Ezekiel 20:45-49

The Sword of the Lord against Jerusalem (and Ammon?)

Ezekiel 21:0 of the Hebrew Bible begins with Eze 20:45 of the English. It is mainly concerned with Jerusalem (Eze 20:45 to Eze 21:27), but has an appendix consisting of a short prophecy about Ammon, which has been interpreted in different ways (Eze 21:28-32).

(a) Against Jerusalem (Eze 20:45 to Eze 21:27)

An enigmatic parable of a forest fire in the S. (Eze 20:45-49) is explained as referring to the land of Israel, against which God's sword is drawn (Eze 21:1-5). Ezekiel's distress at the announcement is a sign of the dismay which all will feel when it comes to pass (Eze 20:6-7). A 'Song of the Sword' follows (Eze 20:8-17). Next comes a picture of Nebuchadrezzar halting on his march on Palestine, and consulting his oracles as to whether Jerusalem or Ammon should be attacked first. The omens decide for Jerusalem, which is doomed to capture, though its people make light of the heathen oracles (Eze 20:18-24). The prophecy ends with a denunciation of Zedekiah, and a hint of the future ideal king (Eze 20:25-27).

46, 47. Field.. forest of the south] Palestine lay almost due W. of Babylon, but the way between them took a circuit N. owing to the desert, and to one coming from Babylon, Palestine lay directly S. in the last stages of the journey.