Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 21:19. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it essentially means, explained in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a prophecy about a future conflict between God and King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. It says that God has designated two ways for him to wage war – and those ways will inevitably intersect. It's setting up a dramatic scenario where the Babylonian king’s military might will be unleashed, and God intends to use this event to punish his enemies. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 21:19” : This is the verse itself – a specific prophecy from a book in the Bible. “Also, thou son of man…” : This is a formal way of addressing God. It means "and also, my Lord." “…appoint thee two ways…” : God is giving Ezekiel (and us) two options or paths for Nebuchadnezzar to use. “…that the sword of the king of Babylon may come…” : This refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s military power and his ability to wage war – a significant threat. “both twain shall come forth out of one land…” : This is the crucial part. It means that these two paths (the ways God has chosen) will start in the same place - Babylon. It’s like a single root causing a whole branch to grow. “…and choose thou a place, choose [it] at the head of the way to the city.” : This is where it gets really significant. God is telling Ezekiel that he has chosen a specific location for Nebuchadnezzar to use his military strength. He wants him to strategically position his forces in this particular area – essentially, to lead the way to the city. What’s the Big Picture? The verse paints a picture of a coming conflict. It suggests: Divine Justice: God is punishing Babylon for its wickedness and oppression. A Battleground: The prophecy implies a large-scale battle will occur, with Nebuchadnezzar's forces wielding considerable power. God’s Plan: It’s not just about a war; it’s about God using this conflict to achieve His purpose – to punish Babylon and its people. Important Note: This is a complex and somewhat symbolic passage. It’s important to remember that the Bible often uses imagery and prophecies to convey deeper truths about God's relationship with humanity and the unfolding of history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what this prophecy might mean for our lives today?