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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 21:19 "Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. 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Make a signpost where the road branches off to the city. <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Son of man, make a map and trace two routes on it for the sword of Babylon’s king to follow. Put a signpost on the road that comes out of Babylon where the road forks into two— <a href="/esv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> “As for you, son of man, mark two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. Both of them shall come from the same land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to a city. <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city. <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/21.htm">New King James Version</a> “And son of man, appoint for yourself two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to go; both of them shall go from the same land. Make a sign; put it at the head of the road to the city. <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now as for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220As for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “As for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Now as for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/amp/ezekiel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “As for you, son of man, mark out two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost; place it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/csb/ezekiel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Now you, son of man, mark out two roads that the sword of Babylon’s king can take. Both of them should originate from the same land. And make a signpost at the fork in the road to each city. <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now you, son of man, mark out two roads that the sword of Babylon&#8217s king can take. Both of them should originate from the same land. And make a signpost at the fork in the road to each city. <a href="/asv/ezekiel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ezekiel, son of man, mark two roads for the king of Babylonia to follow when he comes with his sword. The roads will begin at the same place, but be sure to put up a signpost where the two roads separate and go in different directions. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Son of man, mark two roads that the king of Babylon and his sword can take. Both of these roads should start from the same country. Make a sign, and put it where the roads start to fork toward the cities. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Mortal man," he said, "mark out two roads by which the king of Babylonia can come with his sword. Both of them are to start in the same country. Put up a signpost where the roads fork. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Now, Son of Man, demarcate two pathways by which the sword of Babylon's king will arrive in the land. Both pathways will lead from a single land. "Make a sign, carving it out and installing it at the junction on the way to the city. <a href="/msb/ezekiel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city. <a href="/net/ezekiel/21.htm">NET Bible</a> "You, son of man, mark out two routes for the king of Babylon's sword to take; both of them will originate in a single land. Make a signpost and put it at the beginning of the road leading to the city. <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Also, you son of man, appoint two ways that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they both shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both ways shall come forth from one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/web/ezekiel/21.htm">World English Bible</a> “Also, you son of man, appoint two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come. They both will come out of one land, and mark out a place. Mark it out at the head of the way to the city. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “And you, son of man, appoint two ways for yourself, for the coming in of the sword of the king of Babylon; they come forth from one land, both of them. And create a station; create [it] at the top of the way of the city. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou, son of man, appoint for thee two ways, for the coming in of the sword of the king of Babylon; from one land they come forth, both of them, and a station prepare thou, at the top of the way of the city prepare it. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou son of man, set to thee two ways for the sword of the king of Babel to come: from one land shall come forth they two, and form thou a hand, form upon the head of the way of the city.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thou son of man, set thee two ways, for the sword of the king of Babylon to come: both shall come forth out of one land: and with his hand he shall draw lots, he shall consult at the head of the way of the city. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “And as for you, son of man, set for yourself two ways, so that the sword of the king of Babylon may approach. Both shall go forth from one land. And with a hand, he will grasp and cast lots; he will cast at the head of the way of the community. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Son of man, make for yourself two roads over which the sword of the king of Babylon can come. Both roads shall start out from the same land. Then put a signpost at the head of each road <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Mortal, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them shall issue from the same land. And make a signpost, make it for a fork in the road leading to a city;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Also, Son of man, prepare for yourself two ways that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; both of them shall come forth out of the same land; and set a sign at the head of the highway to the choicest city. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But, you, son of man, make for yourself two roads that the sword of the King of Babel may come, and both of them shall go out from the one land, and she who is chosen on the beginning of the road of the chosen city<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now, thou son of man, make thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land; and mark a signpost, mark it clear at the head of the way to the city. <a href="/sep/ezekiel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> and thou, son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may enter in: the two shall go forth of one country; and there shall be a force at the top of the way of the city, thou shalt set it at the top of the way, <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5808" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/21.htm">The LORD's Sword of Judgment</a> …18Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 19<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Now you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śîm- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">mark out</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·na·yim (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵîm (N-cp) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">roads</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥe·reḇ (N-fsc) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">for the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">of Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lā·ḇō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to take,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê·hem (Number-mdc:: 3mp) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">both</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣə·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">starting</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">from the same</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: mê·’e·reṣ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">land.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1254.htm" title="1254: bā·rê (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To create, to cut down, select, feed. A primitive root; to create; to cut down, select, feed.">And make</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: wə·yāḏ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">a signpost</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ- (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">where the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: bə·rōš (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">branches off</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">to each city.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1254.htm" title="1254: bā·rê (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To create, to cut down, select, feed. A primitive root; to create; to cut down, select, feed."></a> 20Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8</a> Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a> This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a> Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. <a href="/psalms/25-12.htm">Psalm 25:12</a> Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. <a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Isaiah 48:17</a> Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go. <a href="/jeremiah/42-3.htm">Jeremiah 42:3</a> Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a> “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a> in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2</a> and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Also, you son of man, appoint you two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both two shall come forth out of one land: and choose you a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.<a href="/ezekiel/4-1.htm">Ezekiel 4:1-3</a> Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: … <a href="/ezekiel/5-1.htm">Ezekiel 5:1</a> And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's rasor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.