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 21:22KJV
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Ezekiel 21:22 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“slaughter” Hebrew H7524 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

“fort” Hebrew H1785 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:1 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.
  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 17:17 Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

“divination” Hebrew H7081 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
  • 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
  • Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

“mount” Hebrew H5550 · used in 11 verses

  • 2 Samuel 20:15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
  • Jeremiah 6:6 For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
  • 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.