Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Into his right hand will come the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to give the command to slaughter, to sound the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp and to erect siege works. New Living Translation The omen in his right hand says, ‘Jerusalem!’ With battering rams his soldiers will go against the gates, shouting for the kill. They will put up siege towers and build ramps against the walls. English Standard Version Into his right hand comes the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth with murder, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build siege towers. 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. Berean Literal Bible In his right hand is the divination for Jerusalem, to set up battering rams, to open the mouth with shattering, to lift high the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to heap up a mound, and to build a wall. King James Bible 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. New King James Version In his right hand is the divination for Jerusalem: to set up battering rams, to call for a slaughter, to lift the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to heap up a siege mound, and to build a wall. New American Standard Bible Into his right hand came the divination, ‘Jerusalem,’ to set up battering rams, to open the mouth for slaughter, to raise the voice with a battle cry, to set up battering rams against the gates, to pile up assault ramps, to build a siege wall. NASB 1995 “Into his right hand came the divination, ‘Jerusalem,’ to set battering rams, to open the mouth for slaughter, to lift up the voice with a battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up ramps, to build a siege wall. NASB 1977 “Into his right hand came the divination, ‘Jerusalem,’ to set battering rams, to open the mouth for slaughter, to lift up the voice with a battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build a siege wall. Legacy Standard Bible Into his right hand came the divination, ‘Jerusalem,’ to set battering rams, to open the mouth for killing, to lift up the voice with a shout of war, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up ramps, to build a siege wall. Amplified Bible In his right hand is the lot marked for Jerusalem: to set battering rams, to open the mouth calling for destruction, to lift up the voice with a war cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to put up assault ramps, and to build siege walls. Berean Annotated Bible In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem (city of peace), 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. Christian Standard Bible The answer marked Jerusalem appears in his right hand, indicating that he should set up battering rams, give the order to slaughter, raise a battle cry, set battering rams against the gates, build a ramp, and construct a siege wall. Holman Christian Standard Bible The answer marked Jerusalem appears in his right hand, indicating that he should set up battering rams, give the order to slaughter, raise a battle cry, set battering rams against the gates, build a ramp, and construct 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. Contemporary English Version His right hand will pull out the arrow marked "Jerusalem." Then he will immediately give the signal to shout the battle cry, to build dirt ramps up to the top of the city walls, to break down its walls and gates with large wooden poles, and to kill the people. English Revised 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 mounts, to build forts. GOD'S WORD® Translation The omens will indicate that he should go to the right, to Jerusalem. So he will set up his battering rams there, give the order to kill, raise a battle cry, aim the battering rams against the city gates, put up ramps, and set up blockades. Good News Translation Now! His right hand holds the arrow marked 'Jerusalem'! It tells him to go and set up battering rams, to shout the battle cry, to place battering rams against the gates, to throw up earthworks, and to dig trenches. International Standard Version On his right hand he is divining against Jerusalem, preparing to set up battering rams, preparing for the slaughter, getting ready to sound the alarm for battle, setting the battering rams in place at the gates, building siege mounds, and erecting a siege wall. NET Bible Into his right hand comes the portent for Jerusalem--to set up battering rams, to give the signal for slaughter, to shout out the battle cry, to set up battering rams against the gates, to erect a siege ramp, to build a siege wall. New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn 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. World English Bible In his right hand was the lot 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, and to build forts. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe divination [for] Jerusalem has been at his right, "" To place battering-rams, "" To open the mouth with slaughter, "" To lift up a voice with shouting, "" To place battering-rams against the gates, "" To pour out a mound, to build a fortification. Berean Literal Bible In his right hand is the divination for Jerusalem, to set up battering rams, to open the mouth with shattering, to lift high the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to heap up a mound, and to build a wall. Young's Literal Translation At his right hath been the divination -- Jerusalem, To place battering-rams, To open the mouth with slaughter, To lift up a voice with shouting, To place battering-rams against the gates, To pour out a mount, to build a fortification. Smith's Literal Translation In his right hand was the divination of Jerusalem, to set battering-rams, to open the mouth in breaking in pieces, to lift up the voice with a loud noise, to set battering-rams against the gates, to throw up a mound, to build a watch-tower. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOn his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth in slaughter, to lift up the voice in howling, to set engines against the gates, to cast up a mount, to build forts. Catholic Public Domain Version To his right was set the divination over Jerusalem, to place battering rams so as to open a mouth for the slaughter, to lift up the voice of wailing, to place battering rams opposite the gates, to cast up a rampart, to build fortifications. New American Bible Into his right hand has fallen the lot marked “Jerusalem”: to order the slaughter, to raise the battle cry, to set the battering rams against the gates, to throw up a ramp, to build siege works. New Revised Standard Version Into his right hand comes the lot for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to call out for slaughter, for raising the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up ramps, to build siege towers. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAt his right hand was the divination against Jerusalem, saying to build mounds against her, to open his mouth threatening with all his strength, to lift up his voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build siege forts. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And at his right hand was an oracle against Jerusalem, that he would lay wait against it in an ambush, and would open his mouth in his strength, and he will raise his voice with shouting, and he will place a heap against its gates, and he will set an ambush and he will build watchtowers OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917In his right hand is the lot Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth for the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build forts. Brenton Septuagint Translation On his right was the divination against Jerusalem, to cast a mound, to open the mouth in shouting, to lift up the voice with crying, to cast a mound against her gates, to cast up a heap, and to build forts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD's Sword of Judgment…21For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He shakes the arrows, he consults the idols, he examines the liver. 22In 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. 23It will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to him, but it will draw attention to their guilt and take them captive.… Cross References In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, 2 Kings 24:10-11 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. / And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Jeremiah 1:14-15 Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land. / For I am about to summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem. They will attack all her surrounding walls and all the other cities of Judah. where he is to set up battering rams, Ezekiel 4:2 Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. Jeremiah 52:4 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. to call for the slaughter, Ezekiel 9:6-7 Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. / Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city. Jeremiah 39:6-7 There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. / Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon. to lift a battle cry, Zephaniah 1:16 a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers. Jeremiah 4:19 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. to direct the battering rams against the gates, Ezekiel 26:8-10 He will slaughter the villages of your mainland with the sword; he will set up siege works against you, build a ramp to your walls, and raise his shields against you. / He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and tear down your towers with his axes. / His multitude of horses will cover you in their dust. When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city, your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots. Lamentations 2:9 Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. to build a ramp, Jeremiah 32:24 See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! Isaiah 37:33 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. and to erect a siege wall. Jeremiah 6:6 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst. Ezekiel 17:17 Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. Jeremiah 27:6-7 So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. 2 Kings 25:1-7 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. / And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. / By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. … Treasury of Scripture 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. captains. 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. to lift Exodus 32:17,18 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… Joshua 6:10,20 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout… 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. to appoint 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. Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it. 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; Jump to Previous Appoint Battering Build Captains Cast Divination Fort Forts Gates Hand Jerusalem Lift Mounds Mount Mouth Open Rams Right Shouting Slaughter VoiceJump to Next Appoint Battering Build Captains Cast Divination Fort Forts Gates Hand Jerusalem Lift Mounds Mount Mouth Open Rams Right Shouting Slaughter VoiceEzekiel 21 1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing8. The sharp and bright sword 18. against Jerusalem 25. against the kingdom 28. and against the Ammonites In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem This phrase indicates a divinely guided decision-making process, often associated with the use of divination tools like arrows or rods. The "right hand" symbolizes power and authority, suggesting that the decision is both significant and binding. Jerusalem, the focal point of Jewish worship and identity, is under threat, highlighting the gravity of the impending judgment. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God using foreign nations as instruments of His judgment, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA 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 NationsDespite 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 21:22?2. How does Ezekiel 21:22 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 3. What role does divine judgment play in Ezekiel 21:22's message to Israel? 4. How can we discern God's guidance in decision-making, as seen in Ezekiel 21:22? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Ezekiel 21:22 and God's justice throughout the Bible? 6. How should believers respond to God's warnings, as illustrated in Ezekiel 21:22? 7. What is the significance of divination in Ezekiel 21:22 for understanding God's will? 8. How does Ezekiel 21:22 reflect God's judgment on Jerusalem? 9. Why does God allow Nebuchadnezzar to use divination in Ezekiel 21:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21? 11. How can Ezekiel 24:1-2 precisely date Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, and does historical evidence align with this exact day? 12. Ezekiel 4:1-3: Does archaeological or historical data confirm a siege of Jerusalem that matches the precise details of Ezekiel's prophecy? 