<a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a> See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/51-27.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-9.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-26.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-4.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-20.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-13.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ezekiel/9-6.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-16.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-18.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-16.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-44.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-2.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-42.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 21</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/21-1.htm">Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing</a> 8. <a href="/ezekiel/21-8.htm">The sharp and bright sword</a> 18. <a href="/ezekiel/21-18.htm">against Jerusalem</a> 25. <a href="/ezekiel/21-25.htm">against the kingdom</a> 28. <a href="/ezekiel/21-28.htm">and against the Ammonites</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now you, son of man This phrase addresses Ezekiel, often referred to as "son of man," emphasizing his role as a human prophet among the people. This title is used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting his humanity in contrast to the divine messages he delivers. It also foreshadows the use of "Son of Man" as a title for Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing His role as the representative human.mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take The "sword" symbolizes impending judgment and destruction, often used in prophetic literature to denote war or divine retribution. The king of Babylon, likely Nebuchadnezzar, was a significant figure in the Near Eastern world, known for his military campaigns and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The two roads represent choices or paths of conquest, indicating a decision point for the Babylonian army.both starting from the same land This suggests a common origin for the paths, likely referring to Babylon or a nearby region. It underscores the idea that the impending judgment is divinely orchestrated, with both paths leading to different outcomes but originating from the same divine purpose. This reflects the sovereignty of God over nations and their leaders, as seen throughout the prophetic books.And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city The signpost serves as a metaphor for guidance and decision-making, indicating a point of divergence. In ancient times, signposts were crucial for travelers, especially in desert regions where paths were not always clear. The cities likely refer to Jerusalem and Rabbah of the Ammonites, both significant targets for Babylonian campaigns. This imagery of branching paths can also be seen in other scriptures, such as <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>, where choices lead to life or death, blessing or curse.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is often referred to as "son of man" in the book. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_babylon.htm">King of Babylon</a> Refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, the powerful ruler of Babylon who played a significant role in the exile of the Israelites. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sword.htm">The Sword</a> Symbolizes the impending judgment and destruction that God is bringing upon Jerusalem and other nations through Babylon. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_land.htm">The Land</a> Represents the starting point of the prophecy, likely referring to Babylon or the region from which the king of Babylon would begin his campaign. 5. <a href="/topical/s/signpost.htm">Signpost</a> A metaphorical or literal marker indicating the decision point for the path of destruction, symbolizing God's guidance in the unfolding events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God is in control of nations and their leaders, using them to fulfill His purposes, even when they are unaware of His guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_word.htm">The Certainty of God's Word</a> Just as the signpost marks a definite path, God's prophecies are certain and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the reliability of God's Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> The impending judgment serves as a call for repentance. Believers should examine their lives and turn from sin, recognizing the seriousness of God's warnings. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a> Prophets like Ezekiel are tasked with delivering God's messages, often involving difficult truths. Believers are called to listen and respond to God's messengers today. <a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">Divine Guidance in Decision-Making</a> Just as the signpost directed the path of the sword, believers should seek God's guidance in their decisions, trusting His wisdom and direction.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21</a> <a href="/q/evidence_outside_bible_for_ezekiel_21.htm">Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting the military and political tumult depicted throughout Ezekiel 21?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_apocalypse.htm">What does the Bible say about the apocalypse?</a> <a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_ezekiel_14_13-21.htm">Are there any archaeological findings that confirm the severe judgments (famine, wild beasts, sword, plague) predicted in Ezekiel 14:13-21?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_fight_his_people_in_jer_21_4-7.htm">Why does Jeremiah 21:4-7 depict God actively fighting against His own people, contradicting the notion of a loving deity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) Appoint thee two ways.--Or, set before thee. The prophet is directed to represent Nebuchadnezzar as about to go forth with his armies, and hesitating whether he should take first the road to Jerusalem or to the capital of the Ammonites. His choice of the former is determined, as he supposes, by his divinations, but really by the overruling hand of the Lord, who thus shows beforehand what it shall be. The whole is set forth in the vivid and concrete imagery so characteristic of Ezekiel; but it is impossible that the scene in real life was to be thus determined by the prophet's open interference. The whole is a vision, in which life and action is conveyed by this manner of describing the course of future events as actually taking place before the eyes of his hearers. The two ways "come forth out of one land;" their starting-point is the same. Babylon, and they diverge towards different destinations.Choose thou a place.--Literally, make a hand or, as we say, a finger-post. The verb here used never means "choose," nor does the noun ever mean "place" but the verb is often used both in the sense of to make and to engrave, and "hand" frequently occurs in the sense of a pillar, and occasionally in that of a guide post. (See <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm" title="And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.">1Samuel 15:12</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm" title="Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called to this day, Absalom's place.">2Samuel 18:18</a>; <a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm" title="Even to them will I give in my house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.">Isaiah 56:5</a>.) The prophet in vision sets up this guide-post to direct the king on his march. The roads to Rabbah and to Jerusalem from Babylon would be the same for many hundred miles. It is impossible, therefore, to suppose that Ezekiel actually stood at their parting.Head of the way, called more poetically in <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm" title="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.">Ezekiel 21:21</a> "mother of the way," is the point where the road forks. From this point the road to Jerusalem would lie on the right, that to Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites, on the left. <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Now you, וְאַתָּ֨ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of man, אָדָ֜ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being mark out שִׂים־ (śîm-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set two שְׁנַ֣יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) roads דְּרָכִ֗ים (də·rā·ḵîm) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action for the sword חֶ֣רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword of the king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Babylon בָּבֶ֔ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city to take, לָבוֹא֙ (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go both שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם (šə·nê·hem) Number - mdc | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) starting יֵצְא֣וּ (yê·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim from the same אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first land. מֵאֶ֥רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land And make בָּרֵ֔א (bā·rê) Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1254.htm">Strong's 1254: </a> To create, to cut down, select, feed a signpost וְיָ֣ד (wə·yāḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand where the road דֶּֽרֶךְ־ (de·reḵ-) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action branches off בְּרֹ֥אשׁ (bə·rōš) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head to each city. עִ֖יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-19.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:19 Also you son of man appoint two (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/21-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/21-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 21:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 21:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>