Ezekiel 21:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:2 delivers a stark and urgent divine command to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to adopt a resolute posture toward Jerusalem and its sacred sites, and to pronounce a devastating prophecy of judgment against the entire land of Israel. This verse marks a critical turning point in Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, intensifying the focus from general pronouncements of Israel's widespread sin to a direct, unyielding declaration of impending destruction upon the nation's spiritual and geographical heartland, thereby underscoring God's unwavering justice in response to pervasive rebellion and profound defilement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 initiates a new and particularly severe segment of prophecies, often termed the "Sword Prophecy," which vividly portrays God's imminent and inescapable judgment against Jerusalem and the broader land of Israel. This chapter immediately follows a series of detailed revelations where Ezekiel has graphically exposed the abominations committed within the Temple and throughout the land, as seen, for example, in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). The preceding chapters have meticulously established the deep spiritual corruption and idolatry that necessitate divine intervention. Chapter 21 intensifies the urgency and severity of this coming judgment, depicting it as an unsparing, sharpened sword of divine wrath. The imperative command to "set thy face" signifies a direct, uncompromising confrontation, preparing the reader for the relentless and comprehensive nature of the judgment that unfolds in the subsequent verses and chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel was among the Judean elite exiled to Babylon during the first deportation in 597 BCE, approximately a decade before the final catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. At this crucial juncture, many Judeans, both those in exile and those remaining in Jerusalem, clung desperately to a false sense of security, believing that Jerusalem and its Temple were invulnerable due to God's covenant with David and His dwelling presence within the Temple. Ezekiel's ministry was therefore vital in shattering these dangerous illusions, preparing his audience for the full, devastating reality of God's righteous judgment and the impending fall of their cherished capital. The "holy places" primarily refer to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the spiritual, political, and cultural heart of the nation. Tragically, this sacred space, intended as God's dwelling place and a symbol of His holiness, had become profoundly defiled by rampant idolatry, moral corruption, and the shedding of innocent blood, turning it into a target of divine wrath rather than a source of protection.

* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel. First, it underscores **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute justice and His commitment to execute it even against His chosen people when they persist in flagrant rebellion and defilement. Second, it highlights the **Prophetic Commission**, illustrating the prophet's solemn, often agonizing, duty to deliver God's unvarnished truth, regardless of its unpopularity or the prophet's personal feelings. Ezekiel's commanded posture of "setting his face" signifies his unwavering resolve in delivering this severe divine message. Third, the explicit focus on "holy places" and "the land of Israel" points to the pervasive **Defilement of Sacred Space and Covenant Land**. This theme demonstrates that the people's sin had corrupted not just their hearts and actions, but also the very places consecrated to God, necessitating a comprehensive cleansing. This defilement is graphically detailed in passages like [Ezekiel 8:6-18](/ezekiel/8-6-18 "Ezekiel 8:6-18 - The Abominations in the Temple"). Finally, the command to "prophesy against the land of Israel" signifies **Widespread Condemnation**, indicating that the spiritual corruption and the impending judgment were not confined to Jerusalem but extended throughout the entire nation, leaving no part untouched.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, this primitive root means "to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)." In the phrase "set thy face" (with _pânîym_), it denotes a deliberate, resolute, and unwavering posture or intention. It signifies a fixed and determined orientation towards a specific goal or target, here, Jerusalem, indicating an unyielding resolve in the prophetic task, an act of purposeful placement or appointment.
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, this plural noun (always singular in meaning) refers to "the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively)." When combined with "set" (_sûwm_), as in "set thy face," it forms a powerful idiom signifying resolute determination, direct confrontation, and unwavering focus. It implies a direct, unyielding gaze, often in the context of judgment or opposition, emphasizing Ezekiel's non-negotiable mission to confront Israel's sin.
* **Holy places (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, this word refers to "a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum." Derived from a root meaning "to be holy" or "set apart," _miqdâsh_ refers specifically to a sacred place or temple. In this context, it primarily refers to the Temple in Jerusalem and its precincts, which were meant to be the dwelling place of God's presence and a symbol of His holiness. The prophecy directed "toward the holy places" highlights the profound irony and tragedy of their defilement by Israel's idolatry and sin, making them targets of divine wrath rather than sources of protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This consistent divine address to Ezekiel throughout the book emphasizes his humanity, frailty, and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and omnipotence of the one who commissions him. It serves as a constant reminder of the vast chasm between the finite messenger and the infinite source of the divine message, underscoring God's absolute initiative in revelation and the prophet's humble role as His instrument.
* **"set thy face toward Jerusalem,"**: This is a direct, imperative command for Ezekiel to adopt a posture of resolute determination and focused attention. It signifies a confrontational stance, indicating that the prophecy is specifically and unyieldingly directed at the capital city, the very heart of the nation, which had become the epicenter of its rebellion, idolatry, and profound defilement. This physical orientation symbolizes an inescapable divine confrontation.
* **"and drop [thy word] toward the holy places,"**: The verb "drop" (Hebrew _nâṭaph_) literally means "to drip" or "to distill." In a prophetic context, it suggests a steady, continuous, and perhaps sorrowful or even reluctant delivery of the prophetic word, rather than an explosive outburst. It implies an inexorable, measured, yet impactful flow of divine judgment. The "holy places" refer primarily to the Temple, emphasizing that even the most sacred spaces, defiled by Israel's persistent sin, are not exempt from God's judgment but are, in fact, primary targets due to their desecration.
* **"and prophesy against the land of Israel,"**: This final clause expands the scope of the judgment beyond the city of Jerusalem and its defiled Temple to encompass the entire nation. It underscores the pervasive nature of Israel's spiritual corruption and widespread rebellion, indicating that the divine judgment is comprehensive, affecting all segments of the covenant people and leaving no part of the land untouched by God's righteous wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:2 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and severe message of impending judgment. The repeated use of **imperative verbs** ("set," "drop," "prophesy") creates a powerful sense of divine authority and non-negotiable command, emphasizing Ezekiel's absolute and immediate obedience to God's will. The phrase "set thy face" is a profound **idiom** or **metaphor** for unwavering determination, resolute confrontation, and an unyielding stance, often used in contexts of judgment or opposition (cf. God's own declaration to set His face against a people in [Jeremiah 21:10](/jeremiah/21-10 "Jeremiah 21:10 - God's Face Set Against Jerusalem")). The verb "drop" (**nâṭaph**) is a subtle yet striking **metaphor** for the delivery of the prophetic word, suggesting a measured, continuous, and perhaps sorrowful flow, like water steadily dripping, rather than a violent outpouring, yet the content is one of severe and inescapable judgment. The specific targets—Jerusalem, the holy places, and the land of Israel—function as powerful **symbols** of the entire nation and its corrupted covenant relationship with God. The progression from the city to its sacred core and then to the entire land creates a sense of escalating and comprehensive doom through **climax**, demonstrating the all-encompassing nature of God's righteous wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:2 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice and His absolute commitment to holiness. It reveals that even a chosen people, blessed with a divine covenant and sacred institutions, are not immune to the severe consequences of persistent rebellion and the defilement of what is holy. The prophecy underscores the immutable principle that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and necessary response to sin, particularly when it involves the desecration of God's name and His dwelling place. It highlights the profound seriousness of covenant infidelity and the immense responsibility that comes with being God's peculiar people. This verse also powerfully affirms the vital, though often painful, role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece, commissioned to declare divine truth without compromise, even when it means confronting deeply ingrained nationalistic or religious delusions.

* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Commission")
* [Romans 11:22](/romans/11-22 "Romans 11:22 - God's Goodness and Severity")
* [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - Vision of the Son of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:2 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that God's commitment to righteousness is absolute, and His justice will ultimately prevail. For contemporary believers, this verse challenges any notion of spiritual complacency or the dangerous idea that our status as God's people exempts us from accountability. It calls us to a rigorous examination of our own lives and communities for any areas of defilement, compromise, or rebellion against God's holy standards. Just as the physical temple was defiled, we, as individual temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples")), are called to live lives of unwavering holiness and integrity. This means ensuring that our "holy places"—our hearts, minds, bodies, and the spaces we inhabit—are consecrated to God and reflect His purity. Furthermore, this verse powerfully underscores the difficult but essential calling to speak God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or counter-cultural. Whether in personal witness, evangelism, or public ministry, we are to "set our face" with resolute determination to proclaim God's word, embodying both His truth and His grace, and calling others to genuine repentance and a life of faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually complacent, perhaps assuming God's grace overlooks persistent sin or compromise?**
* **How does the concept of "defiling holy places" apply to my own body and life as a "temple of the Holy Spirit" today, and what practical steps can I take?**
* **Am I willing to "set my face" with unwavering resolve and speak God's truth, even when it is challenging, unpopular, or demands personal sacrifice?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the immutable nature of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to holiness, and how should this shape my reverence for Him?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ezekiel addressed as "Son of man" so frequently?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew _ben-adam_) is God's primary and consistent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, appearing over ninety times. It serves to emphasize Ezekiel's human frailty, mortality, and finite nature in stark contrast to the infinite divine power and majesty of God, who speaks through him. This recurring address serves to humble the prophet, reminding him that he is merely a human messenger delivering a divine message, and highlights the vast, unbridgeable gap between the finite creature and the infinite Creator. Additionally, this title connects Ezekiel to humanity in general, making him a representative figure for Israel and indeed all people standing before God, underscoring the universal applicability of God's word.

**What is the significance of the command to "drop [thy word] toward the holy places"?**

Answer: The verb "drop" (Hebrew _nâṭaph_) literally means "to drip" or "to distill." In a prophetic context, it suggests a steady, continuous, and perhaps sorrowful or measured delivery of the divine message, rather than a sudden, explosive outburst. It implies that the word of judgment will come forth persistently and inexorably, like drops of water eroding stone, signifying its inevitability and thoroughness. Directing this word "toward the holy places" (primarily referring to the Temple in Jerusalem and its precincts) is profoundly significant because these were the very spaces meant to be consecrated to God and to signify His presence, protection, and holiness. The command indicates that even these most sacred spaces, having been thoroughly defiled by Israel's rampant idolatry, moral corruption, and persistent sin, are now primary targets of God's righteous judgment. This underscores the extreme severity of their rebellion and the comprehensive nature of the coming divine wrath, powerfully contrasting with the popular but false belief that the Temple's mere presence guaranteed Jerusalem's safety (cf. [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in Deceptive Words")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:2, with its grim prophecy of impending judgment against Jerusalem and the defiled holy places, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeated destruction, but in the profound redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel prophesied the physical destruction of the temple due to Israel's sin and defilement, Jesus Himself became the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). He confronted the spiritual defilement within the temple of His day, not with a sword of physical destruction, but with a whip of righteous cleansing, driving out those who had turned His Father's house into a "den of robbers" ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). The judgment foreshadowed by Ezekiel's prophecy against the land of Israel was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, where He, as the perfect and spotless Lamb of God, took upon Himself the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His singular and sufficient sacrifice, the need for a physical temple and its sacrificial rituals was eternally fulfilled, as direct access to God's holy presence became available to all who believe, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Thus, Jesus, the true Son of Man ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), fulfilled Ezekiel's prophetic commission by delivering God's ultimate word of judgment against sin and simultaneously offering the ultimate means of salvation, establishing a new covenant where believers themselves become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")).

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

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: