Ezekiel 35:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Ezekiel 35:2 initiates a powerful prophetic message from God through the prophet Ezekiel, specifically targeting Mount Seir, the historical land of Edom. This verse sets the stage for a detailed pronouncement of divine judgment against a nation that had long been an adversary to Israel.

Context

The phrase "Son of man" is God's consistent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his humanity as a messenger of the divine. Here, Ezekiel is commanded to "set thy face against mount Seir," signifying a direct, unwavering, and confrontational prophetic stance. Mount Seir is synonymous with the nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother (Genesis 25:30). Despite their familial ties, Edom harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Israel, which intensified during Judah's periods of distress. This prophecy in Ezekiel 35 immediately precedes the glorious promises of Israel's restoration in Ezekiel 36, highlighting that God deals with obstacles and enemies before fully blessing His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is God's righteous judgment against nations that oppose His will and harm His chosen people. Edom's specific sin was their malicious rejoicing over Judah's downfall and their active participation in the plunder of Jerusalem (Obadiah 1:12; Psalm 137:7).
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This prophecy underscores God's absolute authority and active involvement in the affairs of all nations, not just Israel. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine plan (Daniel 2:21).
  • Consequences of Malice: The specific focus on Edom's historical hatred and exploitation of Judah serves as a stark reminder that prolonged malice and cruelty against others will face divine retribution.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam): This common designation for Ezekiel emphasizes his human nature, contrasting with the divine source of the message. It highlights that God uses human vessels to deliver His powerful words.
  • "Set thy face against" (Hebrew: sim paneka el): This idiom conveys a resolute and determined stance, indicating that Ezekiel is to confront Mount Seir directly and without hesitation, delivering a message of certain judgment. It implies a prophetic confrontation, not just a casual observation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 35:2 reminds us that God is a God of 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 principle remains: unchecked hatred, malice, and taking advantage of others' distress have serious consequences. For believers today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice and to avoid harboring animosity towards others. It also challenges us to be bold in speaking truth and righteousness, even when it means confronting difficult situations, just as Ezekiel was commanded to "set his face against" evil.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.