Ezekiel 21 2

Ezekiel 21:2 kjv

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

Ezekiel 21:2 nkjv

"Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel;

Ezekiel 21:2 niv

"Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel

Ezekiel 21:2 esv

"Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel

Ezekiel 21:2 nlt

"Son of man, turn and face Jerusalem and prophesy against Israel and her sanctuaries.

Ezekiel 21 verses

Ezekiel 21 2 Meaning

Ezekiel 21:2 proclaims God's impending judgment against Jerusalem, which is likened to a fiery pronouncement from God. The prophet is commanded to set his face against this chosen city, signifying a direct and unwavering divine focus on its coming destruction.

Ezekiel 21 2 Context

This verse inaugurates a new section within the book of Ezekiel (chapters 21-23), focusing on judgment specifically against Judah and Jerusalem. Historically, this prophecy is delivered during Judah's final decline, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The immediate context is God commanding Ezekiel to direct his prophetic message, which will be a pronouncement of judgment, towards Jerusalem, the symbolic heart of the nation and its religious and political center. This is part of a larger series of oracles concerning various nations, but here the focus turns inward to the covenant people who have repeatedly broken their covenant with God.

Ezekiel 21 2 Word Analysis

• Son of man (בֶּן־אָדָ֛ם - ben adam): This is Ezekiel's characteristic self-appellation, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to the divine authority of God who is speaking to him. It underscores that he is a messenger, a mortal human carrying a divine message. This title also highlights his identification with the human race, even as he delivers pronouncements of judgment.
• set (שִׂ֥ים - sim): This Hebrew word carries the meaning of setting, placing, or directing. Here it implies a deliberate and intentional focus of Ezekiel's attention and ministry. It is not a passive observation but an active positioning of his prophetic gaze and declaration toward the specified target.
• thy face (פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ - panecha): This refers to Ezekiel's personal direction and outward expression. God is telling him to physically or metaphorically orient himself towards Jerusalem, projecting an unwavering stare of condemnation.
• against (אֶל־ - el): A preposition indicating direction toward or against. It signifies the direct aim and opposition of Ezekiel's prophetic word towards Jerusalem.
• and drop (וְהַעְלֵ֖ם - veh'alem): The root word here, 'alam, can mean to be hidden or concealed, but in this context, especially with the prepositional prefix "and" and the consecutive vav, it takes on the sense of "declare" or "utter." It signifies God’s word being revealed or spoken forth, often with a negative or burdensome connotation, like "casting down" or "announcing" judgment. Some interpret it as "diminish" or "curse," but the prevalent interpretation leans towards proclamation.
• thy word (דְּבָרְךָ֛ - devarekha): Refers to the prophetic message that God is giving Ezekiel to speak. It is God's own utterance communicated through his prophet.
• drop thy word: This phrasing conveys the burden and severity of the message. It's not a casual word, but one that carries weight and impact, meant to "fall upon" or "hit" its target. This implies a forceful and effective proclamation of God's judgment.
• against (אֶל־ - el): Repeats the preposition "against," reinforcing the direction and intent of the spoken word towards Jerusalem.
• Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַ֙͏ִם֙ - Yerushalayim): The holy city, the capital of Judah, and the center of God's presence on earth through the Temple. It is the focus of God's judgment due to its persistent sin and rebellion.

Words-group analysis

• "set thy face against Jerusalem": This powerful idiom signifies a determined, unwavering, and confrontational stance. It portrays Ezekiel as a symbolic warrior or prosecutor standing directly opposite Jerusalem, declaring God’s impending action against it. It conveys an unwavering focus of divine attention and purpose.
• "drop thy word": This phrase paints a vivid image of a pronouncement that is heavy with divine judgment and is destined to fall upon the people of Jerusalem. It is often understood as an oracle, a divinely delivered statement, signifying a judgment or doom that is being unleashed.

Ezekiel 21 2 Bonus Section

The imagery of "setting the face against" is repeated by Ezekiel in other instances where he is commissioned to prophesy judgment against specific nations (Ezekiel 6:2; 25:2; 35:2). This consistent wording highlights the unified nature of God's judgment, extending to all who defy Him, but also underscores the particular gravity when judgment is directed against His own covenant people, Jerusalem, due to their special relationship with Him. The phrase "drop thy word" might also carry a connotation of pronouncements that are like a continuing shower or a stream of divine pronouncements that fall relentlessly.

Ezekiel 21 2 Commentary

God directs Ezekiel to pronounce judgment upon Jerusalem. This is not an abstract prophecy but a deeply personal and direct condemnation aimed at the very heart of God's covenant people. The "setting of the face" signifies an unwavering gaze of judgment, a relentless focus. "Dropping the word" implies the heavy pronouncements of doom that will soon fall upon the city, foretelling its destruction by the Babylonian army. This signifies the ultimate consequence of their persistent sin and unfaithfulness, a judgment that is both severe and inevitable, a clear demonstration of God's justice and His unwillingness to let His people continue in sin without consequence.