Ezekiel 6:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} toward the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, and prophesy {H5012} against them,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, face toward the mountains of Isra'el, and prophesy against them:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 6:2 initiates a powerful divine oracle, commanding the prophet Ezekiel to direct his prophetic message of judgment specifically toward the "mountains of Israel." This verse marks a pivotal shift, signaling God's resolute intention to bring desolation upon the land and its inhabitants due to their pervasive and persistent spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly their widespread idolatry on the high places. It underscores the profound severity of Israel's apostasy and the certainty of God's righteous wrath against sin that defiles His covenant and His land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 6:2 emerges from a preceding sequence of highly symbolic actions and pronouncements (chapters 4-5) that graphically illustrate the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem. These earlier chapters depict Ezekiel performing prophetic acts that foreshadow the horrors of famine, pestilence, and the sword, culminating in the scattering of a remnant. Chapter 6 then transitions from a general judgment on the city to a specific, targeted condemnation of the entire land, focusing acutely on the "mountains of Israel." These mountains, having been defiled by rampant idolatrous worship, become the symbolic and literal focal point of God's righteous indignation. This command to "set thy face" signifies a new, direct, and confrontational phase of prophetic declaration, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of judgment that follow throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who had been deported following Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. During this period, many still residing in Judah clung to a false sense of security, believing Jerusalem and its sacred Temple were inviolable. However, God, through Ezekiel, was progressively revealing the true depth of their sin and the inevitability of the city's complete destruction, which tragically occurred in 586 BC. Culturally, the worship of foreign deities, such as Baal and Asherah, was deeply entrenched and rampant throughout Israel. These pagan rites frequently took place on "high places"—elevated shrines constructed on mountains and hills. These sites were not merely geographical features but became centers of abominable rituals, including child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and various forms of syncretism, all in direct violation of God's explicit covenant commands. Thus, the "mountains of Israel" represent the entire nation, thoroughly corrupted by these detestable practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several critical theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's unwavering resolve to punish the persistent and defiant idolatry of His covenant people. The explicit command to "prophesy against them" serves as a clear and unambiguous declaration of impending condemnation and wrath. This judgment is presented as a direct and just consequence of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, which constitute the core sin of Israel—their egregious turning away from the Lord to worship false gods, thereby profoundly defiling the land and breaking their sacred covenant with Yahweh. The "mountains of Israel" function as a potent **Symbolism of the Land**, representing the entire nation and its inhabitants, whose spiritual corruption had permeated even the physical landscape. These mountains, once symbols of God's dwelling and blessing, had tragically become monuments to Israel's unfaithfulness, as vividly depicted in passages like [Jeremiah 3:6](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6 - Judah's Idolatry on High Mountains"). Finally, the divine address to Ezekiel as [Son of man](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1 - Ezekiel's Call as Son of Man") and the specific command to "set thy face toward" underscore **Prophetic Authority and Resolve**, highlighting both the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy, and Ezekiel's unwavering commitment to delivering it, much like Jesus later "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** In the divine address "Son of man," this term (H1121) denotes a human being, emphasizing Ezekiel's mortality and humble status in stark contrast to the divine speaker. It highlights his role as a representative of humanity chosen to receive and deliver a divine message, a consistent address for him throughout the book, underscoring the vast chasm between the finite prophet and the infinite God.
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** The phrase "set thy face" utilizes _pânîym_ (H6440), referring to the countenance or presence. When combined with the verb _sûwm_ (H7760, "to put" or "to set"), it signifies a resolute, determined posture, indicating a fixed resolve or direct confrontation. This command implies Ezekiel is to adopt a stance of unwavering purpose, facing the objects of judgment directly and unflinchingly, embodying the divine resolve.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** The verb _nâbâʼ_ (H5012) means to speak or sing by inspiration, whether in prediction or simple discourse. Here, it specifically implies delivering a message of divine judgment, acting as God's authoritative mouthpiece against the idolatrous practices. It denotes the authoritative declaration of God's word, not merely human opinion or speculation, ensuring the message's divine origin and certainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This consistent divine address to Ezekiel throughout the book serves as a profound reminder of his humanity and dependence on divine revelation. It highlights the prophet's humble status before the Almighty, yet simultaneously underscores his unique and weighty role as God's chosen messenger to a rebellious humanity.
