Ezekiel 20:46

KJV

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} toward {H1870} the south {H8486}, and drop {H5197} thy word toward the south {H1864}, and prophesy {H5012} against the forest {H3293} of the south {H5045} field {H7704};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, turn your face southward, preach to the south and prophesy to the scrublands of the Negev;

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev.

American Standard Version

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:46 marks a critical turning point in the prophet's message, transitioning from a historical indictment of Israel's persistent rebellion to a direct and urgent prophecy of impending judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. From his vantage point in Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives a divine command to direct his prophetic word southward, metaphorically "dropping" it upon the "forest of the south field," a vivid and potent symbol for the densely populated and spiritually corrupt inhabitants of the southern kingdom. This verse encapsulates the divine certainty, precision, and imminence of God's righteous judgment, underscoring His unwavering commitment to execute justice upon His unfaithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:46 functions as the climactic declaration of judgment following a lengthy and somber historical review in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness"). The preceding verses meticulously detail Israel's consistent pattern of rebellion and idolatry from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the promised land, despite God's repeated acts of grace, covenant faithfulness, and patient forbearance. The chapter highlights God's long-suffering nature but also His ultimate resolve to act decisively when His covenant is continually spurned. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated warning but the culmination of a comprehensive divine indictment, serving as a crucial bridge that shifts the narrative from past transgressions to the specific, fiery judgment described in the immediate subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 20:47-48](/ezekiel/20-47-48 "Ezekiel 20:47-48 - The Consuming Fire of Judgment"), which detail the consuming fire that will sweep through the "forest."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Ezekiel was among the Judean exiles in Babylon, specifically situated by the Chebar Canal, having been deported during the second wave of Babylonian captivity in 597 BC. From his geographical perspective, "the south" unequivocally referred to the land of Judah, with Jerusalem as its spiritual and political heart. Though Jerusalem had not yet completely fallen, it was under severe threat and would soon face its final destruction in 586 BC. The imagery of the "forest of the south field" would have resonated deeply with the people, serving as a powerful and recognizable symbol of their land and its dense population, perhaps even hinting at their perceived strength or the extent of their spiritual corruption. The cultural understanding of prophetic pronouncements in the ancient Near East often involved symbolic actions or vivid metaphors, making this imagery particularly impactful as a clear signal of a direct and unavoidable confrontation with God's wrath, reminiscent of conquest narratives where lands were laid waste.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority to pronounce and execute judgment upon His people for their persistent idolatry and rebellion, a theme echoed in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") concerning individual accountability before God. Secondly, it emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and the Efficacy of God's Word**, as Ezekiel, the "son of man," is divinely commanded to "drop" and "prophesy" God's word. This indicates that the divine message is not merely a suggestion but a potent, living force that will inevitably accomplish its intended purpose, as seen in the broader biblical principle articulated in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Lastly, the vivid imagery of the "forest" consumed by fire introduces the profound theme of **Purification Through Judgment**, suggesting that while the judgment is destructive, it is ultimately intended to cleanse, refine, and prepare the way for future restoration, a motif that recurs throughout Ezekiel, particularly in prophecies of future hope like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name). In the recurring phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew _ben ʼâdâm_), this word emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty of God who commissions him. It serves to humble the prophet, reminding him of his creaturely status, while simultaneously elevating the transcendent source and absolute authority of the message he delivers. It underscores that the prophecy is not of human origin but a divine utterance conveyed through a human instrument.
* **drop (Hebrew, _nâṭaph'_):** H5197, a primitive root; to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration. The verb _nâṭaph_ suggests the steady, continuous, and often forceful utterance of a divine message, much like rain or dew falling inevitably. In a prophetic context, it implies a gentle yet firm, consistent delivery of the word, which will have its intended, inescapable effect, rather than a sudden, overwhelming torrent. It highlights the divine control and purposeful nature of the prophetic utterance.
* **forest (Hebrew, _yaʻar'_):** H3293, from an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest. In this context, the "forest of the south field" is a potent symbol. Forests can represent density, strength, or abundance. Here, it metaphorically represents the numerous, perhaps proud or stubborn, inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. The imagery sets the stage for the subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 20:47-48](/ezekiel/20-47-48 "Ezekiel 20:47-48 - The Consuming Fire of Judgment")), where this "forest" is destined to be consumed by a devastating fire, symbolizing God's purifying and destructive judgment upon their unfaithfulness and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, set thy face toward the south":** This is a direct, imperative command from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's role as a divine messenger and the specific, focused nature of the impending judgment. The title "Son of man" highlights Ezekiel's humanity, making the divine commission all the more striking. To "set thy face toward" implies a determined, unwavering direction of attention and purpose. From Ezekiel's location in Babylonian exile, "the south" unequivocally points to the land of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, indicating the precise target of the impending prophecy.
* **"and drop [thy word] toward the south":** This phrase reiterates the direction and introduces the unique manner of the prophecy's delivery. The verb "drop" (Hebrew _nāṭaph_) suggests a deliberate, steady, and inescapable delivery of the divine message, like water or dew falling. It implies that the word, though seemingly a gentle fall, carries immense weight and will inevitably accomplish its purpose. The repetition of "toward the south" reinforces the precise geographical and spiritual target of the prophetic utterance, leaving no doubt as to whom the message is addressed.
* **"and prophesy against the forest of the south field":** This final clause specifies both the content and the metaphorical target of the prophecy. To "prophesy" (Hebrew _nâbâ'_) means to speak by divine inspiration, emphasizing the divine origin of the message. The "forest of the south field" is a powerful metaphorical image for the people of Judah. A "forest" suggests a dense population, perhaps one that has grown wild or unruly, symbolizing their spiritual corruption and idolatry. The "south field" further specifies the land of Judah. This imagery powerfully foreshadows the destructive judgment to come, where this "forest" will be consumed by divine fire, as detailed in the verses immediately following.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:46 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The central metaphor is the "forest of the south field," which powerfully symbolizes the dense population and the spiritually overgrown, corrupt state of Judah and Jerusalem. A forest, typically associated with strength, abundance, and even wildness, is here presented as ripe for destruction, thereby employing **Foreshadowing** of the consuming fire of judgment described in the subsequent verses. The repeated geographical direction, "toward the south," functions as a form of **Repetition** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the precise and inescapable target of God's wrath. The command to "drop [thy word]" uses **Metonymy**, where "word" stands for the entire prophetic message itself, and the verb "drop" is a vivid **Metaphor** for the steady, inevitable, and impactful delivery of that divine message. The entire verse is framed as a **Divine Command**, establishing the absolute authority of God and the subservient, yet crucial, role of the prophet Ezekiel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:46 is a profound declaration of God's righteous judgment against persistent rebellion, illustrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and the efficacy of His word. It teaches that divine patience, while vast, has limits, and unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe consequences. The imagery of the "forest" being prophesied against underscores the idea that even large, seemingly impenetrable entities—like a nation or a dense population—are fully subject to God's sovereign will and judgment when they stray from His path. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's holy character demands justice, and His prophetic declarations are not mere warnings or suggestions but certain pronouncements of what He will faithfully bring to pass.

* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Plant")
* [Amos 7:16](/amos/7-16 "Amos 7:16 - Do Not Prophesy Against Israel")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:46 resonates powerfully today, calling us to a sober reflection on God's character and our own responsiveness to His word. It reminds us that God is not only merciful and gracious but also perfectly just and holy, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness. In an age where divine judgment is often downplayed or dismissed, this verse reasserts the reality of God's holy wrath against unrepentant sin. For individuals and communities, it serves as a crucial call to self-examination: are we, like ancient Judah, growing "wild" in our spiritual lives, prioritizing worldly pursuits, self-sufficiency, or idolatry over covenant faithfulness to God? Do we truly heed the "dropping" of God's word as it comes to us through Scripture, faithful preaching, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or do we harden our hearts? The imminence of the judgment prophesied here should stir within us a renewed sense of urgency for genuine repentance and a deeper, more consistent commitment to walking in obedience, recognizing that God's word, whether of blessing or judgment, will always accomplish its intended, sovereign purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "setting one's face toward" a specific direction influence your understanding of God's focused intent in judgment and His unwavering purpose?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, metaphorically become a "forest of the south field" that is ripe for divine correction or judgment due to spiritual neglect or idolatry?**
* **What does the phrase "drop [thy word]" teach us about the nature, authority, and efficacy of God's prophetic communication, both in Ezekiel's time and in our own?**
* **How does understanding God's justice and the certainty of His judgment, as depicted in verses like Ezekiel 20:46, deepen your appreciation for His boundless mercy and grace revealed in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Son of man" in this verse and throughout Ezekiel?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew _ben adam_) is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel, uniquely identifying the prophet. Its significance lies in emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and power of God who commissions him. It serves to humble the prophet, reminding him that he is merely a human instrument delivering a divine message, thereby elevating the authority and source of the prophecy. It underscores that the word is not Ezekiel's own but God's, a powerful reminder that God chooses to speak through frail human vessels, as seen in [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay").

