Ezekiel 21:22

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.

Study Bible

In his right hand
The phrase "in his right hand" signifies authority and power, as the right hand is traditionally associated with strength and skill. In the Hebrew context, the right hand often symbolizes the execution of judgment or blessing. Here, it indicates the decisive role of the king of Babylon, who holds the fate of Jerusalem in his grasp, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in using nations to fulfill His purposes.

is the divination for Jerusalem
"Divination" refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divination was a common practice among kings and leaders to make strategic decisions. The use of divination here underscores the futility of relying on pagan practices, as God’s will ultimately prevails. Jerusalem, the city of God, is the focus, highlighting the impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness.

to set up battering rams
"Battering rams" were siege engines used to break through city walls, symbolizing the impending destruction and the relentless assault on Jerusalem. The Hebrew term suggests a methodical and determined attack, reflecting the seriousness of the judgment against the city. This imagery serves as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

to call for a slaughter
The phrase "to call for a slaughter" indicates the severity of the coming judgment. The Hebrew root conveys a sense of summoning or proclaiming, suggesting that the destruction is both inevitable and divinely ordained. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

to lift the battle cry
"Lifting the battle cry" is a call to arms, a rallying shout that signifies the commencement of warfare. In the biblical context, it represents the mobilization of forces against Jerusalem. The battle cry is both a literal and symbolic representation of the spiritual warfare and the urgency of repentance.

to set battering rams against the gates
The repetition of "battering rams" emphasizes the thoroughness of the siege. "Against the gates" highlights the strategic focus on the city's defenses, symbolizing the breach of security and the vulnerability of Jerusalem. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the spiritual breaches caused by sin.

to build a ramp
"To build a ramp" refers to the construction of siege ramps, which allowed attackers to scale city walls. The Hebrew term suggests preparation and determination, illustrating the relentless nature of the assault. This action signifies the inescapable judgment and the need for the people to turn back to God.

and to erect a siege wall
"Erect a siege wall" describes the encirclement of the city, cutting off supplies and escape routes. The siege wall is a symbol of total isolation and impending doom. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a powerful image of the consequences of forsaking God’s protection and the urgency of seeking His mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who conveyed messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant in biblical history as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.

3. Babylonian Siege
The event where the Babylonian army, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to its eventual destruction.

4. Divination
A practice used by the Babylonians to seek guidance or omens, often through interpreting signs or using objects like arrows.

5. Battering Rams and Siege Works
Military tools and strategies used by ancient armies to breach city walls and fortifications during a siege.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite human efforts and divination, God's plans and purposes prevail. The fall of Jerusalem was not merely a result of Babylonian strategy but a fulfillment of divine judgment.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jerusalem's destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience.

The Futility of Human Wisdom
The use of divination by the Babylonians underscores the futility of relying on human wisdom and practices that are contrary to God's ways.

The Importance of Heeding Prophetic Warnings
Ezekiel's prophecy highlights the importance of listening to God's warnings through His prophets. Ignoring these warnings can lead to devastating consequences.

Trust in God's Ultimate Justice
While the immediate context is one of judgment, believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness, knowing that He will restore and redeem according to His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of divination in Ezekiel 21:22 contrast with the biblical understanding of seeking God's guidance?

2. In what ways does the fall of Jerusalem serve as a warning for contemporary believers about the consequences of disobedience?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to current global events and personal circumstances?

4. What are some modern-day practices or beliefs that might parallel the futility of the Babylonians' reliance on divination?

5. How can we ensure that we are heeding God's warnings in our lives today, and what steps can we take to align ourselves with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 39
Describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, providing a historical account of the events prophesied by Ezekiel.

2 Kings 25
Offers a parallel account of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

Proverbs 16:33
Discusses the concept of casting lots, which relates to the divination practices mentioned in Ezekiel 21:22.

Isaiah 47:12-13
Critiques the reliance on sorcery and divination, highlighting the futility of such practices against God's sovereign will.