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Daily Devotions

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 
Day 
Day 220

"Swords at the ready"

Text: Ezekiel 21:16

A GLIMPSE AT THE STATE OF THE BABYLONIAN ARMY

Judah had no idea of how formidable the Babylonian army was. Twice, Nebuchadnezzar had invaded Judah, and he had been successful both times. The might of Babylon was in the strength of the army.

“Swords at the ready!
Thrust right!
Set your blade!
Thrust left—
Wherever your edge is ordered!
‘I also will beat My fists together,
And I will cause My fury to rest;
I, the Lord, have spoken.'”
Ezekiel 21:16-17

1. The soldiers were well-drilled.

2. This text offers a glimpse of how the soldiers were trained to go into battle.

3. The Babylonian army was well-ordered.

a) “Swords at the ready”

i) This was an order given by the commander.

ii) The soldiers were trained to obey fully.

b) “Thrust right”

i) This was a practice.

ii) The soldiers were well-disciplined.

iii) They would thrust right when they were ordered.

c) “Set your blade”

i) Another order was given.

ii) This too was obeyed.

d) “Thrust left”

i) A third order was given.

ii) It was obeyed instantly.

4. Who was allowing all these things to happen?

a) The LORD Himself was involved.

b) The Babylonians would be His divine sword.

c) They would obey the LORD when Judah refused to even listen.

d) The fury of the LORD would rest after the third and final invasion of Judah.

e) Judah was doomed to suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Babylonians.