Ezekiel 21:22

KJV

At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint [battering] rams against the gates, to cast a mount, [and] to build a fort.

KJV (with Strong's)

At his right hand {H3225} was the divination {H7081} for Jerusalem {H3389}, to appoint {H7760} captains {H3733}, to open {H6605} the mouth {H6310} in the slaughter {H7524}, to lift up {H7311} the voice {H6963} with shouting {H8643}, to appoint {H7760} battering rams {H3733} against the gates {H8179}, to cast {H8210} a mount {H5550}, and to build {H1129} a fort {H1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Into his right hand comes the lot for Yerushalayim, to set up battering rams, give the order for slaughter, raise a shout, set battering rams against the gates, build siege ramps and erect watchtowers.

Berean Standard Bible

In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall.

American Standard Version

In his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build forts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:22 vividly describes the specific military directives revealed through Nebuchadnezzar's pagan divination, which ultimately designated Jerusalem as the target for the Babylonian siege. This verse details the precise tactics the Babylonian army was to employ, including appointing military leaders, initiating the attack with battle cries, deploying battering rams, constructing siege ramps, and building siege towers. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, orchestrating even the actions of a pagan king and his rituals to fulfill His predetermined judgment against Jerusalem for its persistent rebellion and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21:22 is a pivotal verse within a larger prophetic oracle concerning God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. The preceding verses, specifically [Ezekiel 21:18-21](/ezekiel/21-18 "Ezekiel 21:18-21 - Nebuchadnezzar at the Crossroads"), set the scene by depicting King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon standing at a crossroads, using various forms of divination (shaking arrows, consulting teraphim, inspecting animal livers) to determine whether to attack Rabbah of the Ammonites or Jerusalem. Verse 22 then reveals the outcome of this pagan ritual, confirming that Jerusalem was the chosen target. This immediate context highlights the divine certainty and meticulous planning behind the impending destruction, even as it unfolds through human, seemingly random, or pagan means. The verses that follow continue to elaborate on the devastating consequences for Jerusalem and its leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 21 is the period leading up to the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Ezekiel himself was among the exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, and his prophecies often addressed the remaining inhabitants of Judah, warning them of the inevitable judgment. Nebuchadnezzar II was the powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for his military prowess and his use of divination to guide strategic decisions, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The specific military tactics described—battering rams, siege mounts (ramps), and forts (siege towers)—were standard and highly effective methods of siege warfare employed by powerful armies like the Babylonians. Jerusalem, with its formidable walls, required such elaborate measures to be breached. The cultural context reveals a stark contrast between Israel's covenantal relationship with Yahweh, who forbade divination ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition against Divination")), and the pagan practices of surrounding nations, yet God sovereignly used these very practices to achieve His purposes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's will prevails even over the pagan rituals and strategic decisions of powerful earthly rulers ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")). The outcome of Nebuchadnezzar's divination was not random chance but divinely ordained, confirming Jerusalem's fate. Another prominent theme is **Inevitable Judgment** for Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against God's covenant. Despite repeated warnings, Jerusalem had embraced idolatry and injustice, leading to this severe divine chastisement. The detailed description of siege tactics emphasizes the **Precision and Severity of God's Judgment**, indicating that the destruction was not a vague threat but a meticulously planned military operation. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books, as seen in the warnings given in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **divination (Hebrew, _qeçem'_):** From H7081, this term refers to a lot or oracle, specifically pagan practices used to discern the future or the will of deities. While strictly forbidden for Israel, here it highlights God's sovereign ability to use even the forbidden practices of pagan nations to reveal and execute His divine plan.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** From H3225, this denotes the right side, often associated with strength, dexterity, and favor. In the context of divination, the "right hand" falling to Jerusalem indicated it was the chosen, primary, or favored target for the attack.
* **battering rams (Hebrew, _kar'_):** From H3733, this word literally means "ram" (as a full-grown, fat sheep) but is also used to denote a battering-ram as a siege engine. This specific military tool was designed to breach fortified city walls, indicating the direct and violent nature of the impending assault.
* **fort (Hebrew, _dâyêq'_):** From H1785, this refers to a battering-tower or siege tower. These mobile structures allowed besiegers to gain access over city walls or provide elevated positions for archers and slingers, signifying a comprehensive and relentless siege strategy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem":** This phrase reveals the outcome of Nebuchadnezzar's pagan ritual, indicating that the "lot" or "oracle" for attacking Jerusalem fell to his right hand, signifying it as the chosen and immediate target. This outcome, though determined by pagan means, was divinely orchestrated.
* **"to appoint captains":** This refers to the strategic deployment and assignment of military commanders to lead the various units of the Babylonian army in the siege operations. It highlights the organized and professional nature of the impending attack.
* **"to open the mouth in the slaughter":** This vivid imagery describes the command to initiate the attack with fierce battle cries and shouts, signaling the beginning of the violent assault and the ensuing bloodshed. "Slaughter" here emphasizes the brutal and destructive nature of the siege.
* **"to lift up the voice with shouting":** This reiterates the clamor of battle, the loud cries of the soldiers, and the general noise of war, which would have been used to intimidate the defenders and encourage the attackers during the assault.
* **"to appoint battering rams against the gates":** This specifies the deployment of heavy siege engines designed to smash through the city's fortified gates, a critical step in breaching Jerusalem's defenses.
* **"to cast a mount":** This refers to the construction of a siege ramp (or "mount"), a sloping earthwork built up against the city walls. This allowed the attackers to bring their siege engines closer to the walls and to scale them more easily.
* **"and to build a fort":** This describes the erection of siege towers or watchtowers, which would provide elevated positions for archers and other soldiers to fire down into the city, suppress defenders on the walls, and protect the engineers building the ramps and operating the battering rams.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:22 is rich in **Military Imagery**, painting a vivid and chilling picture of ancient siege warfare. The detailed enumeration of tactics—appointing captains, battle cries, battering rams, siege mounts, and forts—creates a sense of terrifying precision and inevitability. This forensic detail serves not merely as a description but as a **Prophetic Vision**, making the future destruction palpable for the audience. There is also profound **Irony** at play: God, the sovereign Lord of the universe, uses the pagan divination rituals of a foreign king to reveal and execute His divine judgment against His own disobedient people. This underscores God's absolute control over all affairs, even those seemingly outside His direct influence or contrary to His commands for His people. The verse's structure, moving from the general outcome of divination to specific military actions, builds a sense of escalating doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:22 powerfully illustrates the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the wills and actions of pagan rulers and their seemingly random or superstitious practices. It reveals that human decisions, even those made through forbidden means like divination, are ultimately subservient to God's overarching plan and purpose. The specific details of the siege highlight the meticulous nature of divine judgment, demonstrating that God's warnings are not idle threats but precise declarations of impending consequences for unrepentant sin. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is both certain and comprehensive, ensuring that His covenant people face the consequences of their rebellion, even as He uses unlikely instruments to bring about His will.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:22 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's sovereignty is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that permeates every aspect of history and human experience. In a world that often feels chaotic or governed by arbitrary forces, this verse assures us that God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating events—even those seemingly driven by human malice or pagan rituals—to accomplish His ultimate purposes. For those who are disobedient, it serves as a solemn warning that God's patience has limits, and His justice will eventually be meted out. For those who trust in Him, it provides immense comfort, knowing that no plan of man or devil can thwart God's will. We are called to live in humble submission to His authority, trusting that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him, even when the means are mysterious or appear contrary to our expectations. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with God's revealed will, or are we, like ancient Judah, inviting consequences through our rebellion?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the siege in Ezekiel 21:22 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might God be working through unexpected or even seemingly negative circumstances in your life or the world today to achieve His purposes?**
* **What specific areas in your life might require greater alignment with God's will to avoid the "consequences" of spiritual rebellion?**

