Ezekiel 21:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, appoint {H7760} thee two {H8147} ways {H1870}, that the sword {H2719} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} may come {H935}: both twain {H8147} shall come forth {H3318} out of one {H259} land {H776}: and choose {H1254} thou a place {H3027}, choose {H1254} it at the head {H7218} of the way {H1870} to the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now, human being, designate two roads for the sword of the king of Bavel to follow, both coming out of one country. Put up a signpost at the start of the road leading to the city.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:19 presents a profound divine command to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to graphically illustrate a pivotal strategic decision facing King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This prophetic act reveals God's absolute sovereignty over geopolitical events, demonstrating that even the routes chosen by a powerful earthly monarch are divinely orchestrated. The "sword of the king of Babylon" is thus unveiled not merely as a human weapon, but as a precise instrument of God's impending judgment, poised to strike either Jerusalem or Rabbah of Ammon, thereby setting the stage for the detailed account of Nebuchadnezzar's divination that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is a dramatic and intense prophetic oracle, often referred to as the "Song of the Sword," where the imagery of a sharpened, gleaming sword dominates as a symbol of divine judgment. This chapter is situated within a larger block of prophecies (Ezekiel 20-24) primarily concerned with God's pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah for their deep-seated idolatry and persistent rebellion. Immediately preceding [Ezekiel 21:19](/ezekiel/21-19 "Ezekiel 21:19 - The Sword of the Lord"), the Lord declares His intention to draw His "sword" against His own people, emphasizing the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness. The verses that follow, specifically [Ezekiel 21:20-23](/ezekiel/21-20-23 "Ezekiel 21:20-23 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divination"), meticulously detail Nebuchadnezzar's use of pagan divination practices—shaking arrows, consulting teraphim, and inspecting a liver—to determine which of the two cities, Jerusalem or Rabbah of Ammon, he would attack first. Thus, the command to Ezekiel in verse 19 serves as a divinely orchestrated preview and symbolic representation of the Babylonian king's fateful choice, underscoring God's foreknowledge and meticulous control over the unfolding invasion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 21 is delivered during the period of the Babylonian exile, most likely after the initial deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC, but prior to the catastrophic final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ezekiel, living among the exiles by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, frequently employed vivid symbolic actions and dramatic visual aids to convey God's urgent and often terrifying messages to a people who struggled to fully grasp the reality of their impending doom. At this time, Babylon, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar II, stood as the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its unparalleled military might and aggressive expansionist policies. The "king of Babylon" unequivocally refers to Nebuchadnezzar, whom God explicitly identifies as His chosen instrument of judgment against rebellious nations, as also seen in prophetic texts like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). The concept of "two ways" or a "fork in the road" was a widely understood motif in ancient Near Eastern thought, symbolizing a critical decision point or a divergence of destinies. Furthermore, the practice of divination, which Nebuchadnezzar employs in the subsequent verses, was a pervasive cultural practice among pagan nations, though it was strictly prohibited for Israel as an abomination (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God orchestrates and directs even the movements and seemingly independent decisions of powerful earthly rulers like Nebuchadnezzar to meticulously fulfill His divine purposes of judgment and, ultimately, restoration. The explicit instruction to "appoint thee two ways" highlights **Prophetic Symbolism**, a defining characteristic of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, where physical actions and vivid imagery convey profound spiritual truths about God's intricate plan. It also intensely reinforces the theme of **Imminent and Inescapable Judgment** against Judah for its persistent unfaithfulness and rebellion, portraying the "sword of the king of Babylon" as a direct and unavoidable instrument of God's righteous wrath. Finally, the verse serves as a dramatic **Foreshadowing of a Fateful Decision**, revealing God's precise foreknowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's strategic choice between attacking Jerusalem or Rabbah, a decision that is further elaborated upon and confirmed in the subsequent prophetic account of [Ezekiel 21:21-22](/ezekiel/21-21-22 "Ezekiel 21:21-22 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divination and Choice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appoint (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, this primitive root signifies "to put," "to set," or "to place." In the context of Ezekiel 21:19, it denotes a deliberate, authoritative act of establishing or marking out. Ezekiel is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in a symbolic demonstration commanded by God, physically or symbolically setting up the visual representation of the two paths. This emphasizes the divine origin and the absolute certainty of the impending events, highlighting God's preordained plan.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this word literally refers to a "road" or "path," but figuratively it can also denote a "course of life" or a "mode of action." Here, while literally referring to physical routes, its metaphorical implications are profound: the two paths represent distinct strategic options for the Babylonian army, each leading to a different city. The divine instruction to "appoint two ways" underscores that even these strategic military choices are predetermined and fall within God's overarching and sovereign plan.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this term denotes a "cutting instrument," specifically a "sword" or "knife." In Ezekiel 21, the "sword" is a dominant, terrifying, and often personified motif, symbolizing an instrument of divine wrath and judgment. The "sword of the king of Babylon" is thus not merely a human weapon wielded by an earthly king but God's chosen and commissioned tool for executing His righteous indignation and justice against sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways,"**: This opening phrase reiterates God's customary address to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's human frailty and dependence in contrast to the divine authority of the message he conveys. The command to "appoint thee two ways" instructs Ezekiel to physically or symbolically mark out a fork in the road, illustrating the strategic dilemma and critical choice that Nebuchadnezzar would imminently face. This public, visual act was designed to impress upon the exiles the reality, precision, and divine orchestration of God's prophecy.
