Ezekiel 25:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} against the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}, and prophesy {H5012} against them;

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, turn your face toward the people of 'Amon and prophesy against them;

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them.

American Standard Version

Son of man, set thy face toward the children of Ammon, and prophesy against them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:2 marks the commencement of a series of divine oracles delivered by the prophet Ezekiel, targeting the nations surrounding Israel. In this specific verse, God issues a direct and unequivocal command to Ezekiel, addressing him as "Son of man," to resolutely confront and prophesy against the Ammonites, signaling the impending declaration of divine judgment against them for their transgressions against God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct literary unit within the Book of Ezekiel, spanning chapters 25-32, which comprises a collection of prophetic oracles against foreign nations. This section immediately follows the extensive prophecies concerning the judgment and eventual restoration of Judah and Jerusalem (Ezekiel 1-24). The shift in focus from Israel to its neighbors underscores God's universal sovereignty and His prerogative to judge all peoples, not just His covenant nation. By beginning with Ammon, God highlights their particular offense, setting the stage for a broader declaration of divine justice against those who rejoiced in Judah's calamity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel 25 were delivered in the aftermath of the devastating fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent Babylonian exile. While Judah suffered God's judgment for its unfaithfulness, the surrounding nations, instead of showing empathy or restraint, often exploited Israel's weakness, mocked its downfall, and sometimes even participated in the plunder of the land. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - The Origin of the Ammonites")), had a long and often hostile history with Israel, marked by territorial disputes, military conflicts, and the practice of idolatry, including the worship of Molech. Their specific sin, as revealed in subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Malicious Rejoicing")), was their malicious glee and mockery at the destruction of Jerusalem, viewing it as an opportunity for their own gain.
* **Key Themes:** This opening command to prophesy against Ammon vividly illustrates several profound themes woven throughout Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God's authority and moral governance extend over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and attitudes, especially concerning His chosen people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Obedience and Commission**, as Ezekiel, addressed as "Son of man," is commanded to "set thy face against" the Ammonites. This idiom conveys a resolute, unwavering, and confrontational delivery of God's message, regardless of the target's hostility or the personal cost to the prophet, emphasizing the prophet's role as God's faithful messenger. Lastly, the impending judgment underscores the **Consequences of Hostility and Malice**, particularly when directed towards God's people. It serves as a stark reminder that gloating, mockery, and exploitation in the face of another's suffering, especially God's people, will not go unpunished by a righteous God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring title for Ezekiel, combining H1121 (_bên_, "son," signifying a builder of the family name or a human being) and H120 (_ʼâdâm_, "man," referring to a human being or mankind), emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality. It serves to contrast his earthly nature with the divine source of the prophecies he delivers, highlighting that he is merely a human instrument through whom God's powerful and authoritative word is spoken.
* **set thy face (Hebrew, _sûwm pânîym'_):** This powerful idiom combines H7760 (_sûwm_, "to put" or "to set," implying appointment or determination) and H6440 (_pânîym_, "face," often used figuratively for presence, determination, or confrontation). When used together, "set thy face against" denotes a firm, deliberate, and unwavering posture of resolute determination to oppose, confront, and pronounce judgment. It signifies a fixed purpose, leaving no room for hesitation, turning away, or compromise in delivering God's severe message.
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** Derived from H5012 (_nâbâʼ_, a primitive root meaning "to prophesy"), this term signifies speaking or singing by divine inspiration. It encompasses both the prediction of future events and the authoritative declaration of God's will or message, whether in simple discourse or solemn pronouncement. Here, it is a direct command for Ezekiel to articulate God's judgment against the Ammonites, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the forthcoming condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This is God's direct address to Ezekiel, a title used over ninety times in the book. It serves to underscore the prophet's human nature and frailty in contrast to the omnipotent God who commissions him, highlighting that the message's authority stems solely from its divine origin, not from the messenger himself.
* **"set thy face against the Ammonites,"**: This is a powerful imperative, commanding Ezekiel to adopt a resolute, unwavering, and confrontational stance towards the Ammonites. The idiom "set thy face" implies a fixed determination, a resolute gaze of opposition, indicating that the prophet is to deliver God's message of judgment without hesitation or deviation, directly confronting the nation with its impending doom.
* **"and prophesy against them;"**: This is the explicit divine instruction for Ezekiel to articulate God's message of condemnation. It signifies that the prophet is not merely to assume a posture of opposition but to actively declare the specific judgments that God will bring upon the Ammonites, making known the divine wrath against their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its authoritative and declarative nature. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as God issues direct commands ("set thy face," "prophesy") to Ezekiel, underscoring the divine authority and the prophet's non-negotiable obedience. The phrase "**set thy face against**" functions as a powerful **Idiom**, conveying a sense of resolute determination and confrontational opposition far more forcefully than a literal description. This idiom is often associated with divine judgment or a fixed, unchangeable purpose. The address "**Son of man**" is a form of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to a person, emphasizing Ezekiel's role as God's chosen human messenger. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as the opening of a **Prophetic Oracle**, a formal divine pronouncement, setting the tone for the subsequent declarations of judgment against the Ammonites and other nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:2 powerfully establishes God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice, extending His judgment beyond His covenant people to encompass all nations. It underscores the profound theological truth that no nation or people group operates outside the purview of God's moral governance. The Ammonites' specific sin of malicious rejoicing over Jerusalem's destruction reveals God's deep concern for the well-being of His people and His intolerance for those who gloat over their suffering. This divine response serves as a timeless reminder that attitudes of malice, exploitation, and disrespect towards any people, especially those identified with God, will ultimately incur divine reckoning. The prophet's resolute stance, commanded by God, also highlights the essential role of prophetic witness in confronting unrighteousness and declaring God's truth, regardless of the popularity or comfort of the message.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1-22 - Oracle Against Babylon")
* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Universal Sovereignty")
* [Zechariah 2:8](/zechariah/2-8 "Zechariah 2:8 - Touching the Apple of God's Eye")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:2, while rooted in a specific historical context of divine judgment against ancient Ammon, carries profound and timeless implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not indifferent to the actions and attitudes of nations or individuals. His justice is universal, and He observes how we respond to the misfortunes and suffering of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or belong to God's spiritual family. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we ever secretly rejoice in the downfall of rivals, or gloat over the struggles of those we dislike? Furthermore, like Ezekiel, we are called to be courageous witnesses for truth and righteousness in a world often marked by injustice and malice. This may involve "setting our face" against prevailing societal evils, speaking out against oppression, or simply standing firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's universal justice, as demonstrated in this verse, challenge our understanding of His sovereignty over all aspects of human history and society?**
* **What attitudes do we, as individuals or communities, exhibit when others, especially those with whom we disagree or have historical tension, face hardship or calamity?**
* **In what areas of my life, or within my sphere of influence, am I called to "set my face" against injustice, malice, or unrighteousness, speaking God's truth with courage and conviction?**

