Ezekiel 29:2

KJV

Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} against Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and prophesy {H5012} against him, and against all Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, turn your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt; prophesy against him and against all Egypt;

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt.

American Standard Version

Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:2 inaugurates a significant prophetic oracle from God, delivered through His prophet Ezekiel, directly targeting Pharaoh and the entire nation of Egypt. This verse functions as a divine imperative, precisely identifying the subject and the nature of the impending judgment. It powerfully underscores God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly powers, even a formidable kingdom like ancient Egypt, thereby setting the theological and narrative foundation for a series of detailed prophecies that expose Egypt's profound pride and its inevitable downfall, while simultaneously serving as a crucial warning to Judah against misplaced trust in human alliances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:2 marks the commencement of a substantial block of prophecies specifically directed against Egypt, which spans chapters [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Oracles Against Egypt"). These oracles are strategically positioned within Ezekiel's broader prophetic corpus, following divine judgments against other surrounding nations such as Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, and Sidon (detailed in [Ezekiel 25-28](/ezekiel/25-28 "Ezekiel 25-28 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations")), and preceding the profound prophecies of Israel's restoration. This deliberate arrangement powerfully emphasizes God's universal dominion and judicial authority over all peoples and kingdoms, not solely over His covenant people, Israel. The immediate context of chapter 29 proceeds to elaborate on the specific reasons for God's judgment upon Egypt, primarily focusing on its arrogance and its historical unreliability as an ally to Judah. The direct command given to Ezekiel in this opening verse establishes the confrontational and authoritative tone for the subsequent divine messages.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy articulated in Ezekiel 29:2 was delivered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically dated to the tenth year, tenth month, and twelfth day of the exile (as indicated in [Ezekiel 29:1](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1 - Date of the Prophecy Against Egypt")), which corresponds to January 587 BC. At this critical juncture, the kingdom of Judah found itself precariously situated between the ascendant power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar and the waning, yet still influential, Egyptian empire, then ruled by Pharaoh Hophra (also known as Apries). Many within Judah, desperate for relief from Babylonian oppression, harbored a persistent hope in Egypt for military and political salvation. This hope persisted despite God's repeated and explicit warnings against forming such alliances (e.g., [
Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to the Rebellious Children")). Egypt was frequently depicted in prophetic literature as a "broken reed" that would inevitably pierce the hand of anyone who dared to lean upon it ([Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). Consequently, this prophecy against Egypt served a dual purpose: it was a direct declaration of divine judgment against a proud and idolatrous nation, and simultaneously, a stark rebuke and sobering warning to Judah regarding the utter futility of placing their trust in human strength and geopolitical alliances rather than in the Lord's unwavering covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse, along with the subsequent prophecies against Egypt, significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty**, powerfully asserting God's ultimate and unchallenged control over all nations, their leaders, and their destinies. No earthly kingdom, regardless of its perceived might, operates beyond His reach or His righteous judgment, a truth profoundly echoed in passages like [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men"). Another pivotal theme is **Prophetic Authority**, as Ezekiel, consistently addressed as "Son of man," is divinely commissioned to deliver this challenging and often unpopular message. This highlights the prophet's indispensable role as God's authoritative mouthpiece, even when speaking against formidable adversaries. The subsequent chapters vividly reveal that Egypt's eventual downfall is largely attributable to its profound **Pride and Self-Sufficiency**, epitomized by its belief in its own independent power and origin, a hubris explicitly articulated by Pharaoh in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Prideful Boast"). For the exiled Judah, this prophecy functioned as a severe warning against placing their **False Hope** in human alliances and military might rather than in the Lord, a consistent and vital message found throughout the Old Testament, particularly emphasized in books such as [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Warnings and Hope").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** (H1121) This Hebrew term, meaning "son" or "child," is used here as part of the unique construct phrase "son of man" (`ben 'adam`), which is God's characteristic address to Ezekiel throughout the book. In this context, it primarily emphasizes Ezekiel's profound humanity, his mortal and finite nature, serving as a stark contrast to the divine, infinite authority from which his prophetic message emanates. It highlights his role as a humble, albeit divinely chosen, representative of humanity, serving as a vessel for God's direct revelation.
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** (H6440) Meaning "face" or "presence," this noun is integral to the powerful idiomatic expression "set thy face against." The face, as the primary part of the body that expresses intent, direction, and emotion, is used here to convey a deliberate and unwavering resolve. To "set one's face against" someone or something implies a direct, unyielding, and often confrontational stance, indicating a firm determination to oppose, judge, or confront. In this divine command, it mirrors God's own resolute and unchangeable determination against Egypt.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** (H5012) This primitive Hebrew root signifies "to prophesy," specifically to "speak (or sing) by inspiration," encompassing both predictive utterances and simple divine discourse. It denotes the act of speaking under direct divine influence, serving as God's authoritative mouthpiece. In this verse, it precisely defines the nature of Ezekiel's mission: to deliver a message that originates not from human wisdom, political analysis, or personal opinion, but directly and solely from the Lord, carrying divine authority and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This recurring address, appearing over ninety times throughout the book of Ezekiel, serves as a constant and profound reminder of the prophet's human identity and inherent frailty. It distinguishes him from the divine and awe-inspiring source of his message, emphasizing that the words he speaks are not products of his own intellect or will, but are entirely God's, delivered through a mortal vessel. This title also implicitly contrasts Ezekiel's limited humanity with the boundless divine power he represents, making the subsequent divine command all the more striking and weighty.
* **"set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt,"**: This clause constitutes a powerful, direct, and imperative command. The idiom "setting one's face against" signifies a determined, resolute, and unwavering confrontation or opposition. It implies a direct and unyielding stance of judgment and condemnation. Pharaoh, as the king of Egypt, represents the pinnacle of earthly power, pride, and idolatry in the ancient world. The divine command to confront him directly signifies God's absolute and sovereign authority over even the mightiest rulers and nations, demonstrating that no earthly power is beyond His reach or accountability.
* **"and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt":** This concluding clause precisely specifies both the nature and the comprehensive scope of Ezekiel's divinely mandated action. He is not merely to "set his face" in a symbolic or passive gesture, but actively to "prophesy," meaning to speak God's inspired and authoritative word. The prophecy is explicitly directed not only against Pharaoh as an individual ruler but also "against all Egypt," indicating that the impending divine judgment is comprehensive, encompassing the entire nation, its people, its institutions, and its cultural pride and idolatry, which were embodied and led by their king.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:2 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and force. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, is immediately evident in "Son of man," where God directly speaks to Ezekiel, firmly establishing the divine origin and authority of the command. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** in phrases such as "set thy face" and "prophesy" unequivocally underscores the authoritative, non-negotiable, and divinely mandated nature of God's command to His prophet; this is not a suggestion but an absolute decree. Furthermore, the phrase "Pharaoh king of Egypt" functions as a clear example of **Metonymy**, where Pharaoh, the individual ruler, stands as a representative for the entire nation of Egypt. Thus, the judgment pronounced against the king is simultaneously a judgment against the entire kingdom he embodies, a connection explicitly reinforced by the subsequent phrase "and against all Egypt." The entire verse also serves as the definitive opening of a **Prophetic Oracle**, a distinct genre of biblical literature characterized by direct divine pronouncements of judgment or salvation, delivered through a chosen prophet. This particular oracle is marked by its confrontational tone and its unequivocal declaration of God's sovereign intentions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:2 profoundly illustrates God's universal sovereignty and His active, meticulous involvement in the affairs of all nations, extending far beyond the confines of Israel. It decisively challenges any humanistic notion that earthly powers operate outside of divine oversight, accountability, or ultimate judgment. The imperative command to "set thy face against Pharaoh" powerfully highlights the moral accountability of even the most powerful rulers and empires before the Almighty God. This passage fundamentally reinforces the consistent prophetic message throughout Scripture: that reliance on human strength, political maneuvering, or military alliances, particularly those that disregard or defy God's explicit will, is ultimately futile, deceptive, and leads inevitably to destruction. It serves as a stark and timeless reminder that profound pride and self-sufficiency, whether manifested in individuals or in entire nations, constitute a direct affront to the Creator and will inevitably face His righteous and unwavering judgment. The Lord alone is the true, steadfast, and eternal source of security, power, and ultimate hope.

