The Church Fathers on this verse

Ezekiel 21:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

On his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth in slaughter, to lift up the voice in howling, to set engines against the gates, to cast up a mount, to build forts.

Douay-Rheims

וְגַם־אֲנִ֗י אַכֶּ֤ה כַפִּי֙ אֶל־כַּפִּ֔י וַהֲנִחֹתִ֖י חֲמָתִ֑י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה דִּבַּֽרְתִּי׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

It is important to understand that demons lack insight into future events; they can only speculate about occurrences and sometimes make accurate guesses, though they frequently err. This can be observed not only through specific instances but is also supported by sacred Scripture. For instance, through the words of the false prophet Zedekiah, who predicted Ahab's triumph, they strayed from the truth, resulting in Ahab's defeat and death in battle. In another context, recognizing the divine law established for Israel and observing the Israelites’ disregard for these commandments, along with prophetic announcements, the demons understood God's wrath towards Israel.

Read more (52 words)

Consequently, sorcerers conveyed to the wicked king that he needed to first confront Jerusalem, build fortifications, and utilize all available military resources. However, as the king of Babylon pursued these strategies, those besieged became neglectful, showing no faith in their strength, but rather succumbing to apathy. And God, having forewarned them, declared:

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.