Ezekiel 4:7

KJV

Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm [shall be] uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou shalt set {H3559} thy face {H6440} toward the siege {H4692} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and thine arm {H2220} shall be uncovered {H2834}, and thou shalt prophesy {H5012} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to fix your gaze on the siege of Yerushalayim, and, with your arm bared, prophesy against it.

Berean Standard Bible

You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with thine arm uncovered; and thou shalt prophesy against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 4:7 is a divine command to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to adopt a posture of resolute determination and readiness for action as he prophesies against Jerusalem. This verse is a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's symbolic drama, transitioning from passive acts of representation to an active, confrontational declaration of God's impending judgment, emphasizing the unwavering certainty of the city's siege and ultimate downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a series of highly symbolic actions commanded by God to Ezekiel in [Ezekiel chapter 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Symbolic Actions Against Jerusalem"). The preceding verses detail Ezekiel's instructions to draw Jerusalem on a brick and simulate a siege against it ([Ezekiel 4:1-3](/ezekiel/4-1 "Ezekiel 4:1-3 - The Siege on a Brick")), and then to lie on his left side for 390 days for the iniquity of Israel and on his right side for 40 days for the iniquity of Judah ([Ezekiel 4:4-6](/ezekiel/4-4 "Ezekiel 4:4-6 - Lying on His Side for Israel and Judah")). These acts are designed to graphically illustrate the coming siege, the suffering of the people, and the duration of their punishment. Verse 7 marks a shift from these passive, illustrative acts to an active, confrontational stance, where Ezekiel is to physically embody the prophetic declaration of judgment against the city. It sets the stage for the direct pronouncements of judgment that follow in the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's ministry takes place during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah (597 BC) but before the final destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). The prophet is among the exiles in Babylon, while Jerusalem, though weakened, still stands. The people back in Jerusalem, and even some exiles, clung to false hopes of a quick return and believed Jerusalem was impregnable, protected by God's presence in the Temple. This verse, therefore, directly confronts that false security. The imagery of a "siege" (mâtsôwr) was a terrifying reality in ancient warfare, synonymous with starvation, disease, and ultimate destruction. The act of "setting one's face" and having an "uncovered arm" would have been culturally understood as a posture of absolute resolve and readiness for decisive action, whether in battle, judgment, or determined labor. This physical embodiment of the message was crucial for a people who had become deaf to mere words.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel chapter 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Symbolic Actions of Judgment") and this verse contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, **Divine Judgment and Imminent Doom** is paramount; the detailed symbolic acts leave no doubt that God's judgment on Jerusalem for its persistent idolatry and rebellion is certain and severe. Secondly, the theme of **Prophetic Resolve and Authority** is highlighted, as Ezekiel is commanded to adopt a posture of unflinching determination, underscoring the serious and non-negotiable nature of God's message and the prophet's unwavering obedience, even in delivering a message of doom. Thirdly, the passage powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty** over history and human affairs; the impending catastrophe is not a random event but a divinely orchestrated consequence of His people's unfaithfulness, demonstrating that even in judgment, God remains in control and acts according to His righteous character. This foreshadows the ultimate restoration of His people, as seen in later chapters like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - The Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Set thy face" (Hebrew, _kûwn_ H3559; _pânîym_ H6440):** The verb _kûwn_ means "to be erect," "to set up," "to establish," or "to prepare." When combined with _pânîym_ (face), it forms an idiom signifying a resolute, fixed, and determined posture. It implies an unyielding resolve, a firm intention, and a direct confrontation. Ezekiel is not to waver or turn away but to face the city squarely with an unblinking gaze of judgment. This reflects a divine resolve that will not be turned aside.
* **"Arm uncovered" (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ_ H2220; _châsaph_ H2834):** _Zᵉrôwaʻ_ refers to the arm, symbolizing strength, power, or force. _Châsaph_ means "to strip off" or "to make naked," often implying readiness for exertion or action. An "uncovered arm" or "bared arm" is a powerful image of readiness for intense physical effort, whether for labor, battle, or the exercise of power. In this prophetic context, it signifies that God's power is about to be revealed in a decisive act of judgment, and Ezekiel is to embody this readiness. It speaks of God's active intervention, not a passive observation.
* **"Prophesy" (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ_ H5012):** This primitive root means "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," encompassing both prediction and simple discourse. It highlights Ezekiel's role as God's mouthpiece, not merely performing symbolic acts but speaking the divine word. The act of prophesying against Jerusalem underscores that the preceding symbolic actions are not mere theatrical displays but divinely ordained messages, culminating in an authoritative declaration of doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem":** This clause emphasizes Ezekiel's posture of unwavering determination and direct confrontation. His gaze is fixed not merely on the city, but specifically "toward the siege," indicating that the prophet's focus is on the impending divine judgment. This physical orientation embodies God's own resolute decision to bring about Jerusalem's downfall.
* **"and thine arm [shall be] uncovered":** This phrase signifies readiness for action and the display of power. Ezekiel's bared arm is a visual metaphor for God's own power being prepared to execute judgment. It communicates that the divine decree is not just a word but will be accompanied by decisive, forceful action.
* **"and thou shalt prophesy against it":** This final clause clarifies the purpose of the preceding symbolic actions and postures. Ezekiel is not just a performer but a speaker of God's word. The "it" refers to Jerusalem, confirming that the entire prophetic drama is directed as a declaration of judgment against the rebellious city. The prophecy is the culmination and interpretation of the symbolic acts.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 4:7 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Symbolism** is central, with Ezekiel's "set face" symbolizing divine resolve and his "uncovered arm" representing God's readiness to execute judgment. These physical actions are not merely illustrative but are themselves prophetic acts, embodying the divine message. The phrase "set thy face" also functions as a **metaphor** for unwavering determination, akin to "setting one's jaw" in English, conveying an unchangeable purpose. Furthermore, the entire context of [Ezekiel chapter 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - The Symbolic Siege") is a form of **prophetic drama**, where the prophet himself becomes a living parable, acting out the future events before they occur. This dramatic presentation heightens the impact and ensures the message of impending doom is impossible to ignore. The repetition of commands and the direct address to Ezekiel create a sense of divine imperative and urgency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 4:7 is a stark reminder of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly when His covenant people persist in rebellion and idolatry. It underscores the principle that divine judgment is a necessary consequence of unrepentant sin, demonstrating that God takes His covenant seriously and will not allow His people's actions to go unchecked indefinitely. The prophet's resolute posture reflects God's own unchangeable purpose, emphasizing that the coming destruction is not arbitrary but a deliberate act of divine discipline. This passage highlights the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and the ultimate futility of trusting in human strength or perceived invincibility when God's judgment is decreed.