**Why is the "south" so specifically targeted in this prophecy?**

Answer: From Ezekiel's geographical location in Babylonian exile by the Chebar Canal, "the south" unequivocally refers to the land of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. This specific targeting highlights that the prophecy is not a general warning but a precise declaration of imminent judgment against the specific kingdom and people who had persistently rebelled against God's covenant. It signifies that the long-threatened judgment upon Judah, which had not yet fully fallen to Babylon, was now certain and focused, as implied in other prophetic warnings against Jerusalem in [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Exile"), detailing the seventy years of desolation.

**What does the "forest of the south field" symbolize, and what does its destruction imply?**

Answer: The "forest of the south field" is a vivid metaphor for the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. A forest symbolizes density, strength, and perhaps even a sense of being overgrown or wild. In this context, it represents the numerous, perhaps proud and unyielding, people of the land who had become spiritually corrupt through idolatry and disobedience. The subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 20:47-48](/ezekiel/20-47-48 "Ezekiel 20:47-48 - The Consuming Fire of Judgment")) clarify that this "forest" is destined to be consumed by a devastating fire. This fire symbolizes God's purifying and destructive judgment upon their unfaithfulness, implying a comprehensive devastation that will leave nothing untouched, much like the judgment described in [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord Burns Like a Furnace"), where the day of the Lord burns like a furnace, consuming the wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 20:46 directly addresses God's judgment upon ancient Judah, its profound theological undercurrents find ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "dropping" of God's word, here a word of judgment, foreshadows the ultimate "dropping" of God's eternal Word into humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Ezekiel's prophecy against the "forest" of Judah brought a physical judgment for sin, Christ's coming brought a definitive spiritual judgment upon sin itself, though in a redemptive rather than purely destructive way. He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the fiery wrath of God that was due to humanity. The judgment on Judah served as a shadow of the greater, ultimate judgment to come, and more importantly, the greater salvation offered through Christ. Those who reject Christ, the true "vine" from whom all spiritual life flows ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), face a spiritual judgment far more profound and eternal than the physical destruction of a forest. Conversely, those who believe in Him are delivered from the consuming fire of God's wrath, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, the focused judgment in Ezekiel 20:46 powerfully points to the focused salvation and ultimate judgment enacted through the person and atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 7:16

Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac.

Ezekiel 21:2

Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop [thy word] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,

Jeremiah 13:19

The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open [them]: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.

Zechariah 11:1

¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Zechariah 11:2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

Job 29:22

After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.