1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,

3 And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

4 Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

5 That all flesh may know that I the Lord have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

6 Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.

7 And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord God.

8 Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

10 It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.

11 And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.

12 Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.

13 Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord God.

14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together. and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

16 Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.

17 I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the Lord have said it.

18 The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying,

19 Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.

20 Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.

21 For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.

22 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.

23 And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

24 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.

25 And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,

26 Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.

27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.

28 And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

29 Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of them that are slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity shall have an end.

30 Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.

31 And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy.

32 Thou shalt be for fuel to the fire; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land; thou shalt be no more remembered: for I the Lord have spoken it.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
As Calvin’s Latin Translation ends here, so the version by the Translator comes naturally to a close. It has not been thought necessary to re-translate from the original the remainder of Ezekiel, as the previously quoted labors of Newcome and Rosenmuller are sufficiently accessible and explanatory.
McArther Bible Commentary
the word … came. This is the sign of the sword against Jerusalem (Eze 21:1-17). God depicts His judgment in terms of a man unsheathing his polished sword for deadly thrusts. God is the swordsman (Eze 21:3-4), but Babylon is His sword (Eze 21:19). The historical background for this prophecy is Nebuchadnezzar's 588 B.C. campaign to quell revolts in Judah, as well as Tyre and Ammon.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 20:49 Ezekiel 21:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The holy places - The temple and all parts of it.
Bible Cross References
Job 29:22 Ezekiel 4:7 Ezekiel 20:46 Ezekiel 21:1 Ezekiel 25:2 Ezekiel 28:21 Amos 7:16

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The righteous - It is no unusual thing, that in publick calamities, those who are indeed righteous should be involved with others.
McArther Bible Commentary
righteous and wicked. In Babylon's indiscrimination as an invader, people in the army's path die, whether righteous or wicked. This occurs from north to south, through the whole span of Israel's land, tying in with the judgment pictured by fire (Eze 20:45-49). Trees green or dry (Eze 20:47) probably depict people whether righteous or wicked (Eze 21:3-4; cf. Luk 23:31).
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 34:5 Isaiah 57:1 Jeremiah 21:13 Jeremiah 47:6 Ezekiel 5:8 Ezekiel 13:8 Ezekiel 14:17 Ezekiel 29:10 Nahum 2:13 Nahum 3:5 Zechariah 13:7

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All flesh - All the Jews that dwell in the land.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:40 Jeremiah 12:12 Jeremiah 25:27 Ezekiel 7:2 Ezekiel 14:17 Ezekiel 20:46 Ezekiel 20:47

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall not return - It shall not return into the scabbard 'till it hath done full execution.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:40 1 Samuel 3:12 Jeremiah 23:20 Jeremiah 25:27 Ezekiel 21:6 Ezekiel 21:30 Nahum 1:9

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sigh therefore - Thereby express deep sorrow. Breaking of thy loins - Like a woman in travail.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 9:4 Ezekiel 21:5 Ezekiel 21:7 Ezekiel 21:12 Ezekiel 32:18

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Because - The saddest news you ever heard is coming.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:36 Joshua 7:5 Psalm 58:7 Isaiah 13:7 Ezekiel 7:17 Ezekiel 7:26 Ezekiel 21:6 Ezekiel 21:8 Ezekiel 21:15 Ezekiel 22:14 Daniel 5:6 Nahum 2:10

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
McArther Bible Commentary
The sword (Babylon) was "sharpened."
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:7 Ezekiel 21:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Furbished - Made clean and bright.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:41 Jeremiah 46:4 Ezekiel 21:8

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of my son - To whom God saith, Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, (Psalms 2:9) . This sword is that rod of iron, which despiseth every tree, and will bear it down.
McArther Bible Commentary
It despises the scepter. Cf. also verse Eze 21:13. Possibly, this affirmed that God's sword, so overwhelming in verse Eze 21:10, was to despise the Judean royal scepter (cf. Gen 49:9-10), which was powerless to stop it and would soon pass away (Eze 21:25-27). God's judgment was too strong for this object made of (or partly of) wood, as it holds in contempt all such items of wood. "My son" may refer to Judah (cf. Exo 4:22-23), or to the king as God's "son," such as was Solomon (1Ch 28:6).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 110:5 Psalm 110:6 Isaiah 34:5 Isaiah 34:6 Ezekiel 20:47 Ezekiel 21:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
McArther Bible Commentary
the slayer. God is always the judge and executioner, no matter what He uses.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:10 Ezekiel 21:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
It - The devouring sword. Upon thy thigh - In token of thy sense of what they must suffer.
McArther Bible Commentary
strike your thigh. It can also be translated, "beat your breast." With either wording, it refers to an emphatic gesture of grief that the prophet acts out. This accompanies further symbols of grief in his "cry," "wail" (Eze 21:12), clapping of hands (Eze 21:14), and "beating of fists" (Eze 21:17).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 31:19 Ezekiel 21:6 Ezekiel 21:11 Ezekiel 21:13 Ezekiel 21:25 Ezekiel 22:6 Ezekiel 30:2 Joel 1:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
If - But if the king and kingdom of Judah despise this trial, both shall be destroyed and be no more.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 10:3 Ezekiel 21:12 Ezekiel 21:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And smite - In token of amazement and sorrow. Of the slain - Wherewith many shall be slain. Privy chambers - Where they were hidden in hope to escape.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:21 Leviticus 26:24 2 Kings 24:1 2 Kings 24:10 2 Kings 25:1 Ezekiel 21:13

