Ezekiel 28:21
Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,
Ezekiel 28:21 · King James Version
Meaning
When the verse says "Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it," it is referring to a specific directive given to the prophet Ezekiel by God. In this passage, Zidon represents a city that has angered God and is in need of correction. By instructing Ezekiel to prophesy against Zidon, God is essentially asking the prophet to deliver a message of warning and judgment to the people of Zidon. This verse serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the responsibility of his chosen messengers to deliver his messages faithfully. It also highlights the importance of accountability and consequences for actions, as seen in the context of the prophecy against Zidon. Overall, this verse emphasizes the role of prophets as instruments of God's will, tasked with delivering messages of truth and righteousness to the world.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the phrase 'Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,' calls upon Ezekiel to deliver a message of judgment against the city of Zidon. The term 'Son of man' which appears frequently throughout the book of Ezekiel, is thought to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a messenger of God. The word 'Zidon' refers to the ancient city of Sidon, a powerful Phoenician city-state known for its wealth and trading prowess. By instructing Ezekiel to prophesy against Zidon, God is declaring His displeasure with the sinful practices and idolatry of the city. This verse illustrates the responsibility of prophets to speak the truth even when delivering difficult messages of judgment. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can gain insights into the historical context and significance of this verse, shedding light on the themes of divine judgment, obedience, and the role of prophets in delivering God's message to the nations.
Ezekiel 28:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
Son of man, set thy face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it,
World English Bible
Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it,
Douay-Rheims
Son of man, set thy face against Sidon: and thou shalt prophesy of it,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Sonne of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesie against it,