* **"set thy face toward the mountains of Israel,"**: This is a powerful, symbolic, and deeply significant command. "Setting one's face" indicates a resolute, determined, and unwavering posture, often associated with a fixed purpose or direct confrontation (e.g., in prayer or judgment). The "mountains of Israel" are not merely geographical features but represent the entire land and its inhabitants, particularly the "high places" where rampant idolatrous worship and pagan rituals had defiled the landscape. Ezekiel is commanded to direct his prophetic gaze and intention specifically at these corrupted sites, signifying God's direct and uncompromising confrontation with the nation's profound apostasy.
* **"and prophesy against them,"**: This is the core directive—to deliver a message of divine judgment. The preposition "against" unequivocally indicates a message of condemnation, impending wrath, and desolation. Ezekiel is not to offer comfort or hope at this juncture, but to declare God's righteous indignation and the inevitable, severe consequences of Israel's pervasive idolatry. This prophecy will detail the comprehensive destruction and desolation that will befall the land and its people as a direct result of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and urgent message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, the direct address to "Son of man," which immediately establishes the prophetic context and highlights the divine source of the message, emphasizing Ezekiel's role as a human instrument chosen for a divine task. **Symbolism** is central, as "the mountains of Israel" are not merely literal landforms but function as a potent symbol for the entire nation and its pervasive idolatry. These mountains, once sites of natural beauty and potential divine revelation, had become tragically corrupted by pagan altars and groves, thus symbolizing the spiritual decay and moral defilement of the people. Furthermore, the phrase "set thy face toward" carries a strong sense of **Metaphorical Action**, implying a resolute and confrontational stance, much like a general setting his face toward a battlefield. This vivid imagery underscores the unwavering determination of God's impending judgment and the prophet's unyielding commitment to delivering it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:2 deeply connects to the foundational biblical themes of God's absolute sovereignty, His unblemished holiness, and His righteous judgment against idolatry. It unequivocally underscores that God is not merely a regional deity but the one true God, Yahweh, who demands exclusive worship and undivided devotion from His covenant people. Israel's persistent turning to false gods, particularly on the "high places" that defiled the very land, was a direct affront to God's covenant faithfulness and a profound act of spiritual adultery. This verse powerfully demonstrates that God's patience has limits and that His justice will inevitably be meted out against those who defiantly rebel against His commands and persistently defile His name and His land. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a necessary and just consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, ultimately intended to purify a people who had strayed far from their divine calling and covenant obligations.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Idolatrous Places")
* [Jeremiah 7:30-34](/jeremiah/7-30-34 "Jeremiah 7:30-34 - Abominations in the Temple and Valley of Hinnom")
* [Leviticus 26:30](/leviticus/26-30 "Leviticus 26:30 - God's Judgment on Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:2 serves as a timeless and potent warning against the insidious nature of idolatry, reminding us that God's holiness demands our exclusive and undivided devotion. While we may no longer erect physical altars on literal mountains, modern idolatry manifests in anything that subtly or overtly displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts and lives. This can encompass the worship of success, wealth, power, comfort, relationships, self-image, or even intellectual pursuits when they become ultimate objects of trust, devotion, and identity apart from God. The passage calls us to a radical and honest self-examination, urging us to identify and courageously dismantle any "high places" in our own lives—those areas where we seek ultimate fulfillment, security, or identity apart from the one true God. It powerfully reminds us that spiritual compromise and divided loyalty have severe consequences, not only individually but also corporately within communities of faith. True worship requires an undivided heart, an unwavering commitment to God alone, and a humble willingness to heed His warnings, lest we face the spiritual desolation that inevitably arises from persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains of Israel"—areas of potential idolatry or divided loyalty—exist in my own life today that demand God's judgment?**
* **How does the concept of "setting one's face" apply to my personal resolve in pursuing God's will and confronting sin in my life with unwavering determination?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be worshipping something other than God, and what concrete steps can I take to dismantle these idols and restore God to His rightful place?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment against idolatry deepen my appreciation for His profound grace and boundless mercy revealed in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ezekiel addressed as "Son of man" so frequently?**