* **"that the sword of the king of Babylon may come:"**: This clause explicitly reveals the divine purpose behind the delineation of the two ways: to illustrate the precise direction of the formidable Babylonian invasion. The "sword of the king of Babylon" is a powerful and terrifying metaphor for the destructive force of Nebuchadnezzar's army, which God is commissioning and directing as His instrument of judgment. It highlights that the king's military campaign is not a random act of aggression but a divinely purposed and guided operation.
* **"both twain shall come forth out of one land:"**: This specifies the singular geographical origin point from which the two potential routes would diverge. From a single strategic crossroads or point of departure within Babylon's territory, the Babylonian army's potential invasion routes would branch out. This emphasizes the unity of the originating military force and the distinctness of the two potential targets, underscoring the deliberate nature of the choice to be made.
* **"and choose thou a place, choose [it] at the head of the way to the city."**: This final instruction directs Ezekiel to select a specific, prominent point where the paths diverge, described as the "head of the way" (literally, "head of the road"). This "place" (Hebrew, _yâd_, often meaning "hand" or "side," implying a designated spot or landmark) is where the critical decision would be made, symbolizing the strategic junction where Nebuchadnezzar would ultimately determine his primary target. The repetition of "choose" underscores the deliberate and significant nature of both Ezekiel's prophetic act and the king's subsequent, divinely-influenced decision.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:19 is profoundly rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact and theological depth. The recurring address "son of man" serves as a constant and poignant reminder of Ezekiel's humble, human status in stark contrast to the transcendent majesty and divine authority of the one who commissions him, thereby creating a sense of awe and reinforcing the absolute authority and veracity of the message. **Symbolism** is paramount throughout the verse, with the "two ways" powerfully symbolizing the strategic choices confronting Nebuchadnezzar, and the "sword of the king of Babylon" serving as a potent **metaphor** for God's divine and inescapable judgment. The entire command to Ezekiel constitutes a **prophetic act** or **sign-act**, a hallmark feature of Ezekiel's ministry where the prophet's physical actions embody and visually communicate the profound spiritual realities of God's message. This **visual prophecy** renders the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible, immediate, and undeniable for the exiles. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **divine orchestration**, where God is portrayed as actively directing the movements and even the decision-making process of a foreign, pagan king, thereby highlighting His absolute **sovereignty** over all earthly powers, events, and human wills.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:19 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's absolute and meticulous sovereignty over all nations, human affairs, and even the seemingly independent decisions of powerful earthly rulers. It demonstrates unequivocally that God is not merely reacting to the unfolding of history but is actively shaping and directing it, using foreign empires and their leaders as precise instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes of judgment against His rebellious people and neighboring nations. The "sword of Babylon" is thus revealed not as an autonomous force but as an extension of God's own "sword" of judgment, underscoring the certainty, precision, and inevitability of divine justice. This passage also illuminates the nature of prophetic revelation, where God not only declares future events but also reveals the very process and mechanisms by which they will unfold, reinforcing His omnipotence, omniscience, and meticulous control. For the exiles, this would have been a stark and sobering reminder that their suffering and impending destruction were not random misfortunes but direct, divinely orchestrated consequences of their persistent covenant unfaithfulness, orchestrated by a just and sovereign God.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:19 offers profoundly comforting and challenging insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that even amidst global turmoil, political upheaval, and seemingly chaotic or inexplicable events, God remains supremely sovereign. Just as He meticulously directed Nebuchadnezzar's path and decision-making, He continues to work out His divine purposes through human decisions and historical circumstances, often in ways that are far beyond our immediate comprehension or control. This truth provides immense comfort and security, knowing that our individual lives and the entire trajectory of human history are held firmly and securely in the hands of a wise, just, and omnipotent God. It calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in His overarching plan, even when the "sword" of adversity, suffering, or judgment seems to be drawn against us or the world around us. Furthermore, this passage serves as a sober and urgent reminder of the profound consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, urging us to live lives characterized by faithful obedience to God's revealed will. Our choices, much like the "two ways" presented symbolically to Nebuchadnezzar, have eternal implications, and we can rest assured that God's perfect justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's absolute sovereignty over nations and leaders, as powerfully depicted in Ezekiel 21:19, impact your perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find yourself struggling to surrender control, and how can you intentionally cultivate a deeper trust in God's overarching plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or profoundly difficult?**
* **What "two ways" or critical choices might God be presenting to you today, and how can you diligently seek His divine wisdom and guidance to choose the path of righteousness, obedience, and alignment with His will?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Ezekiel to perform this symbolic act of appointing two ways?**