### FAQ
**How could God use pagan divination to achieve His will?**

Answer: God's sovereignty is absolute and transcends all human understanding and practices. While He strictly forbade His people from engaging in divination ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition against Divination")), He is not limited by human sin or pagan rituals. In Ezekiel 21:22, God demonstrates His supreme authority by orchestrating the outcome of Nebuchadnezzar's divination to align perfectly with His predetermined plan for Jerusalem's judgment. This highlights that even the actions of those unaware of or opposed to God's will ultimately serve His purposes ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")). It's not that God condones divination, but that He is powerful enough to use any means, even sinful ones, to accomplish His righteous ends.

**What is the significance of Jerusalem being the target "at his right hand"?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and often in biblical contexts, the "right hand" symbolized favor, strength, authority, or the preferred position. When the divination for Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar's "right hand," it indicated that Jerusalem was the primary, immediate, and chosen target among the options. This was not a random selection but the divinely ordained outcome, confirming Jerusalem's fate as the first and most significant city to be besieged by the Babylonian army. It underscored the certainty and priority of God's judgment upon His unfaithful people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:22 describes a physical siege and judgment upon ancient Jerusalem, its theological underpinnings find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The absolute sovereignty of God, so vividly displayed in orchestrating Nebuchadnezzar's actions, culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God directed the pagan king to bring judgment, He sovereignly directed all history towards the coming of His Son, the ultimate King and Judge. Christ's first coming was not a siege of physical walls but a spiritual invasion, where He came to "open the mouth in the slaughter" of sin and death, not with battering rams against gates, but by breaking the spiritual strongholds that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true "captain" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - The Captain of Salvation")) who leads His people to victory. Furthermore, the detailed judgment on Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate, final judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness at His second coming ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The "mount" and "fort" built against Jerusalem find their ultimate spiritual parallel in the cross, where Christ became the "fort" of salvation, and through His sacrifice, He "cast a mount" over the chasm of sin, building a way for humanity to access God. In Christ, God's judgment is satisfied for those who believe, and His sovereignty is perfectly displayed in the Lamb who was slain, yet reigns supreme, ensuring that all things ultimately serve His redemptive purposes ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Exaltation of Christ")).

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 4:2

And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set [battering] rams against it round about.

Ezekiel 26:9

And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.

1 Samuel 17:20

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Jeremiah 52:4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

Jeremiah 33:4

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

Exodus 32:17

And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, [There is] a noise of war in the camp.

Exodus 32:18

And he said, [It is] not the voice of [them that] shout for mastery, neither [is it] the voice of [them that] cry for being overcome: [but] the noise of [them that] sing do I hear.