Answer: The address "Son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*) is used over 90 times in the Book of Ezekiel. Its primary purpose is to emphasize Ezekiel's human nature and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and power of God who is speaking to him. It highlights that he is a mere mortal, a representative of humanity, chosen to receive and deliver God's awesome and often terrifying messages. This title underscores the vast difference between the finite prophet and the infinite divine source of the prophecy, thereby reinforcing God's sovereignty and the prophetic message's unquestionable divine origin. Furthermore, it connects to the broader biblical concept of humanity's dependence on God, and later, in the New Testament, it becomes a significant self-designation for Jesus, highlighting His incarnate humanity and His representative role.

**What is the significance of "the mountains of Israel" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountains of Israel" are profoundly significant because they were the primary and most prominent locations where the people of Israel practiced widespread idolatry. Throughout the Old Testament, "high places" (often situated on mountains or hills) were chosen sites for pagan altars, Asherah poles, and other cultic objects dedicated to foreign gods like Baal and Molech. By commanding Ezekiel to prophesy "against them," God is not merely targeting geographical features but the very centers of Israel's spiritual rebellion, defilement, and covenant breaking. These mountains symbolize the pervasive nature of idolatry that had corrupted the entire land and its inhabitants, making them a focal point for God's righteous and purifying judgment. This is a common prophetic theme, as seen in [Jeremiah 3:23](/jeremiah/3-23 "Jeremiah 3:23 - Trust in Hills and Mountains is Vain"), where reliance on such places is condemned as futile.

**What kind of "prophecy" is Ezekiel commanded to deliver here?**

Answer: The prophecy Ezekiel is commanded to deliver in Ezekiel 6:2 is unequivocally one of judgment and condemnation. The phrase "prophesy against them" clearly indicates a message of divine wrath, impending desolation, and severe consequences due to Israel's deep-seated idolatry. This is not a prophecy of comfort, hope, or restoration, but a stern and unyielding declaration of the inevitable repercussions of their unfaithfulness and rebellion against the Lord. The subsequent verses in Ezekiel 6 vividly detail the specific nature of this judgment: the destruction of their high places, altars, and idols, the slaughter of their worshippers, and the consequent desolation of the land. It is a message intended to powerfully demonstrate God's uncompromised holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice against sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 6:2, with its stark portrayal of God's righteous judgment against pervasive idolatry on the mountains of Israel, finds profound and multifaceted Christ-centered fulfillment. The very problem addressed—humanity's inherent propensity to worship created things rather than the Creator—is ultimately and definitively resolved in Christ. Jesus, the true and perfect "Son of Man," came into the world not to condemn it, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). He is the ultimate prophet, who not only spoke God's word with unparalleled authority but *is* the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His resolute "setting of His face" to go to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")) mirrors Ezekiel's posture, but with an infinitely greater, redemptive purpose: to confront sin and idolatry at its spiritual root through His sacrificial death. On the "mountains" (or hills) of Jerusalem, specifically Golgotha, Jesus bore the full weight of God's judgment for all human idolatry and sin, becoming the ultimate 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")). Through His atoning work, the defilement of false worship is cleansed, and true worship in spirit and truth is established, no longer confined to physical mountains or temples, but made accessible to all who believe, regardless of location ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Christ's work on the cross thus fulfills the need for judgment against sin while simultaneously providing the means for reconciliation, genuine worship, and eternal life.

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 19:9

And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 37:22

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

Ezekiel 33:28

For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through.

Ezekiel 35:12

And thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD, [and that] I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.

Ezekiel 20:46

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 13:17

¶ Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,