13. In Isaiah 22:5-7, how can we confirm the prophecy's historical accuracy regarding the siege if archaeological evidence is inconclusive? 14. Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting the military and political tumult depicted throughout Ezekiel 21? What Does Ezekiel 21:22 Mean In his right hand appears the portent for JerusalemThe scene pictures the king of Babylon using divination tools at a crossroads (see Ezekiel 21:19-21). By God’s providence the “omen” in his right hand points to Jerusalem, sealing its fate. • God is sovereign over rulers’ decisions—“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). • Even pagan practices unknowingly fulfill God’s decree (Jeremiah 27:6). • The portent underscores certainty: judgment is not random but divinely appointed (Ezekiel 21:24). where he is to set up battering rams Battering rams were heavy beams swung against walls. Their mention shows a literal, physical siege in view. • Ezekiel had earlier illustrated this with a brick (Ezekiel 4:2). • Historical fulfillment: “Nebuchadnezzar…encamped against the city and built siege works all around it” (2 Kings 25:1-2). • God’s word moves from prophecy to concrete action (Jeremiah 52:4). to call for the slaughter Once the walls fall, wholesale killing will follow. • The chilling phrase echoes Ezekiel 9:1-7, where executioners purge the land. • Jeremiah warned that sword, famine, and plague would strike those remaining in the city (Jeremiah 21:7). • This is justice against persistent rebellion (Ezekiel 21:30-32). to lift a battle cry The roar of invading troops both intimidates defenders and signals full-scale attack. • Prophets liken judgment day to “a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities” (Zephaniah 1:16). • Jeremiah felt the terror: “I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry” (Jeremiah 4:19). • The shout fulfills God’s forewarning, leaving no room for doubt (Isaiah 13:4). to direct the battering rams against the gates Gates are the weakest point; once they yield, the city is lost. • “He will direct his battering rams against your walls and demolish your towers with his weapons” (Ezekiel 26:9). • When Babylon finally broke through, officials sat in the Middle Gate as occupiers (Jeremiah 39:3). • God removes every refuge the people trusted (Nahum 2:6). to build a ramp Siege ramps allowed attackers to reach and breach the walls. • Ezekiel had modeled this tactic earlier (Ezekiel 4:2). • Jesus later applied similar language to Jerusalem’s fall in A.D. 70: “Your enemies will build an embankment against you” (Luke 19:43). • The ramp shows relentless persistence—judgment will not be deterred (Jeremiah 32:24). and to erect a siege wall A siege wall (or mound) encircled the city, cutting off supplies. • “I will encamp against you all around; I will lay siege against you with earthworks” (Isaiah 29:3). • Babylon surrounded Jerusalem “so that none could escape” (2 Kings 25:4). • Total isolation demonstrated that only the LORD could have delivered them—yet they had rejected Him (Ezekiel 5:8). summary Ezekiel 21:22 paints a step-by-step picture of Babylon’s assault, proving God’s warnings were literal and precise. Each phrase—omen, battering rams, slaughter, battle cry, breached gates, ramps, siege walls—shows the thoroughness of divine judgment on a city hardened in rebellion. Yet even in wrath, the passage reminds us of God’s ultimate control over nations and events, calling every generation to trust His word and walk in obedience. (22) At his right hand was.--This is too exactly literal. The sense is, into his right hand came the divination which determined his course towards Jerusalem. "Captains" should be as in the margin, battering. rams (see Ezekiel 4:2), for the siege of Jerusalem; the same word is so translated farther on in this verse. The remaining clauses portray the operations of the attack.Verse 22. - At his right hand was, etc.; better, into his right hand came, etc.; sc. the arrow marked for Jerusalem was that which came into the king's hand as the quiver was shaken. To appoint captains; better, battering rams, in both clauses. The same Hebrew word is used in both (see note on Ezekiel 4:2). The verse paints the engineering operations of the besiegers, following on the issue of the divination. (For the mount, comp. Isaiah 37:33.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In his right handבִּֽימִינ֞וֹ (bî·mî·nōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south appears הָיָ֣ה ׀ (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the portent הַקֶּ֣סֶם (haq·qe·sem) Article | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7081: A lot, divination, oracle for Jerusalem, יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel where he is to set up לָשׂ֤וּם (lā·śūm) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set battering rams, כָּרִים֙ (kā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3733: A ram, a, battering-ram, a meadow, a pad, camel's saddle to call for לִפְתֹּ֤חַ (lip̄·tō·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve the slaughter, בְּרֶ֔צַח (bə·re·ṣaḥ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7524: A crushing, a murder-cry to lift לְהָרִ֥ים (lə·hā·rîm) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise a battle cry, ק֖וֹל (qō·wl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6963: A voice, sound to set לָשׂ֤וּם (lā·śūm) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set the battering rams כָּרִים֙ (kā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3733: A ram, a, battering-ram, a meadow, a pad, camel's saddle against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the gates, שְׁעָרִ֔ים (šə·‘ā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate to build לִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ (liš·pōḵ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out a ramp, סֹלְלָ֖ה (sō·lə·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5550: A military mound, rampart of besiegers and to erect לִבְנ֥וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build a siege wall. דָּיֵֽק׃ (dā·yêq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1785: Bulwark, siege wall Links Ezekiel 21:22 NIVEzekiel 21:22 NLT Ezekiel 21:22 ESV Ezekiel 21:22 NASB Ezekiel 21:22 KJV Ezekiel 21:22 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 21:22 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 21:22 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 21:22 French Bible Ezekiel 21:22 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:22 In his right hand was the divination (Ezek. 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