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,

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} toward Jerusalem {H3389}, and drop {H5197} thy word toward the holy places {H4720}, and prophesy {H5012} against the land {H127} of Israel {H3478},

"Human being, turn your face toward Yerushalayim, preach to the sanctuaries and prophesy to the land of Isra'el;

โ€œSon of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel

Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel;

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 21 opens with a dramatic shift in tone, as the prophet Ezekiel, already in exile in Babylon, receives a direct command from God. This chapter immediately follows a series of prophecies concerning God's judgment against Israel's idolatry and rebellion. Here, the focus narrows to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the land of Israel, a stark reality that many exiles found hard to believe or accept. The phrase "Son of man" is God's frequent address to Ezekiel, emphasizing his human frailty in contrast to the divine power delivering the message. This verse serves as a direct, urgent commission for Ezekiel to pronounce judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse is a clear declaration of God's righteous judgment against the unfaithfulness of His people. It underscores that even a chosen nation is not exempt from the consequences of their sin, especially when they have defiled what is holy.
  • Prophetic Commission: Ezekiel is commanded to "set thy face" and "prophesy," highlighting the prophet's solemn duty to deliver God's message, regardless of its severity or the audience's reception. This posture signifies resolute determination and focus on the divine task.
  • Defilement of Holy Places: The instruction to "drop [thy word] toward the holy places" points to the desecration of the Temple and its precincts by the people's idolatry, making even sacred spaces targets of divine wrath. This defilement is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, such as in Ezekiel 8:6.
  • Widespread Condemnation: The judgment is not limited to Jerusalem but extends "against the land of Israel," indicating a pervasive spiritual corruption across the entire nation, necessitating a comprehensive divine response.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "set thy face" (ืฉื‚ึดื™ื ืคึผึธื ึถื™ืšึธ - sim paneyka) conveys a strong sense of directed purpose and unwavering determination, often used in contexts of confrontation or judgment. It is similar to how a person might resolutely face an opponent. The word "drop" (ื”ึทื˜ึผึตืฃ - hattef) literally means "to drip" or "to distill," suggesting a steady, continuous, and perhaps even sorrowful delivery of the prophetic word, rather than a harsh outburst. Yet, the content of the word is one of severe judgment.

Related Scriptures

This command to prophesy against Jerusalem and the land echoes similar divine directives given to other prophets concerning Israel's unfaithfulness and impending doom. For instance, Jeremiah was also called to deliver messages of judgment and exile (e.g., Jeremiah 1:10). The theme of God's judgment on a rebellious people is foundational throughout the Old Testament, reminding us that God is both merciful and just (Romans 11:22). The "Son of man" title used for Ezekiel also foreshadows its later significant use as a messianic title, particularly in the book of Daniel 7:13.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:2 reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His justice. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the defilement of what is holy, whether it be sacred spaces or the lives of believers who are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse also highlights the prophet's difficult but essential role in speaking uncomfortable truths. For believers today, it underscores the importance of holiness and genuine repentance, and for those called to ministry, the necessity of faithfully delivering God's message, even when it is challenging.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 20:46

    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;

  • Ezekiel 4:7

    Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm [shall be] uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.

  • Ezekiel 28:21

    Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,

  • Ezekiel 25:2

    Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them;

  • Ezekiel 38:2

    Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 32:2

    My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: