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.
EZEKIEL 21:22KJVWhat does Ezekiel 21:22 mean?
Ezekiel 21:22 describes a moment when a king uses divination to decide which city to attack, and the signs point to Jerusalem. The verse lists the military actions that will be taken against Jerusalem, including appointing commanders, preparing for battle, and building siege works.
In this passage, God is speaking through Ezekiel to the people of Israel, describing how the king of Babylon will use various methods of divination to choose his target. The verse details the practical steps of an ancient siege, showing that Jerusalem is about to face a serious and organized attack. This is part of a larger prophecy warning Jerusalem of coming judgment.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 21:22
- The word for "divination" (קֶסֶם, qesem) refers to seeking guidance through supernatural means, often by interpreting omens. Here, it highlights that the king’s decision is not random but guided by ritual practices common in the ancient world.
- "Appoint captains" uses the word שָׂרִים (sarim), meaning leaders or commanders. This shows the deliberate organization and leadership behind the attack.
- "To cast a mount" uses the word שָׁפַךְ (shafakh), which often means to pour out or heap up. In this context, it refers to piling up earth to create a siege ramp against the city walls.
- "To build a fort" uses the word דָּיֵק (dayeq), which means a siege tower or structure built to overcome city defenses. This emphasizes the seriousness and preparation of the coming assault.
Why Ezekiel 21:22 matters
- This verse clears up that the attack on Jerusalem was not a random act of violence but a calculated military campaign, decided by the king through divination.
- The details about siege tactics show the historical reality of ancient warfare and make the prophecy more vivid and concrete for the original audience.
- Ezekiel 21:22 connects to the larger theme of the chapter, where God is warning Jerusalem that judgment is coming, and even pagan methods like divination are being used to fulfill God’s purposes.