* [Jeremiah 1:18](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18 - Jeremiah's Face Like Flint"): God tells Jeremiah, "I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land...". This echoes the theme of a prophet's unyielding resolve in the face of opposition, similar to Ezekiel's "set face."
* [Isaiah 52:10](/isaiah/52-10 "Isaiah 52:10 - The Lord Has Bared His Holy Arm"): "The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God." While Ezekiel's bared arm points to judgment, Isaiah's speaks of salvation, showing the dual capacity of God's "uncovered arm" to act powerfully in both judgment and deliverance.
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to His Servants"): "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets." This verse affirms the divine pattern of warning and revelation through prophets before major acts of judgment or salvation, contextualizing Ezekiel's role.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 4:7 challenges believers to confront the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. In a world that often downplays moral accountability, this passage reminds us that God is not indifferent to rebellion or idolatry, whether personal or corporate. Just as Ezekiel was called to embody God's unwavering resolve, we are called to adopt a similar posture of spiritual seriousness, recognizing that our actions have consequences and that God's warnings in Scripture are to be taken to heart. This verse compels us to examine our own lives for areas of unconfessed sin or spiritual complacency, prompting genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to holiness. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prophetic voices today, those who, in love and truth, call the church and the world to account before a holy God, even when the message is unpopular. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves difficult seasons of discipline, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel's posture of "setting his face" and having an "uncovered arm" challenge my own level of commitment and resolve in my faith walk?**
* **In what areas of my life or in the church might we be complacent about sin, similar to Jerusalem's false security?**
* **How can I better embody God's truth and purpose in my actions and words, rather than just intellectually assenting to them?**
* **What warnings from Scripture or through the Spirit might I be tempted to ignore, and what might be the consequences of such neglect?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Ezekiel's "uncovered arm" in this verse?**

Answer: The "uncovered arm" (Hebrew: _zᵉrôwaʻ châsaph_) is a powerful symbolic act. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, baring one's arm signified readiness for strenuous effort, whether in labor or battle. In this prophetic context, it symbolizes God's own readiness to act decisively and powerfully in judgment against Jerusalem. It communicates that the divine decree of siege and destruction is not merely a verbal threat but will be executed with overwhelming force. It underscores the active, forceful nature of God's intervention, demonstrating that He is preparing to unleash His might against the rebellious city. This imagery is also used elsewhere in Scripture to denote God's power, as seen in [Isaiah 52:10](/isaiah/52-10 "Isaiah 52:10 - The Lord Has Bared His Holy Arm") where His "holy arm" is bared for salvation.

**Why was Ezekiel commanded to perform such strange symbolic actions, rather than just speaking God's word?**

Answer: Ezekiel's ministry was characterized by these vivid, often bizarre, symbolic actions because the people of Israel, both in Jerusalem and among the exiles, had become spiritually deaf and unresponsive to traditional verbal prophecy. They had grown accustomed to hearing prophets and often dismissed their words. God commanded Ezekiel to become a living parable, to physically embody the messages of judgment and future hope, to shock the people into attention. These actions were designed to be unforgettable visual aids that would graphically illustrate the severity and certainty of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem. They served as a tangible, undeniable witness to God's word, making the message impossible to ignore, as seen throughout [Ezekiel chapter 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Symbolic Actions Against Jerusalem") and [Ezekiel chapter 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Hair as a Sign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 4:7, with its depiction of a prophet embodying God's resolute judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel's "set face" was directed toward the siege of Jerusalem as a sign of impending wrath, Christ's face was also "set" with unwavering resolve, not primarily for judgment, but for the ultimate act of salvation. We see this in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem") where Jesus "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem," knowing full well the suffering and crucifixion that awaited Him there. His resolve was not to prophesy against a city's physical destruction, but to confront the spiritual siege of sin and death, offering Himself as the Lamb of God.

Furthermore, Ezekiel's "uncovered arm" signified God's readiness to act in judgment. In Christ, God's "arm" – His power and might – was uncovered, not to bring physical destruction, but to accomplish spiritual deliverance. The power of God was fully displayed in Christ's miracles, His authoritative teaching, and ultimately, in His victory over sin and death on the cross and through His resurrection ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, whose words and life perfectly embody God's will. He did not merely prophesy against sin; He bore its full weight, becoming the means by which humanity could be reconciled to God. Thus, the resolute, active, and prophetic posture commanded to Ezekiel finds its perfect and redemptive expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the demands of justice and opened the way to eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Ezekiel 21:2

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

Ezekiel 4:3

Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it [for] a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This [shall be] a sign to the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 6:2

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