Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 21 - Verse 21

The meaning of this verse from the book of Ezekiel is that the king of Babylon, in his search for guidance and direction, resorted to various forms of divination and occult practices. Standing at a crossroads, he sought to make a decision by using arrows, consulting images, and examining the liver of an animal. These actions were common practices in ancient Babylonian culture, where rulers often sought divine guidance through omens and signs. By using these methods, the king believed he could attain insight into the future and make informed decisions. However, the verse implies that such practices are ultimately futile and misguided, as true wisdom and guidance come from God alone. The use of divination and other occult practices demonstrates the king's reliance on human methods rather than seeking divine counsel, leading to his downfall and eventual defeat.

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes the actions of the king of Babylon as he stood at a crossroads, using divination methods to make decisions. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the king's reliance on pagan practices such as divination, the brightening of arrows, consulting with images, and looking into the liver. These actions are condemned in the Bible, as they demonstrate a lack of trust in God and a turning towards occult practices. The king's actions serve as a warning against seeking guidance from sources other than God and show the consequences of relying on superstition and idolatry. This verse also emphasizes the importance of discerning between what is of God and what is of the world, urging believers to stay faithful and grounded in their faith without turning to false gods or practices.