King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 35:2 Mean?
“Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,”
Ezekiel 35:2 · KJV
Context
1
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
3
And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. most: Heb. desolation and desolation
4
I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod commands Ezekiel to 'set thy face against mount Seir' and 'prophesy against it'—active prophetic confrontation. Mountains in Scripture represent kingdoms and nations. Setting one's face signifies unwavering focus and determined opposition. This reveals that God's judgment isn't reluctant or uncertain but resolute and purposeful.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Edom occupied mountainous terrain, which they believed made them secure (Obadiah 3-4). The prophecy specifically targets their geographical stronghold, revealing that natural defenses provide no security against divine judgment.
Reflection Questions
- What false securities or natural advantages might you be trusting instead of God?
- How does God's determined opposition to evil encourage you when facing injustice?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsבֶּן1 of 9
“Son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שִׂ֥ים3 of 9
“set”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
פָּנֶ֖יךָ4 of 9
“thy face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עַל5 of 9
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֵׂעִ֑יר7 of 9
“Seir”
H8165seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
וְהִנָּבֵ֖א8 of 9
“and prophesy”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
עָלָֽיו׃9 of 9
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel 35:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezekiel 35:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge