Ezekiel 21:16

KJV

Go thee one way or other, [either] on the right hand, [or] on the left, whithersoever thy face [is] set.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go thee one way or other {H258}, either on {H7760} the right hand {H3231}, or on the left {H8041}, whithersoever {H575} thy face {H6440} is set {H3259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Sword! Slash to the right; destroy to the left, whichever way your edge is aimed!

Berean Standard Bible

Slash to the right; set your blade to the left— wherever your blade is directed.

American Standard Version

Gather thee together, go to the right, set thyself in array, go to the left, whithersoever thy face is set.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:16 delivers a stark, divine imperative to the "sword of the Lord," a powerful personification of God's impending judgment. This verse underscores the absolute determination, comprehensive scope, and divinely directed nature of the wrath about to be unleashed upon Judah, Jerusalem, and the Ammonites through the Babylonian army. It portrays God's judgment as an unstoppable, unswerving force, moving with precise purpose and affecting all designated targets without deviation or possibility of escape, emphasizing its terrifying inevitability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Prophecy of the Sword of the Lord" in [Ezekiel 21](/ezekiel/21 "Ezekiel 21 - The Prophecy of the Sword of the Lord"). The chapter commences with God instructing Ezekiel to prophesy against Jerusalem and the land of Israel, declaring that His "sword" is drawn, sharpened, and polished for a great slaughter, ready to execute judgment upon both the righteous and the wicked ([Ezekiel 21:3-5](/ezekiel/21-3-5 "Ezekiel 21:3-5 - God's Drawn Sword of Judgment")). This imagery of the sword serves as a potent metaphor for the devastating invasion by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, explicitly identified as God's instrument of wrath. Preceding verses detail the sword's meticulous preparation, emphasizing its readiness for an unparalleled slaughter ([Ezekiel 21:9-11](/ezekiel/21-9-11 "Ezekiel 21:9-11 - The Sharpened and Polished Sword")). Immediately following [Ezekiel 21:16](/ezekiel/21-16 "Ezekiel 21:16 - The Sword's Unwavering Path"), the prophet is commanded to mark out two distinct paths for the sword: one leading to Rabbah of the Ammonites and the other to Judah and Jerusalem, further accentuating the sword's predetermined and unyielding trajectory ([Ezekiel 21:19-20](/ezekiel/21-19-20 "Ezekiel 21:19-20 - The Two Paths of the Sword")). Thus, [Ezekiel 21:16](/ezekiel/21-16 "Ezekiel 21:16 - The Sword's Unwavering Path") functions as a direct, uncompromising command to this divinely empowered instrument, ensuring its comprehensive and unavoidable execution of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 21 is situated against the grim backdrop of the impending or ongoing Babylonian siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. Ezekiel, an exiled priest in Babylon, delivered these prophecies to a people grappling with the trauma of displacement and clinging to false hopes of deliverance, often questioning God's justice and faithfulness. The "sword" in this context is a direct representation of the formidable Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God sovereignly employed as His rod of discipline against His rebellious covenant people. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the sword was the quintessential weapon, symbolizing military might, devastating destruction, and absolute conquest. The ritualistic act of drawing a sword from its sheath and sharpening it was a common and terrifying prelude to battle, signifying an irreversible commitment to conflict and a promise of bloodshed. Culturally, divine judgment was frequently depicted through tangible calamities such as famine, pestilence, or, as vividly portrayed here, through the agency of foreign armies. The specific mention of "right hand" and "left" reflects a common directional idiom in Hebrew thought, signifying totality or comprehensiveness, implying that no direction, no segment of society, and no individual within the targeted areas would be spared from the sword's reach.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 21:16](/ezekiel/21-16 "Ezekiel 21:16 - The Sword's Unwavering Path") powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **Divine Judgment's Inevitability**. Once God's judgment is set in motion, it is absolute, unalterable, and cannot be averted or diverted by human effort or plea. This aligns with the consistent prophetic message that persistent rebellion and idolatry inevitably lead to severe consequences, a truth echoed in the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Impartiality and Thoroughness** of this judgment. The sword will strike "on the right hand, or on the left," signifying that it will affect all strata of society and all targeted regions without prejudice or escape. This comprehensive nature is a hallmark of God's righteous justice, ensuring that no sin goes unaddressed. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it reinforces **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over historical events. Despite the human agents (the Babylonians) carrying out the destruction, this passage firmly establishes that God is in ultimate control of history and the precise execution of His justice. The sword is merely His instrument, obeying His precise, predetermined commands, echoing the profound theme of God using even pagan nations as His tools, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as the Rod of God's Anger").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go thee one way or other (Hebrew, _ʼâchad'_):** This term, derived from a primitive root meaning "to unify" or "collect one's thoughts," is used here to convey a singular, determined, and unhindered movement. It does not imply indecision but rather a relentless pursuit of the appointed task, irrespective of the specific path chosen. The "one way or other" emphasizes the sword's freedom to maneuver as needed to achieve its divinely ordained objective, highlighting the inevitability and comprehensive nature of the judgment.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun (though used singularly in this context) refers to the "face" as the part that turns or is directed. In the phrase "whithersoever thy face is set," it imbues the personified sword with a sense of determined orientation, purpose, and resolute intention. It signifies a targeted, intentional movement towards a divinely appointed destination, symbolizing the sword's unwavering resolve and its alignment with the divine will.
* **set (Hebrew, _yâʻad'_):** This primitive root means "to fix upon by agreement or appointment," or "to direct in a certain quarter or position." When applied to the sword's "face being set," it powerfully conveys the idea of a predetermined, unalterable course. The sword's path and ultimate destination are not arbitrary or random but divinely appointed and immutably fixed. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the instrument of His judgment, emphasizing that His purposes will be accomplished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go thee one way or other":** This is a direct, imperative command issued to the personified "sword of the Lord." It signifies an unhindered, relentless advance. The phrase "one way or other" (H258, *ʼâchad*) emphasizes that the sword's movement is singular in purpose, not indecisive. It will accomplish its mission, choosing whatever path is necessary to reach its target, highlighting the inevitability and freedom of movement inherent in divine judgment.
* **"[either] on the right hand, [or] on the left":** This clause employs a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "Right hand" (H3231, *yâman*) and "left" (H8041, *sâmaʼl*) signify all directions, all possibilities, and all people. It underscores the comprehensive, pervasive, and indiscriminate nature of the judgment's reach. No one, no place, no social standing will be exempt from the sword's reach; it will strike everywhere within its designated scope.
* **"whithersoever thy face [is] set":** This concluding clause clarifies the ultimate authority and precise direction behind the sword's movement. "Whithersoever" (H575, *ʼân*) indicates any place, while "thy face" (H6440, *pânîym*) implies the sword's directed front or intention, and "is set" (H3259, *yâʻad*) means appointed or fixed. This powerfully emphasizes that the sword's path is not random or self-determined but divinely appointed and unswervingly directed by God's sovereign will. The judgment is not chaotic but precisely executed according to a meticulously divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful and terrifying message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the "sword of the Lord" is addressed directly as if it were a sentient being capable of receiving commands, making choices ("one way or other"), and setting its "face" towards a destination. This imbues the instrument of judgment with a terrifying agency and autonomy, even though it is ultimately an extension of God's will. Closely related is **Metaphor**, as the sword serves as a vivid and concrete representation of God's impending judgment, specifically the devastating Babylonian invasion. It transforms the abstract concept of divine wrath into a tangible, fearsome image of destruction. The phrase "on the right hand, or on the left" employs **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a whole, signifying the totality and comprehensiveness of the sword's destructive reach. This emphasizes that the judgment will be all-encompassing, sparing no one. Finally, the relentless, unyielding tone and the imagery of an unstoppable force suggest **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute certainty and severity of the judgment. The sword's singular focus, "whithersoever thy face is set," also highlights **Determinism**, emphasizing that its path is divinely ordained and unalterable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:16 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly in the execution of His justice. It reveals a God who, though patient and long-suffering, will ultimately act decisively when His people persist in rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. The "sword" serves as a stark reminder that divine judgment is not merely a theological concept or an abstract principle but a terrifying reality, often manifested through historical events and human agents. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the destructive forces of foreign empires are under His command, serving His precise purposes. It challenges any notion of human autonomy apart from God's ultimate control and reminds us that accountability before a holy God is inevitable. The thoroughness of the judgment ("right hand, or on the left") emphasizes that God's justice is comprehensive, leaving no area of sin unaddressed and no one ultimately exempt from His righteous decrees.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger"): God uses Assyria, a foreign nation, as the "rod of My anger" to punish a godless nation, paralleling the use of Babylon as His instrument of judgment in Ezekiel.
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"): Jeremiah explicitly identifies Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as God's "servant" for executing judgment upon Judah and surrounding nations, reinforcing divine control over historical actors.
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed from Heaven"): The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, demonstrating the universal and unavoidable scope of divine judgment against sin.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:16 serves as a powerful and sobering call to introspection and a renewed understanding of God's unchanging character. While the immediate context is one of historical judgment upon ancient Israel, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for all generations. It compels us to acknowledge the gravity of sin, the certainty of divine justice, and the holiness of God. In a world that often downplays moral accountability, seeks to redefine righteousness, or dismisses the concept of divine wrath, this verse stands as a stark reminder that God is holy and will not forever tolerate rebellion against His perfect standards. It encourages us to live with a deep sense of reverence for God's authority and to take seriously His commands. For believers, it reinforces the immense, incomprehensible grace found in Jesus Christ, who bore the full brunt of this divine "sword" on our behalf, offering a path to peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. For those outside of Christ, it is a solemn warning to turn to Him in repentance and faith before the ultimate, inescapable judgment. Our appropriate response to God's holiness and justice should be one of profound humility, genuine repentance, and a diligent pursuit of righteousness, trusting always in His boundless mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "sword of the Lord" shape your understanding of God's justice and holiness, particularly in contrast to contemporary views of God?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be "setting our face" in a direction contrary to God's revealed will, and what might be the consequences?**
* **Given the biblical emphasis on the inevitability and comprehensiveness of divine judgment, what is our urgent responsibility in sharing the message of repentance and reconciliation found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom indicating the comprehensive and unhindered nature of the divine judgment. It means that the "sword" (representing God's judgment, primarily through the Babylonian army) is free to move in any direction and will strike everywhere within its designated scope, leaving no place or person untouched. It signifies that the judgment is total and unavoidable, affecting all segments of society and all geographical areas targeted, whether to the "right" or to the "left" of its initial path. It emphasizes the absolute thoroughness and pervasive reach of God's punitive action.

**Is this passage suggesting that God's judgment is random or indiscriminate?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. While the phrase "one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left" might initially suggest randomness, the concluding phrase "whithersoever thy face is set" clarifies that the sword's movement is divinely purposed and precisely directed. The judgment is not chaotic or arbitrary but meticulously executed according to God's sovereign will. The "face being set" implies a fixed, determined intention and a specific target. God is in ultimate control, using the Babylonian army as His instrument to fulfill His specific judgments against Judah, Jerusalem, and the Ammonites, as detailed in passages like [Ezekiel 21:19-20](/ezekiel/21-19-20 "Ezekiel 21:19-20 - The Two Ways for the Sword").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:16 vividly portrays the terrifying reality of God's righteous judgment against sin, its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution are found exclusively in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" of divine wrath, poised to strike "on the right hand, or on the left" against a rebellious humanity, ultimately found its target not in an indiscriminate slaughter, but in the person of God's own Son. On the cross, Jesus became the willing recipient of the judgment that humanity deserved. He willingly allowed the "face" of God's wrath to be "set" upon Him, absorbing the full, unmitigated fury of divine justice for sin. This is the profound truth articulated in passages like [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"), which declares, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." The very judgment that threatened to consume Israel and the nations was poured out on Christ, enabling God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and Justifier")). Therefore, for all who are "in Christ" by faith, the terrifying command of the sword has been eternally fulfilled and disarmed, replaced by the peace and reconciliation secured through His substitutionary sacrifice, as beautifully captured in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 14:17

Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Ezekiel 21:4

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

Ezekiel 16:46

And thine elder sister [is] Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, [is] Sodom and her daughters.

Ezekiel 21:20

Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.

Genesis 13:9

[Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left.