Ezekiel 35:2

KJV

Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} against mount {H2022} Seir {H8165}, and prophesy {H5012} against it,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, turn your face against Mount Se'ir; prophesy against it,

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it,

American Standard Version

Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:2 initiates a profound prophetic oracle from the Lord God, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, specifically targeting Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. This divine command instructs Ezekiel to adopt a resolute and confrontational stance against Edom, preparing to deliver a message of impending judgment. The verse serves as a preamble to a detailed pronouncement of God's righteous retribution against a people who had consistently demonstrated animosity and opportunistic cruelty towards Israel, particularly during their time of distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 35:2 marks a distinct shift in the book of Ezekiel, moving from prophecies against other foreign nations (Tyre in [Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecies Against Tyre"), Sidon in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Sidon"), Egypt in [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Prophecies Against Egypt")) to a focused condemnation of Edom. This oracle against Mount Seir immediately precedes the glorious prophecies of Israel's restoration and spiritual renewal in [Ezekiel 36-37](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36-37 - Israel's Restoration and the Valley of Dry Bones"). The placement highlights a theological sequence: God deals with the enemies and obstacles to His people's flourishing before fully enacting His covenant promises of blessing and restoration. The recurring address "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben adam_) is God's consistent designation for Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his humanity as a messenger, contrasting with the divine authority of the message he delivers. The command to "set thy face against" is a common prophetic idiom, signaling a direct, unwavering, and confrontational posture.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mount Seir is geographically synonymous with the land of Edom, located southeast of Judah, and inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother ([Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau's Name Edom")). Despite their familial ties, a deep-seated and often violent animosity characterized the relationship between Edom and Israel for centuries (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")). Edom's particular sin that provoked this severe prophecy was their malicious rejoicing over Judah's downfall during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, and their active participation in plundering the weakened Judahites ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Judah"); [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remembering Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall")). This opportunistic cruelty, driven by ancient hatred, violated the principle of brotherly conduct and demonstrated a profound disregard for God's covenant people, thus incurring divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Ezekiel 35:2 and the subsequent oracle is **Divine Judgment** against nations that oppose God's will and harm His chosen people. Edom's specific actions of malice and exploitation during Judah's distress highlight the theme of **Retributive Justice**, where prolonged hatred and cruelty against others inevitably face divine retribution. This prophecy also powerfully underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating His absolute authority and active involvement in the affairs of all peoples, not just Israel. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine plan ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Furthermore, the oracle implicitly reinforces the theme of **God's Protection of His Covenant People**, as He acts to remove obstacles and punish those who oppress Israel, thereby clearing the way for their future restoration and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In the phrase "Son of man," it emphasizes Ezekiel's human nature, his connection to the earthly realm, and his role as a representative of humanity, contrasting with the divine source of the message.
* **set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, a primitive root meaning "to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)." In the context of "set thy face," it conveys the idea of firmly placing, appointing, or directing oneself, indicating a deliberate and determined action.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, plural but always singular, meaning "the face (as the part that turns)." Used in a great variety of applications, here in the idiom "set thy face against," it signifies a direct, unwavering gaze and a resolute posture of confrontation, indicating a focused and unyielding prophetic stance.
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012, a primitive root meaning "to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." This word defines Ezekiel's primary role and the nature of the message he is to deliver—a divinely inspired utterance, often predictive of future events or declarative of God's will and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This is the Lord God's consistent and specific address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing Ezekiel's human identity and mortality. It serves to humble the prophet while simultaneously highlighting that the powerful words he speaks originate not from his own wisdom but from the divine source, underscoring the authority of the message.
* **"set thy face against mount Seir,"**: This is a direct command for Ezekiel to adopt a resolute, determined, and confrontational posture. "Mount Seir" is a metonym for the nation of Edom. The act of "setting one's face against" signifies an unwavering focus and a direct challenge, indicating that the prophecy will be one of severe judgment and opposition. It implies a prophetic confrontation, not merely a casual observation or a general pronouncement.
* **"and prophesy against it,"**: This is the explicit instruction for Ezekiel to deliver a divinely inspired message of judgment. The command to "prophesy against it" means to speak God's word in condemnation of Edom's actions and to declare the consequences that will befall them. It confirms that the preceding command to "set thy face" is preparatory for this verbal pronouncement of divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its powerful message. The repeated address **Apostrophe** is evident in "Son of man," a direct address to Ezekiel, which establishes his role as the recipient and messenger of God's word. The phrase "set thy face against" is a potent **Idiom**, conveying a sense of resolute determination, unwavering opposition, and direct confrontation. It is not merely a physical action but a symbolic posture of prophetic defiance against the target. Furthermore, "mount Seir" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a prominent geographical feature (the mountain range) stands in for the entire nation of Edom. This allows the judgment to be directed against the land and its inhabitants collectively. Finally, the entire verse is an example of a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired utterance that declares God's will, often concerning judgment or future events, setting the stage for the detailed condemnation that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:2 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. It underscores the theological principle that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also righteous and will ultimately hold nations accountable for their actions, particularly when they oppose His people or exhibit malicious cruelty. Edom's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their sustained hatred and opportunistic exploitation of Judah during its most vulnerable time. This passage highlights God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, demonstrating His protective hand over them even in their exile, by dealing with their adversaries. It teaches that true justice will prevail, and those who rejoice in the suffering of others or seek to profit from their distress will face divine retribution.

* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against Edom")
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remembering Edom's Cruelty")
* [Joel 3:19](/joel/3-19 "Joel 3:19 - Edom's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:2 carries enduring relevance for believers today, reminding us that God is a God of perfect justice who sees and responds to all forms of injustice, especially against those who are His. While the specific prophecy was for ancient Edom, the underlying principles are timeless: unchecked hatred, malice, and taking advantage of others' distress have serious, divinely ordained consequences. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when we see evil seemingly prosper. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we do not harbor animosity or rejoice in the misfortunes of others, but rather cultivate compassion and seek reconciliation. Furthermore, it calls us to emulate Ezekiel's prophetic courage, to "set our face against" injustice, sin, and spiritual apathy in our own contexts, speaking truth with conviction, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Our stance should be one of unwavering commitment to God's righteousness, just as Ezekiel's was against Mount Seir.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rejoice in the misfortune of others, or harbor resentment, even subtly?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's justice when I see injustice in the world around me?**
* **What "Mount Seirs" (areas of injustice, sin, or spiritual apathy) in my life or community is God calling me to "set my face against" and speak truth to?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of compassion and forgiveness, even towards those who have wronged me, rather than allowing malice to take root?**

### FAQ
**Why was Edom singled out for such a severe prophecy of judgment?**

Answer: Edom, represented by Mount Seir, was singled out primarily because of its deep-seated, long-standing animosity towards Israel and, crucially, its malicious actions during Judah's downfall. Unlike other nations that merely participated in the conquest, Edom's sin was rooted in a profound hatred stemming from ancient sibling rivalry (Jacob and Esau). They not only rejoiced over Jerusalem's destruction but actively participated in plundering the city and even blocked escape routes for fleeing Judahites, handing them over to the Babylonians ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty")). This opportunistic cruelty, combined with their historical antagonism, constituted a direct affront to God's covenant people, making them a specific target of divine retribution. God's judgment against Edom highlights His righteous indignation against those who maliciously harm His chosen ones.

**What is the significance of the phrase "Son of man" in the book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: The phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben adam_) is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel as God's consistent address to the prophet. Its significance is multifaceted. Firstly, it emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, distinguishing him from the divine speaker and highlighting that the powerful, often overwhelming, messages he receives and delivers come from God alone. This underscores the authority of the divine word rather than the prophet's own wisdom. Secondly, it connects Ezekiel to the human race, making him a representative figure who can relate to the experiences of his exiled people. Thirdly, it might subtly foreshadow the later New Testament use of "Son of Man" as a messianic title for Jesus, who fully embodied both humanity and divinity, though in Ezekiel's context, it primarily serves to define the prophet's humble yet crucial role as God's human messenger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:2, with its declaration of divine judgment against Mount Seir (Edom), finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context is God's righteous judgment against a specific nation for its malice, the underlying principles point to Christ as the one who perfectly embodies God's justice and executes His righteous decrees. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to "set his face against" Mount Seir, Jesus, the true "Son of Man" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus, the Son of Man")), resolutely "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), knowing the suffering and judgment He would endure for humanity's sin. He is the ultimate Prophet, speaking God's final word of judgment against sin and injustice ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's justice, where the penalty for humanity's sin was fully paid, satisfying divine wrath. He did not merely prophesy against evil but conquered it definitively through His death and resurrection, ensuring that all forms of malice, hatred, and opposition to God's people will ultimately be judged and eradicated. Through Him, God's people find their true and lasting security, as Christ is the one who finally delivers them from all their enemies and establishes an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ, the Righteous Judge")).

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

Genesis 32:3

¶ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

Ezekiel 25:8

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah [is] like unto all the heathen;

Ezekiel 6:2

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

Isaiah 50:7

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

2 Chronicles 20:22

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

2 Chronicles 20:23

For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

Isaiah 34:1

¶ Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.