Ezekiel 21:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 21:19
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.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 21 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, discipleship, judgment. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 21:19
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.
Analysis
'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.' Ezekiel must diagram Nebuchadnezzar's decision-making—two possible invasion routes from Babylon, both leading from 'one land.' 'Choose thou a place...at the head of the way to the city' depicts a crossroads where direction will be chosen. This sets up the divination scene in the next verses.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings used divination to make military decisions. Nebuchadnezzar could attack either Ammon (Rabbah) or Judah (Jerusalem). The prophet visually depicts this decision point, showing that even pagan divination serves God's sovereign purposes.
Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty work through even pagan decision-making processes?
- What does this teach about the relationship between human choices and divine control?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Jeremiah 1:10