### FAQ
**Why does God command judgment against the Ammonites specifically?**

Answer: God commands judgment against the Ammonites primarily because of their long-standing animosity towards Israel, their idolatrous practices (including the worship of Molech), and, most significantly, their malicious rejoicing and active participation in the destruction and despoiling of Jerusalem following its fall to Babylon. This was not merely a political act but was seen as an affront to God Himself, as Jerusalem was His chosen city and Israel His covenant people. Their gloating and exploitation demonstrated a profound lack of compassion and a direct opposition to God's purposes, even in the midst of His judgment upon Judah.

**What is the significance of the title "Son of man" for Ezekiel?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is used by God to address Ezekiel over ninety times throughout the book. Its significance lies in emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine authority and omnipotence of the One who is speaking to him. It highlights that Ezekiel is a mere human, a representative of mankind, chosen by God to receive and deliver His profound and often terrifying messages. This underscores that the power and truth of the prophecy come solely from God, not from any inherent greatness or wisdom in the prophet himself, thereby magnifying the divine origin of the word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 25:2, with its command for the prophet to "set thy face against the Ammonites" in judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the ultimate "Son of Man." While Ezekiel, a human prophet, was commanded to deliver a message of temporal judgment against a specific nation, Jesus is the divine "Son of Man" prophesied in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds"), who possesses all authority to execute ultimate and eternal judgment ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus' Authority to Judge")). Just as Ezekiel was to "set his face" with resolute determination, Jesus likewise [set his face to go to Jerusalem](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"), fully determined to accomplish the redemptive work of the cross, which, though appearing as weakness, was the ultimate act of divine power and justice against sin. The Old Testament judgments against nations like Ammon foreshadow the final, comprehensive judgment of all humanity and nations at the end of time, where Christ will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, the "sheep" from the "goats" ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Ultimately, the justice declared against Ammon in Ezekiel points to the coming of Christ, who is both the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the righteous Judge who will establish God's kingdom in perfect justice and righteousness, bringing to full fruition the themes of divine sovereignty and accountability.

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

Jeremiah 49:1

¶ Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why [then] doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?

Jeremiah 49:6

And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 6:2

Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them,

Amos 1:13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Amos 1:15

And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD.

Genesis 19:38

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same [is] the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Zephaniah 2:8

¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.