Answer: God commanded Ezekiel to perform this symbolic act primarily to visually and dramatically communicate the absolute certainty, divine orchestration, and precise nature of His impending judgment. Living in exile, the people of Judah often struggled with disbelief, finding it difficult to conceive that Jerusalem, the holy city and the supposed dwelling place of God, could actually fall. By having Ezekiel "appoint two ways" and then detailing Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent use of divination in [Ezekiel 21:20-23](/ezekiel/21-20-23 "Ezekiel 21:20-23 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divination and Choice"), God was powerfully revealing His foreknowledge and meticulous control over the Babylonian king's military strategy. This act was not merely a prediction but a profound divine demonstration, showing that even the enemy's movements and strategic decisions were orchestrated by God to fulfill His righteous purposes of justice against Judah's deep-seated idolatry and persistent rebellion. It underscored that the coming destruction was not a random or unfortunate chance event, but a deliberate and unavoidable divine act of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:19, with its stark imagery of a divinely directed "sword" and the critical choice between "two ways," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament "sword" frequently represented God's judgment against sin and rebellion, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one who embodies and fulfills both judgment and salvation. He is the true "Son of Man" (a title He frequently used for Himself, as seen in [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")), embodying perfect humanity and supreme divine authority, unlike Ezekiel who was merely a human messenger. The "two ways" presented to Nebuchadnezzar, symbolizing a fateful earthly decision, foreshadow the ultimate spiritual choice humanity faces: the broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to eternal life, as powerfully taught by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")). Furthermore, while Nebuchadnezzar's physical sword brought temporal destruction, Christ's "sword" is the living and active Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, bringing spiritual conviction, revelation, and transformation ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Ultimately, God's meticulous sovereignty, so evident in directing a pagan king to execute His will, culminates in His sovereign plan of redemption through Christ, who came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")), offering the one true "way" to the Father and eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 4:1

¶ Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, [even] Jerusalem:

Ezekiel 4:3

Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it [for] a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This [shall be] a sign to the house of Israel.

Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Ezekiel 5:1

¶ And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause [it] to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the [hair].

Ezekiel 5:17

So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].