Ezekiel 21:19
Ezekiel 21:19 in Multiple Translations
“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city.
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city.
And you, son of man, have two ways marked out, so that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; let the two of them come out of one land: and let there be a pillar at the top of the road:
“Son of man, mark the two roads that the king of Babylon's army could take, beginning from the same country. Make a signpost where the road forks, leading to two different cities.
Also thou sonne of man, appoint thee two wayes, that the sworde of the King of Babel may come: both twaine shall come out of one lande, and chuse a place, and chuse it in the corner of the way of the citie.
'And thou, son of man, appoint for thee two ways, for the coming in of the sword of the king of Babylon; from one land they come forth, both of them, and a station prepare thou, at the top of the way of the city prepare [it].
“Also, you son of man, appoint two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come. They both will come out of one land, and mark out a place. Mark it out at the head of the way to the city.
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both ways shall come forth from one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.
And thou son of man, set thee two ways, for the sword of the king of Babylon to come: both shall come forth out of one land: and with his hand he shall draw lots, he shall consult at the head of the way of the city.
“You human, makea map, and on it mark two roads for the King of Babylonia to march onalong with his army, carrying their swords. When they depart from their country, they will come to a sign post where the road divides.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:19
BAB
Word Study
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Ezekiel 21:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
בֶן
אָדָ֔ם
הִנָּבֵ֕א
וְ/הַ֖ךְ
כַּ֣ף
אֶל
כָּ֑ף
וְ/תִכָּפֵ֞ל
חֶ֤רֶב
שְׁלִישִׁ֨תָ/ה֙
חֶ֣רֶב
חֲלָלִ֔ים
הִ֗יא
חֶ֚רֶב
חָלָ֣ל
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
הַ/חֹדֶ֖רֶת
לָ/הֶֽם
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
הִנָּבֵ֕א
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
וְ/הַ֖ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
כַּ֣ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
וְ/תִכָּפֵ֞ל
kâphal
H3717
to double
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3fs
חֶ֤רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
שְׁלִישִׁ֨תָ/ה֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Adj | Suff
חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
חֲלָלִ֔ים
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
הִ֗יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
חֶ֚רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
חָלָ֣ל
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
הַ/חֹדֶ֖רֶת
châdar
H2314
to surround
Art | V-Qal
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:19
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
הִנָּבֵ֕א
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
וְ/הַ֖ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כַּ֣ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
וְ/תִכָּפֵ֞ל
kâphal
H3717
"to double"
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3fs
This verb means to double or repeat something, like folding something together. In the Bible, it can mean to repeat a task or action. The KJV translates it as double.
Definition: 1) to double, fold double, double over 1a) (Qal) to double over 1b) (Niphal) to be doubled
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: double. See also: Exodus 26:9; Exodus 39:9; Ezekiel 21:19.
חֶ֤רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
שְׁלִישִׁ֨תָ/ה֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
חֲלָלִ֔ים
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
הִ֗יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חֶ֚רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
חָלָ֣ל
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הַ/חֹדֶ֖רֶת
châdar
H2314
"to surround"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to surround or enclose, like a room or a siege, and is used to describe entering a private chamber. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament. In the KJV, it is translated as 'enter a privy chamber'.
Definition: (Qal) to encompass, surround, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: enter a privy chamber. See also: Ezekiel 21:19.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:19
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
17I too will strike My hands together, and I will satisfy My wrath.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.”
18Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
19“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city.
20Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem. 21For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He shakes the arrows, he consults the idols, he examines the liver.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 4:1–3 | “Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 1:10 | See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 5:1–17 | “As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber’s razor, and shave your head and beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair. When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them. But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment. Again, take a few of these, throw them into the fire, and burn them. From there a fire will spread to the whole house of Israel. This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations, and against My statutes worse than the countries around her. For her people have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You have been more insubordinate than the nations around you; you have not walked in My statutes or kept My ordinances, nor have you even conformed to the ordinances of the nations around you.’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. Because of all your abominations, I will do to you what I have never done before and will never do again. As a result, fathers among you will eat their sons, and sons will eat their fathers. I will execute judgments against you and scatter all your remnant to every wind.’ Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you. A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. And when My anger is spent and I have vented My wrath against them, I will be appeased. And when I have spent My wrath on them, they will know that I, the LORD, in My zeal have spoken. I will make you a ruin and a disgrace among the nations around you, in the sight of all who pass by. So you will be a reproach and a taunt, a warning and a horror to the nations around you, when I execute judgments against you in anger, wrath, and raging fury. I, the LORD, have spoken. When I shower you with the deadly arrows of famine and destruction that I will send to destroy you, I will intensify the famine against you and cut off your supply of food. I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken.” |
Ezekiel 21:19 Summary
[Ezekiel 21:19 is about God telling the prophet Ezekiel to draw a picture of two roads that the king of Babylon will take, one leading to a city called Rabbah and the other to Jerusalem. This is a way of showing that God is in control of what happens, even when people make choices, like the king deciding which city to attack. It's similar to how God worked through other leaders in the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 27:6. We can trust that God has a plan, even when things seem uncertain or confusing, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two roads mentioned in Ezekiel 21:19?
The two roads represent the choices the king of Babylon has to make in his conquest, as guided by God, with one road leading to Rabbah of the Ammonites and the other to Judah into fortified Jerusalem, as seen in Ezekiel 21:20. This decision is also influenced by the king's use of omens and idols, as mentioned in Ezekiel 21:21.
Why is Ezekiel instructed to mark out these roads and make a signpost?
Ezekiel is instructed to do this as a prophetic act, symbolizing the certainty of God's judgment and the impending conquest by the king of Babylon, similar to how God used prophets in other instances, such as in Jeremiah 32:24-25, to convey His message and will.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and human decision-making?
This verse highlights the complex interplay between God's sovereignty and human decision-making, as seen in how God's will is carried out through the actions of the king of Babylon, yet the king is still making choices, which is a theme also explored in other parts of the Bible, such as in Romans 9:17 and Isaiah 10:5-7.
What can we learn from the method the king of Babylon uses to make his decision, as mentioned in Ezekiel 21:21?
The king's reliance on omens, idols, and other forms of divination serves as a contrast to trusting in God's guidance, as emphasized throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 31:1, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will rather than relying on human methods or idols.
Reflection Questions
- How do I discern God's will for my life, and what role do I play in the decisions that shape my path?
- In what ways can I, like Ezekiel, be a signpost or a symbol of God's presence and message in the world around me?
- What are the 'roads' or choices in my life that require careful consideration and seeking of God's guidance, and how can I apply the principles from this verse to those decisions?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, impact my understanding of and trust in His plan for my life and the world?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:19
Also thou, son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come,.... Describe or draw out upon a table or tile, as in Ezekiel 4:1, or on the ground, two roads, such as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:19
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
Appoint; paint, mark out, or describe on the or tablet, as , two roads, and set it before thy countrymen in Babylon, and let them know that the arms and sword of Nebuchadnezzar are designed for exploits, where those ways lead them. Thus typically Ezekiel foretells the invasion the king of Babylon would make. Both twain; the ways, though two in the course they lead, as stream that divide and multiply, yet must take their rise from one and the same land, that is, Babylon; there the prophet must begin to mark out the way which is to he drawn out: till it divide into two. And pitch on some convenience place, where thou mayst place Nebuchadnezzar’ s army, he and his council of war consulting where this one way divides into two, which was on the edge of the desert of Arabia, as Nebuchadnezzar pursued his march from Babylon. At the head of the way; either where the way begins, at Babylon; or rather at the head where each distinct way runs out, toward either Rabbath of the Ammonites, of Jerusalem; for there Nebuchadnezzar will cast lots.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
Ezekiel 21:19 Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose [it] at the head of the way to the city.Ver. 19. Appoint thee two wags.] Pinge duas vias, ut Ezekiel 4:1; by prophetic action draw out two ways, by either of which Nebuehadnezzar may march against Egypt, his present aim, as the great Turk’ s now is Italy. Choose it at the head of the wag to the city.] All this the Jews heard and slighted, as being infatuated, and so fitted for destruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
(19) Appoint thee two ways.—Or, set before thee. The prophet is directed to represent Nebuchadnezzar as about to go forth with his armies, and hesitating whether he should take first the road to Jerusalem or to the capital of the Ammonites. His choice of the former is determined, as he supposes, by his divinations, but really by the overruling hand of the Lord, who thus shows beforehand what it shall be. The whole is set forth in the vivid and concrete imagery so characteristic of Ezekiel; but it is impossible that the scene in real life was to be thus determined by the prophet’s open interference. The whole is a vision, in which life and action is conveyed by this manner of describing the course of future events as actually taking place before the eyes of his hearers. The two ways “come forth out of one land;” their starting-point is the same. Babylon, and they diverge towards different destinations. Choose thou a place.—Literally, make a hand or, as we say, a finger-post. The verb here used never means “choose,” nor does the noun ever mean “place” but the verb is often used both in the sense of to make and to engrave, and “hand” frequently occurs in the sense of a pillar, and occasionally in that of a guide post. (See 1 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 18:18; Isaiah 56:5.) The prophet in vision sets up this guide-post to direct the king on his march.
The roads to Rabbah and to Jerusalem from Babylon would be the same for many hundred miles. It is impossible, therefore, to suppose that Ezekiel actually stood at their parting. Head of the way, called more poetically in Ezekiel 21:21 “mother of the way,” is the point where the road forks. From this point the road to Jerusalem would lie on the right, that to Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites, on the left.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
Verse 19. Appoint thee two ways] Set off from Babylon, and lay down two ways, either of which thou mayest take; that to the right, which leads to Jerusalem; or that to the left, which leads to Rabbath of the Ammonites, Ezekiel 21:20. But why against the Ammonites? Because both they and the Moabites were united with Zedekiah against the Chaldeans, (see Jeremiah 27:3,) though they afterwards fought against Judea, Ezekiel 12:6.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:19
19. appoint thee two ways] Or, make thee. The prophet is to make a representation of a way branching into two ways, i.e. the way from Babylon, which at a certain point parts into two, there being two possibilities before the king, either Rabbah or Jerusalem. Naturally the action was not performed in reality by the prophet. choose thou a place] and grave a hand, at the head of the way to the (each) city grave it. The “hand” is the pointer or sign-post indicating direction. LXX. reads somewhat differently.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:19
19. Appoint thee — Rather, make thee. Choose thou a place — Rather, engrave thee a signpost (literally, hand).
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:19
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker begins by suggesting a method for the audience to better engage with the message. He then provides a broad outline of the book being discussed, acknowle |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a watchman's role in understanding and proclaiming God's message. He explains that there are three key elements to this rol |
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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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Defiling the Inheritance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings and goodness of God in our lives. He compares the Israelites entering the promised land to belie |
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Anabaptist Missions by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the heroes of Israel and the strong men of Zion to take courage and rejoice, as the time of their triumph is near. He assures them that all |
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If My Pastors - Silence Is Not an Option by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the divide within the church regarding different callings and passions, emphasizing that pastors must not remain silent on critical issues like abortion and |