16 Slash to the right, you sword, then to the left, wherever your blade is turned.
16 Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
16 Cut sharply to the right; set yourself to the left, wherever your face is directed.
16 Cut to the right, thrust to the left, murderous, sharp-edged sword!
16 "Swords at the ready! Thrust right! Set your blade! Thrust left-- Wherever your edge is ordered!
16 OÂ sword, slash to the right, then slash to the left, wherever you will, wherever you want.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17
(Read Ezekiel 21:1-17)
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.