King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 35:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 35:2 in the King James Version says “Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.

Read Ezekiel 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 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

  1. What false securities or natural advantages might you be trusting instead of God?
  2. How does God's determined opposition to evil encourage you when facing injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בֶּן1 of 9

“Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם2 of 9

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׂ֥ים3 of 9

“set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

פָּנֶ֖יךָ4 of 9

“thy face”

H6440

the 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
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַ֣ר6 of 9

“against mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֵׂעִ֑יר7 of 9

“Seir”

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

וְהִנָּבֵ֖א8 of 9

“and prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עָלָֽיו׃9 of 9
H5921

above, 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

Ezekiel 6:2Genesis 32:3Ezekiel 25:8Isaiah 63:1-6Obadiah 1:1Isaiah 34:1-17

Places in This Verse

Mount Seir 1Mountain Range · Modern: Jebel esh Shera · 30.18°N, 35.32°E34 verses across 9 books
View all places in Ezekiel 35 →

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