Ezekiel 21:23-25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 21:18-27

The prophet, in the verses before, had shown them the sword coming; he here shows them that sword coming against them, that they might not flatter themselves that by some means or other it should be diverted a contrary way. I. He must see and show the Chaldean army coming against Jerusalem and determined by a supreme power so to do. The prophet must appoint him two ways, that is, he must upon a paper draw out two roads (Ezek. 21:19), as sometimes is done in maps; and he must bring the king of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 21:23

And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight ,.... That is, the Jews shall laugh at this divination as a vain thing, as a Heathenish practice, and of which nothing would come; and even at the prophet's account of it, and his prophecy concerning the king of Babylon coming to invade them; they looked upon them all as of a piece, trusting to their false prophets, who assured them that they should not be delivered into his hands: to them that have sworn oaths ; a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 21:24

Therefore thus saith the Lord God ,.... Because of their vain confidence, added to their perjury and perfidy: because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered ; their old sins, by committing new ones, both against the Lord, and against the king of Babylon: in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear ; both in their religious and civil actions; in the worship of God, and in their covenants and agreements with men; their sins were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 21:25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel ,.... Meaning Zedekiah, the then reigning prince; who is so called, because he had profaned or violated the oath and covenant he made with the king of Babylon, as well as because of other sins he was guilty of; and his being a prince of Israel was an aggravation of his crimes: now, though it is "not fit" in common, or for ordinary persons, "to say to a king thou art wicked, and to princes ye are ungodly", Job 34:18 , yet a prophet from the Lord,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 21:23

To them that have sworn oaths - To Zedekiah and his ministers, who had bound themselves by the oath of the Lord to be faithful to the Chaldeans, and to pay them the promised tribute. The oaths may refer, farther, to the alliances formed with the Egyptians, Ammonites, and others. They will not believe that Nebuchadnezzar shall succeed against them, while they expect the powerful assistance of the Egyptians. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 21:25

And thou profane wicked prince of Israel - Zedekiah, called here profane, because he had broken his oath; and wicked, because of his opposition to God and his prophet. Whose day is come - Who in a short time shalt be delivered into the hands of thy enemies. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 21:18-27

The all-controlling providence of God. We have here a striking instance of the superintending agency of God. From his invisible throne he controls all the plans, divinations, arts, and labours of kings and generals. All persons and all events are directed into the channel of his purpose, and aid in the final consummation of his righteous end. I. GOD USES EVES WICKED MEN TO DO HIS WORK . If he employed only righteous men, he would have to reject the service of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 21:18-27

The approaching judgment. "The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways," etc. The following homiletic points are suggested by this paragraph. I. THE DESTINATION OF THE APPROACHING JUDGMENT DETERMINED BY GOD , THOUGH THE AGENTS THEREOF WERE UNCONSCIOUS OF HIS INFLUENCE . "Son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the King of Babylon may come," etc. ( Ezekiel 21:18-22 ). The prophet is here... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 21:18-32

The impartiality of Divine justice. Very picturesque and memorable is this portion of Ezekiel's prophecies. The prophet in his vision beholds the King of Babylon on his way to execute the purposes of God upon the rebellious and treacherous prince of Judah, and upon his partakers in sin. He sees him at some point of this expedition, standing on the northeast of Palestine, uncertain whether in the first instance to direct his arms against Rabbath, the capitol of the Ammonites, or Jerusalem,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 21:23

The whole verse is obscure, and has been very variously interpreted. I follow the translation of the Revised Version, and explain it by inserting words which are needed to bring out its meaning: It (what Nebuchadnezzar has done) shall be as a vain divination in their sight ( sc . in that of the men of Jerusalem), which have sworn unto them ( sc . have taken oaths of fealty to the Chaldeans, and are ready to take them again), but he (Nebuchadnezzar) brings iniquity to remembrance... read more

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