Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 21:14

14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesie, and smite thine hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain : it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entreth into their privy chambers.

Either in token of amazement, and sorrow, or else to signify what pleasure it should be to see justice executed on obstinate Rebels, or rather as ver. 17. clap thy hands to awaken and hearten the Babylonians on to the slaughter.

Wherewith many shall be slain.

Which were Princes, and Captains, and Rulers.

Searcheth the most secret rooms, where they slew such as they found hidden in hope to escape.

Perhaps 'tis too curious to search out, what particular Calamities are pointed out by this trebled Sword; whether 1. Zedekiah's Captivity with many of the Princes. And 2. Taking of the City, 3. killing of Gedaliah and those with him: To be sure it speaks both the certainty of the thing, and the greatness of the Affliction.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word] hand.