Ezekiel 21:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 21:20 mean?

Ezekiel 21:20 describes God instructing the prophet to mark out two possible routes for the invading sword—one leading to Rabbath, the main city of the Ammonites, and the other to Jerusalem in Judah, which is described as fortified. The verse shows that both places are being singled out as targets for coming judgment.

In this passage, God is speaking through Ezekiel to the people of Israel during a time when foreign armies threatened their land. The "sword" represents military invasion, and God directs Ezekiel to make it clear that both the Ammonites and the people of Judah are in danger. The mention of Jerusalem as "defenced" (fortified) highlights its strong defenses, but also that even such a city is not safe from what is coming.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 21:20

• "Appoint" (שִׂים, sîm): This word means to set, place, or designate. Here, it emphasizes that Ezekiel is to deliberately mark out or assign the paths of judgment, not just mention them generally.
• "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means road or path. The use here underlines the idea of two specific routes or choices for the advancing army, making the prophecy vivid and concrete.
• "Defenced" (בָּצוּר, batsur): This word means fortified or protected. Calling Jerusalem "defenced" stresses its reputation for strength, making the warning of its vulnerability more striking.

Why Ezekiel 21:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that God's judgment is not limited to Israel; neighboring nations like the Ammonites are also included, showing the broad scope of the prophecy.
• The act of marking out the ways makes the coming judgment feel deliberate and unavoidable, not random or accidental.
• By highlighting Jerusalem's defenses, the verse underscores that no amount of human strength can guarantee safety when facing divine judgment, setting up the tension for the rest of the chapter.