* [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed") - Vividly depicts Egypt as a "broken reed," an utterly unreliable and dangerous source of trust and support.
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever") - Affirms God's supreme power to frustrate the plans and purposes of nations, ensuring that only His counsel and His plans stand firm forever.
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men") - Categorically declares that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind and bestows it upon whomever He wills, demonstrating His absolute dominion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:2 carries profound and timeless relevance for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God remains utterly sovereign over all global powers, political landscapes, economic systems, and societal structures, even amidst times of apparent chaos, injustice, or humanistic self-sufficiency. Just as He unequivocally commanded Ezekiel to confront the formidable Pharaoh, He continues to call His people to recognize His ultimate and supreme authority and to place their unwavering trust not in fallible human leaders, transient nations, or fluctuating systems, but solely in His unfailing power, His perfect plan, and His unchanging character. This verse challenges us to deeply examine where our ultimate hope, security, and allegiance truly lie. Are we prone to placing our confidence in political movements, economic stability, technological advancements, or military might, rather than in the unchanging character and infallible promises of God? Furthermore, it powerfully underscores the enduring importance of a courageous prophetic voice in every generation – one that, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, is willing to speak God's unvarnished truth, even when that message is one of warning, judgment, or uncomfortable confrontation, to those in positions of authority or to a complacent society. Ultimately, it encourages profound humility and absolute dependence on the Creator, knowing with certainty that human arrogance and self-reliance, exemplified by ancient Egypt, inevitably lead to a divinely ordained downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In moments of national or global crisis, where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and hope – in human solutions and systems, or in God's absolute sovereignty?**
* **How does the historical account of God's judgment on powerful, proud nations like Egypt shape my perspective on current global events and the rise and fall of earthly powers?**
* **In what specific ways might I, or my community, be tempted by the sins of pride or self-sufficiency, mirroring the arrogance of ancient Egypt?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "set my face" for God's truth in a world that often actively resists it, and how can I courageously and gracefully articulate that truth in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Who was Pharaoh in Ezekiel 29:2, and why was he significant?**

Answer: The Pharaoh specifically referenced in Ezekiel 29:2 was Pharaoh Hophra, also known by his Greek name Apries, who reigned over Egypt from approximately 589 to 570 BC. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler who actively sought to reassert Egyptian influence and dominance in the ancient Near East, frequently clashing with the burgeoning Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. For the kingdom of Judah, Hophra was particularly significant because many within Jerusalem, facing the imminent siege by Babylon, desperately looked to him and Egypt for military assistance and political salvation. This decision represented a profound act of misplaced trust, relying on a human alliance rather than God's promised deliverance or judgment. This reliance on Egypt ultimately proved to be a "broken reed" ([Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")), as Egypt failed to provide any lasting help to Judah and was itself subjected to God's righteous judgment.

**Why was God prophesying against Egypt specifically?**

Answer: God prophesied against Egypt for several critical and interconnected reasons, as extensively detailed in [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29-32 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Oracles Against Egypt"). Firstly, Egypt was characterized by immense pride, arrogance, and profound self-sufficiency, believing itself to be a self-made power independent of any divine influence. This hubris was vividly symbolized by Pharaoh's boast, "My Nile is my own; I made it for myself" ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Prideful Boast")). Such arrogance was a direct affront to God, the true Creator and sustainer of all existence. Secondly, Egypt had a long history of being an unreliable, deceptive, and ultimately harmful ally to Israel, consistently offering false hope and leading God's people astray from trusting in Him, a pattern highlighted in passages like [2 Kings 18:21](/2_kings/18-21 "2 Kings 18:21 - Egypt as a Broken Reed"). God's judgment on Egypt therefore served as a powerful, tangible lesson for Judah about the utter futility and spiritual danger of trusting in human power over divine faithfulness. Finally, these prophecies unequivocally demonstrated God's universal and absolute sovereignty, proving that His authority extended over all nations and their rulers, not exclusively over Israel, and that He would hold all earthly powers accountable for their actions, pride, and rebellion ([Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")).

**What does the address "Son of man" mean in the context of Ezekiel?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is God's characteristic and most frequent way of addressing Ezekiel throughout the entire book, appearing over 90 times. In this specific context, and throughout the book, it primarily emphasizes Ezekiel's profound humanity, his mortality, and his inherent frailty. It serves as a constant and stark distinction between the prophet, a mere mortal, and the divine, omnipotent, and awe-inspiring God who speaks through him. This consistent reminder of his human nature underscores that the profound visions, overwhelming experiences, and powerful messages Ezekiel delivers are not products of his own making, wisdom, or authority, but originate entirely and solely from God. It highlights his crucial role as a humble, dependent messenger, a representative of humanity chosen by God to convey divine truth, often in striking contrast to the overwhelming glory and majesty of God that Ezekiel is privileged to witness ([Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of the Likeness of the Glory of the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:2, with its powerful declaration of God's sovereign judgment over the proud and self-sufficient earthly power of Egypt, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel, addressed as "Son of man," was a human prophet specifically tasked with delivering God's authoritative word, Jesus is the definitive and ultimate "Son of Man" in the New Testament, a title He frequently used to describe Himself, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unparalleled divine authority as the long-awaited Messiah ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The earthly kings and nations, like the arrogant Pharaoh and the proud kingdom of Egypt, who historically stood in opposition to God's righteous will and His chosen people, are ultimately brought to nothing by the supreme and eternal reign of Christ. He is the true and sovereign King who "sets His face" not merely against one nation or one earthly ruler, but against all sin, all rebellion, and all spiritual powers and principalities that oppose God's kingdom and His divine purposes ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The judgment prophesied against Egypt in Ezekiel 29:2 foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over all earthly and spiritual dominion, establishing an everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed or overthrown ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds and Receiving Dominion")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively disarmed the powers of darkness and secured the triumphant reign of God's righteous rule, ensuring that all who place their trust and hope in Him find their ultimate security not in fleeting human strength or earthly alliances, but in the eternal, unshakable sovereignty of the Lamb who reigns forever and ever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse and His Victory")).

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 6:2

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

Jeremiah 44:30

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

Jeremiah 46:2

Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.

Jeremiah 46:16

He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.

Joel 3:19

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence [against] the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Ezekiel 25:2

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

Jeremiah 43:8

¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,