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All their gates - Both of cities, of palaces, and of private houses. Wrapt up - And hath been carefully kept in the scabbard, that it might not be blunted.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 2:11 2 Samuel 17:10 Psalm 22:14 Isaiah 59:10 Jeremiah 13:16 Jeremiah 17:27 Jeremiah 18:15 Ezekiel 21:7 Ezekiel 21:16 Ezekiel 21:19

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Go - O sword, take thy own course.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:15 Ezekiel 21:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword.
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Smite my hands - In token of my approbation.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 5:13 Ezekiel 16:42 Ezekiel 21:16 Ezekiel 21:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
McArther Bible Commentary
This imagery portrays Babylon's army on the march coming to a crossroads. The sword is the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, who is faced with a decision. One sign points to Jerusalem and Judah, the other to Rabbah, the capital of Ammon. In 593 B.C. Ammon had conspired with Judah against Babylon. The king had to decide which place to attack, so he sought his gods through divination (Eze 21:21).
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:17 Ezekiel 21:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Appoint - Paint, or describe them on a tile. One land - That is, Babylon. Chuse - Pitch on some convenient place, where thou mayest place Nebuchadnezzar's army, consulting where this one way divides into two, which was on the edge of the desert of Arabia. At the head - Where each way runs, toward either Rabbath, or Jerusalem; for there Nebuchadnezzar will cast lots.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 1:10 Ezekiel 4:1 Ezekiel 21:15 Ezekiel 21:18 Ezekiel 23:23

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To Judah - The Jews.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:11 Psalm 48:12 Psalm 48:13 Psalm 125:1 Psalm 125:2 Jeremiah 49:2 Ezekiel 25:5 Amos 1:14

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Stood - The prophet speaks of what shall be, as if it were already. To use - To consult with his gods, and to cast lots. Arrows - Writing on them the names of the cities, then putting them into a quiver, and thence drawing them out and concluding, according to the name which was drawn. He consulted - Perhaps by a divine permission, the devil gave them answers from those images. In the liver - They judged of future events, by the entrails, and more especially by the liver.
McArther Bible Commentary
the king … stands … to use divination. This means to "seek an omen," to gain guidance from superstitious devices (cf. Isa 47:8-15). Three methods are available to Babylon's leader. First, he shook arrows and let them fall, then read a conclusion from the pattern; second, he looked at Teraphim (idols); or third, he examined an animal liver to gain help from his gods. Actually, the true God controlled this superstition to achieve His will, the attack on Jerusalem and Judah. Later, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Rabbah in Ammon east of the Jordan (Eze 21:28-32).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 22:9 Genesis 31:19 Genesis 31:30 Numbers 22:7 Numbers 23:23 Judges 17:5 Judges 18:17 Judges 18:20 Proverbs 16:33 Zechariah 10:2

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The divination - The divination which concerned Jerusalem, was managed on his right hand.
McArther Bible Commentary
All the paraphernalia of war were prepared.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 4:16 Jeremiah 32:24 Jeremiah 33:4 Ezekiel 4:2 Ezekiel 26:8 Ezekiel 26:9 Amos 1:14

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Them - The Jews. That have sworn - Zedekiah, his princes, and nobles, who swore allegiance to the king of Babylon, these perjured persons will contemn all predictions of the prophet. He - Nebuchadnezzar. The iniquity - The wickedness of their perjury and rebellion. They - Zedekiah, and the Jews with him
McArther Bible Commentary
false divination. The people of Jerusalem thought this superstitious decision was not a true divination and would fail. They were wrong (Eze 21:24-25).
Bible Cross References
Numbers 5:15 Ezekiel 17:16 Ezekiel 17:18 Ezekiel 21:24 Ezekiel 29:16

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Your transgressions - Against God, and against the king of Babylon. Discovered - To all in court, city, and country. With the hand - As birds, or beasts in the net, are taken with the hands, so shall you, and be carried into Babylon.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:23 Ezekiel 21:25 Ezekiel 23:18

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And thou - Zedekiah. Whose day - The day of sorrows, and sufferings, and punishment is at hand. Shall have an end - Shall bring the ruin of king and kingdom, and with the overthrow of your state, the means of sinning shall end too.
McArther Bible Commentary
wicked prince. Zedekiah (597-586 B.C.)
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:13 Ezekiel 7:2 Ezekiel 7:3 Ezekiel 21:12 Ezekiel 21:24 Ezekiel 21:29 Ezekiel 35:5

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The diadem - The royal attire of the head, which the king daily wore. Shall not be the same - The kingdom shall never be what it hath been. Him that is low - Jeconiah. The advance of this captive king, came to pass in the thirty - seventh year of his captivity.
McArther Bible Commentary
Remove … turban … crown. God, in the coming judgment on Judah in 588-586 B.C., removed the turban representing the priestly leadership, and the crown picturing the succession of kings. Neither office was fully restored after the captivity. This marked the commencement of "the times of the Gentiles" (Luk 21:24).
Bible Cross References
James 4:10 Psalm 75:7 Proverbs 27:24 Jeremiah 13:18 Ezekiel 16:12 Ezekiel 17:24

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The approach of the king of Babylon described.
By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall be no more - Never recover its former glory, 'till the scepter be quite taken away from Judah, and way be made for the Messiah. He hath an incontestable right to the dominion both in the church and in the world. And in due time he shall have the possession of it, all adverse power being overturned.
McArther Bible Commentary
Until He comes. The threefold mention of "overthrown" expresses the severest degree of unsettled and chaotic conditions. Israel was to experience severe instability, even the kingly privilege will be revoked until the Messiah comes, "to whom it rightly belongs," or "whose right it is"(cf. Gen 49:10). God will give the kingship to Him (cf. Jer 23:5-8), the greater "David" (Eze 37:24). His "right" is that perfect combination of priestly and royal offices (cf. Heb. Eze 21:5-7).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 2:6 Psalm 72:7 Psalm 72:10 Jeremiah 23:5 Jeremiah 23:6 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 37:24 Haggai 2:21 Haggai 2:22

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The destruction of the Ammonites.
The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Their reproach - Wherewith they reproached Israel in the day of Israel's afflictions.
McArther Bible Commentary
concerning the Ammonites. The Babylonian armies also were to conquer this people in 582/81 B.C. (cf. Eze 25:1-7). Their "reproach" was the gleeful disdain they heaped on Jerusalem when the city fell, the temple was profaned, and Judeans were taken captive (Eze 25:3).
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 31:8 Jeremiah 12:12 Jeremiah 46:10 Jeremiah 46:14 Jeremiah 49:1 Ezekiel 25:3 Ezekiel 36:15 Amos 1:13 Zephaniah 2:8

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The destruction of the Ammonites.
The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
While - While thy astrologers, and soothsayers, deceive thee with fair, but false divinations. To bring thee - To bring thee under the sword of the Chaldeans, and destroy thee as the Jews; to make thee stumble and fall on their necks, as men that fall among a multitude of slain.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 27:9 Ezekiel 13:6 Ezekiel 21:25 Ezekiel 22:28 Ezekiel 35:5

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The destruction of the Ammonites.
The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall I cause it - God will by no means suffer the sword to be sheathed. Judge thee - Condemn, and execute.
McArther Bible Commentary
Return it to its sheath. The Ammonites were not to resist Babylon, which would be useless, for they would be slaughtered in their own land.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 47:6 Jeremiah 47:7 Ezekiel 21:5 Ezekiel 25:5

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The destruction of the Ammonites.
The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I will blow - As those who melt down metals blow upon the metal in the fire, that the fire may burn the fiercer.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 18:15 Psalm 79:6 Isaiah 30:33 Jeremiah 4:7 Jeremiah 6:22 Jeremiah 6:23 Jeremiah 51:20 Ezekiel 7:24 Ezekiel 14:19 Ezekiel 22:20 Ezekiel 22:21 Ezekiel 25:7 Nahum 1:6 Habakkuk 1:6 Habakkuk 1:10 Haggai 1:9

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The destruction of the Ammonites.
The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy.
McArther Bible Commentary
You shall not be remembered. Israel had a future (Eze 21:27), but God would not give Ammon mercy at the time and let the devastation occur. After this, they were further devastated by Judas Maccabeus's army, according to an ancient source (1 Macc. Eze 5:6-7). Later, according to Jer 49:6, God permitted exiles to return to their land. Finally, they disappeared from the family of nations altogether.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 20:47 Ezekiel 20:48 Ezekiel 22:1 Ezekiel 25:7 Ezekiel 25:10 Malachi 4:1