The Rod and the Sword

Ezekiel 21 is doctrine for the nation of Israel historically and prophetically. It is a tough read when considering that it is God who brings “a trial” by the “sword” upon the nation of Israel in the past and in the future.

Spiritually we can reconcile the passage with N.T. passages such as Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 5; Hebrews 4:12 and Hebrews 12.

In the text here, we find both a sword and a rod used for “a trial” and for judgment. “If the sword contemn (despise) even the rod” it is because the sword despised what the rod could not do.

The rod is used for correction, comfort, and a covenant (20:37), but when the rod is not accomplishing what it is set forth to do, the sword of the LORD is now used.

The sword is the word of God, spiritually speaking, which is used to try Christians. The sword will rightly divide and destroy where God has sent it. The sword is used to pierce and thrust through the heart of man’s pride and rebellion. The sword will go forth in “fury” until God causes it “to rest” (verse 17).

The child of God is under the comfort and correction of the rod now, but one day we will have to face the sword of the Lord at “a trial” (judgment seat of Christ) to judge our works(1 Corinthians 3). And there whatever abides with fire will be our reward and whatever burns will be our loss.

Thank the LORD for his rod to guide and lead and chasten us! And praise the LORD for the sword of the Spirit to try every false way and discern every right way!