God’s word.

What does the phrase "Abraham was one, and he inherited the land" mean here?

The people still living in the ruined land are comforting themselves with a twisted argument. They say, “Abraham was one, and he inherited the land, but we are many; the land is given us.” They mean that if God gave the land to Abraham when he was only one man, surely He will let many of them keep it now. They use Abraham’s name to defend themselves, but they ignore his faith and obedience. God shows that numbers and heritage mean nothing when their lives are full of idolatry and violence.

Why does God ask, "Shall ye possess the land?" in this passage?

God keeps asking, “Shall ye possess the land?” to expose how empty their claim is. They think they deserve the land because they are many and descend from Abraham, but God lists their sins: eating with the blood, looking up to idols, shedding blood, trusting in the sword, committing abominations, and defiling their neighbors’ wives. By asking this question, God shows that His promises are not a cover for ongoing wickedness. Living in open rebellion while claiming His gifts is self-deception, and He will not let them enjoy the land on those terms.

What does this passage show about people who like to hear God’s word but do not obey it?

God tells Ezekiel that people talk about him at home and say, “Come and hear what is the word that comes from the Lord.” They come and sit as if they are God’s people and listen carefully. But He says they will not do what they hear. Their mouths show love, but their hearts chase after selfish gain. God compares Ezekiel to a singer with a pleasant voice. They enjoy the sound, but they do not change their lives. This shows that hearing God’s word without obeying it is just empty religion and leads to judgment.

Why does God make the land "most desolate" in this passage?

God says He will make the land “most desolate,” stop its proud strength, and leave the mountains so empty that no one passes through. This is not random cruelty. He explains the reason: “because of all their abominations which they have committed.” Idolatry, bloodshed, and sexual sin had filled the land for a long time. By stripping away its glory, God shows that He is not mocked and that sin has real consequences. When the land is laid waste, the people will finally know that it was the Lord who spoke and judged.

What does it mean that Ezekiel was "no more dumb" when his mouth was opened?

Earlier God had limited Ezekiel’s speech so he only spoke when God gave him a message. After the fall of Jerusalem, God’s hand comes on him again in the evening and opens his mouth. When the messenger arrives in the morning, Ezekiel can speak freely. The phrase “I was no more dumb” means God released him from that restraint so he could continue to prophesy. It is a sign that God is still speaking to His people after judgment, and that Ezekiel’s role as His spokesman is confirmed, not finished.

What does this passage teach about God’s character and His judgment?

This passage shows God as patient but firm. He had warned the people for years, yet they kept their idols, violence, and adultery while claiming His promises. When He judges, He explains why, listing their sins and asking if they really expect to possess the land in that state. He does not delight in empty religion or flattering words that hide greedy hearts. By bringing sword, beasts, and disease, and making the land desolate, He shows that He is holy and His word is true. In the end, they will know He is the Lord.

How can this warning about fake listening to God’s word apply today?

This passage warns against treating God’s word like a show. The people enjoyed hearing Ezekiel, talked about him, and acted interested, but they did not change. Their hearts were set on their own gain. Today the danger is similar. It is possible to like sermons, songs, and Bible talks, yet keep living for idols such as money, pleasure, or status. The lesson is to let God’s word search our hearts and to obey what He says. Real hearing shows itself in repentance, turning from sin, and trusting what God says, even when it costs us.

What does it mean when God says, "Then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them"?

God tells Ezekiel that when what he has spoken finally comes to pass, “then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.” People had mocked him, treated his words like pleasant music, and ignored his calls to repent. When the judgments he announced actually arrive, it will be clear that he truly spoke for God. This line shows that God Himself defends His messengers. Even if people do not listen at first, His word will be proved right in the end, and those who rejected it will see they rejected God’s warning.

Ezek.33.21

Ezekiel 33:21

King James Version (KJV)

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

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Word of Jerusalem’s Fall

Cross References

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