Ezekiel 20:46

Context

Ezekiel 20:46 marks a pivotal shift in the prophet Ezekiel's message. Located at the conclusion of a lengthy chapter recounting Israel's persistent rebellion and God's enduring patience from the Exodus to the prophet's present day in Babylonian exile, this verse transitions from historical recounting to a direct, impending prophecy of judgment. From Ezekiel's vantage point by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, "the south" unequivocally refers to the land of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. The divine command to "set thy face toward the south" signifies a precise, focused declaration of God's wrath, indicating that the long-threatened judgment is now imminent.

Key Themes

• Divine Command and Prophetic Authority: The instruction "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" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and Ezekiel's role as a divine messenger. Ezekiel, known as the "son of man," received direct commands, emphasizing his human instrumentality in delivering God's powerful message. This highlights the weight and authority behind the prophetic word, which is not of human origin but divine.
  See Ezekiel 2:1 for Ezekiel's initial commission.
• Symbolic Language of Judgment: The "forest of the south field" is a vivid metaphor for the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. In biblical imagery, forests can symbolize strength, density, or abundance. Here, it likely represents the numerous, perhaps proud or stubborn, people of the land who are ripe for divine judgment. The subsequent verses (Ezekiel 20:47-48) clarify that this "forest" is destined to be consumed by a devastating fire, symbolizing God's purifying and destructive judgment upon their unfaithfulness and idolatry.
• Unavoidable Judgment: The precise direction and the command to "drop thy word" (a gentle yet firm delivery) indicate that this prophecy is not merely a warning but a declaration of a coming reality. It emphasizes God's unfailing word and purpose, which will accomplish what He intends, even if it brings destruction.

Linguistic Insights

• "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam): This recurring title for Ezekiel throughout the book emphasizes his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine majesty of God, who commissions him. It serves to humble the prophet while elevating the source of his message.
• "drop [thy word]" (Hebrew: nāṭaph): The verb nāṭaph literally means to "drip," "distill," or "let fall." In a prophetic context, it suggests the steady, continuous, and often forceful utterance of a divine message, much like rain or dew falling. It implies an inevitable delivery of the word, which will have its intended effect.
• "forest of the south field" (Hebrew: ya'ar ha-negev): While "Negev" specifically refers to the arid southern region of Judah, here it functions more broadly as a directional reference to the entire southern kingdom. The "forest" imagery is potent, representing a dense population or a place of great growth and strength, which will be cut down or burned by God's judgment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:46 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His word. It teaches us that:

• God's warnings are serious: When God speaks, especially through His prophets or His written Word, it is with purpose and authority. We are called to heed these warnings, recognizing that prolonged rebellion has consequences.
• Accountability is real: The judgment prophesied against Judah highlights that God holds His people accountable for their actions and their faithfulness to His covenant. This applies to individuals and communities today, encouraging a life of repentance and turning back to God.
• God's word is effective: Whether a word of blessing or judgment, God's word always accomplishes its purpose. There is no escaping its reach or its ultimate fulfillment.