Ezekiel 21:17

“I will also smite my hands together, &c.] As well as the prophet was bid to do, (<262114>Ezekiel 21:14), either expressing a concern for the calamity of the people, or indignation at their sins: or rather as encouraging their enemies to make use of the sword pointed at them, and, as it were, rejoicing at their destruction for the honour of his justice. The Targum is, “and even I will bring vengeance upon vengeance:” and I will cause my fury to rest; when the sword has done its business, and just vengeance is taken, the fury of the Lord shall cease; it shall proceed no further, it shall be kept within due bounds, and no more or further rage: I the Lord have said it; who is omnipotent, and can…”

“Jehovah Himself smites His hands together, doing what He had commanded Ezekiel to do (see on Eze 21:14), in token of His smiting Jerusalem; compare the similar symbolical action (Kg2 13:18-19). cause . . . fury to rest--give it full vent, and so satisfy it (Eze 5:13).”

“The second word of judgment: the glittering and destroying sword. The passage may be called the “Lay of the Sword;” it is written in the form of Hebrew poetry, with its characteristic parallelism. Ezekiel 21:10 It contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree - The rod is the scepter of dominion, assigned to Judah Genesis 49:10. The destroying sword of Babylon despises the scepter of Judah; it despises every tree. Others render the verse, “Shall we make mirth” (saying), “the rod of my son,” (the rod which corrects my people) “contemneth” (treats with scorn, utterly confounds) “every tree” (every other nation); or, the scepter of my people “contemneth” (proudly despises) every other nation.…”

“Smite my hands - In token of my approbation. Ezekiel 21:19”

“smite: Eze 21:14, Eze 22:13; Num 24:10 and I: Eze 5:13, Eze 16:42; Deu 28:63; Isa 1:24; Zac 6:8 Ezekiel 21:19”