Main Idea: The Sovereign God can bring His plans to pass through anything He chooses.
A Look at the Text:
Ezekiel 21 begins with the prophet prophesying against the land of Israel and against its sanctuaries (Ezek. 21:1-2). Certainly, their holy places weren’t holy anymore. As a result, God was going to unsheathe His sword against His own people in judgment (Ezek. 21:3).
The rod hadn’t worked—now it was time to move to something more effective (Ezek. 21:10).
Specifically, we see again that it would be Babylon that would function as the sword of the Lord, as judgment came by God’s decree at their hand. With this, fascinatingly, the Lord reveals to His prophet that on the way there Nebuchadnezzar would hit a fork in the road (Ezek. 21:20-21). He could go after the Ammonite city, Rabbah, or he could go after Jerusalem.
To decide, the king would consult various pagan methodologies (marked arrows, idols, and animal livers) to learn what to do (Ezek. 21:21). Together, these would speak with one voice: Go to Jerusalem.
While the people of the land might not believe it, their guilt condemned them (Ezek. 21:23). As such, they would be taken in hand (Ezek. 21:24). Judgment was coming on them and especially on King Zedekiah, the “prince” of Israel, who disdained the message of the Heavenly King (Ezek. 21:25).
Bringing it Home:
The Scripture reveals in countless places that God is at work in the midst of all things. Solomon once observed:
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33).
Even something as small as the rolling of the dice is not outside of God’s control.
He orchestrates all things and brings all things to pass according to the perfect counsel of His will.
If He decreed the destruction of Jerusalem, nothing could stand in His way. He could use Nebuchadnezzar as His servant. He could communicate His message through an animal liver. His ways are unlimited because He is God. He can do what He wants.
The fact that nothing is outside the boundary of God’s control should greatly encourage us if we belong to Him. But for those who stand under His judgment, it’s a sobering reminder that His decrees are inescapable.
Challenge:
Do I trust that God not only orchestrates history itself but the little details that bring things to pass along the way?