Ezekiel 21:16
Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
Original Language Analysis
הִתְאַחֲדִ֥י
Go thee one way or other
H258
הִתְאַחֲדִ֥י
Go thee one way or other
Strong's:
H258
Word #:
1 of 7
to unify, i.e., (figuratively) collect (one's thoughts)
הֵימִ֖נִי
the right hand
H3231
הֵימִ֖נִי
the right hand
Strong's:
H3231
Word #:
2 of 7
to be right-handed or take the right-hand side
הָשִׂ֣ימִי
either on
H7760
הָשִׂ֣ימִי
either on
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
3 of 7
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
הַשְׂמִ֑ילִי
or on the left
H8041
הַשְׂמִ֑ילִי
or on the left
Strong's:
H8041
Word #:
4 of 7
to use the left hand or pass in that direction
אָ֖נָה
whithersoever
H575
אָ֖נָה
whithersoever
Strong's:
H575
Word #:
5 of 7
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
Historical Context
Babylonian forces surrounded Jerusalem completely, cutting off escape routes (2 Kings 25:1-4). Some fled through gates under cover of night, but most were captured. The comprehensive siege fulfilled this imagery of judgment striking in every direction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that 'secular' events (military invasions) accomplish God's purposes affect our view of history?
- What does God's direction of the sword teach about His sovereignty over judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.' Addressed to the sword, this command depicts God directing judgment. 'One way or other...right hand...left' suggests comprehensive reach—no direction offers safety. The sword moves at God's direction, not randomly. Judgment appears as military invasion but ultimately accomplishes divine purposes.