King James Version
Ezekiel 21:20 in the King James Version says “Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites , and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites , and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.”
Ezekiel 21:20 · KJV
The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
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.
Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites , and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.
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. parting of: Heb. mother of arrows: or, knives images: Heb. teraphim
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: or, battering rams: Heb. rams
KJV Study — Public Domain
“a way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
“Appoint”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
“that the sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“of the Ammonites”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“and to Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
“the defenced”
H1219to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ezekiel 21:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ezekiel 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge