Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel New Living Translation “Son of man, turn and face Jerusalem and prophesy against Israel and her sanctuaries. English Standard Version “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel Berean Standard Bible “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and preach against the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel, King James Bible Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, New King James Version “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel; New American Standard Bible “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem, and speak prophetically against the sanctuaries and prophesy against the land of Israel; NASB 1995 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and speak against the sanctuaries and prophesy against the land of Israel; NASB 1977 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and speak against the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; Legacy Standard Bible “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and speak, dripping out words against the sanctuaries and prophesy against the land of Israel Amplified Bible “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and direct your [prophetic] word against the sanctuaries; prophesy against the land of Israel Berean Annotated Bible “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem (city of peace) and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel (he wrestles with God) Christian Standard Bible “Son of man, face Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel, Holman Christian Standard Bible Son of man, turn your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel, American Standard Version Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; Contemporary English Version Ezekiel, son of man, condemn the places in Jerusalem where people worship. Warn everyone in Israel English Revised Version Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; GOD'S WORD® Translation "Son of man, turn to Jerusalem, preach against the holy places. Prophesy against the land of Israel. Good News Translation "Mortal man," he said, "denounce Jerusalem. Denounce the places where people worship. Warn the land of Israel International Standard Version "Son of Man, look toward Jerusalem, preach against its sanctuaries, and prophesy against Israel's land. NET Bible "Son of man, turn toward Jerusalem and speak out against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel New Heart English Bible "Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and speak against the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; Webster's Bible Translation Son of man, set thy face towards Jerusalem, and drop thy word towards the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel World English Bible “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and preach toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and prophesy to the holy places, and prophesy to the ground of Israel; Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and preach against the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel, Young's Literal Translation 'Son of man, set thy face unto Jerusalem, and prophesy unto the holy places, and prophesy unto the ground of Israel; Smith's Literal Translation Son of man, set thy face to Jerusalem, and drop to the holy places, and prophesy to the land of Israel; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSon of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and let thy speech flow towards the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel: Catholic Public Domain Version “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and pour in drops toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the soil of Israel. New American Bible Son of man, turn your face toward Jerusalem: preach against its sanctuary, prophesy against the land of Israel. New Revised Standard Version Mortal, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries; prophesy against the land of Israel Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSon of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and look at their holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and gaze at their holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and preach toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore prophesy, son of man, set thy face steadfastly toward Jerusalem, and look toward their holy places, and thou shalt prophesy against the land of Israel, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD's Sword of Judgment1And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel 3and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.… Cross References Son of man, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. set your face against Jerusalem Ezekiel 4:3 Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. Jeremiah 21:10 For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’ Ezekiel 13:17 Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them and preach against the sanctuaries. Amos 7:9 The high places of Isaac will be deserted, and the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste; and I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with My sword.” Leviticus 26:31 I will reduce your cities to rubble and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will refuse to smell the pleasing aroma of your sacrifices. Jeremiah 51:51 “We are ashamed because we have heard reproach; disgrace has covered our faces, because foreigners have entered the holy places of the LORD’s house.” Prophesy against the land of Israel Ezekiel 36:6 Therefore, prophesy concerning the land of Israel and tell the mountains and hills, the ravines and valleys, that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I have spoken in My burning zeal because you have endured the reproach of the nations. Ezekiel 6:2 “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. Ezekiel 36:1 “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say: O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD. Jeremiah 25:15-17 This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it. / And they will drink and stagger and go out of their minds, because of the sword that I will send among them.” / So I took the cup from the LORD’s hand and made all the nations drink from it, each one to whom the LORD had sent me, Isaiah 34:5-6 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. Jeremiah 47:6-7 ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ / How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.” Lamentations 2:1-2 How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of His anger! He has cast the glory of Israel from heaven to earth. He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger. / Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes. Treasury of Scripture Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and drop your word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, set Ezekiel 4:3,7 Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel… 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 25:2 Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; and drop Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Amos 7:16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac. Micah 2:6,11 Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame… against Ezekiel 4:7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it. Ezekiel 6:2 Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them, 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; Jump to Previous Direction Drop Dropped Face Ground Holy Israel Jerusalem Places Preach Prophesy Prophet Sanctuaries Sanctuary Speak Towards Turned Word WordsJump to Next Direction Drop Dropped Face Ground Holy Israel Jerusalem Places Preach Prophesy Prophet Sanctuaries Sanctuary Speak Towards Turned Word WordsEzekiel 21 1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing8. The sharp and bright sword 18. against Jerusalem 25. against the kingdom 28. and against the Ammonites Son of man This title, "Son of man," is frequently used in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator of divine messages. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where it is used by Jesus to refer to Himself, emphasizing His role in fulfilling prophecy and His identification with humanity. set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries Prophesy against the land of Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts. 2. Jerusalem The central city of Israel, significant for its religious and political importance. It is the location of the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship. 3. Sanctuaries Refers to the holy places within Jerusalem, particularly the Temple, which was the center of worship and sacrifice. 4. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes. At this time, they are experiencing judgment and exile due to their disobedience. 5. Prophecy The act of delivering God's message, often concerning future events or divine judgment, as seen in Ezekiel's role. Teaching Points The Role of the ProphetProphets are called to deliver God's truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Ezekiel's mission reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God's message. Judgment Begins at the House of God The focus on the sanctuaries indicates that judgment starts with those who are closest to God. This serves as a warning to maintain purity and faithfulness in our worship and spiritual practices. The Consequences of Disobedience Israel's situation illustrates the serious consequences of turning away from God. It is a call to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience and to seek repentance. God's Sovereignty in Judgment The prophecy against Jerusalem and Israel underscores God's control over nations and history. Trust in His sovereignty, even in times of judgment, is crucial. Hope Beyond Judgment While the message is one of judgment, it also points to the possibility of restoration. God's ultimate plan includes redemption and renewal for those who turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 21:2?2. What does "set your face against Jerusalem" teach about God's judgment on sin? 3. How can Ezekiel 21:2 inspire us to confront sin in our lives? 4. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet relate to our call to share truth? 5. What other scriptures emphasize God's judgment and call for repentance? 6. How can we apply Ezekiel's obedience in our daily walk with Christ? 7. What is the significance of Ezekiel 21:2 in the context of God's judgment on Israel? 8. How does Ezekiel 21:2 reflect God's sovereignty and justice? 9. Why does God command Ezekiel to prophesy against Jerusalem in Ezekiel 21:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21? 11. Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting the military and political tumult depicted throughout Ezekiel 21? 12. How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God’s mercy? 13. What are the Times of the Gentiles? 14. How can Ezekiel 37:25-28's everlasting covenant and sanctuary be understood when there seems to be no clear historical or present-day fulfillment matching this depiction? What Does Ezekiel 21:2 Mean Son of man- The title reminds Ezekiel that he is a human spokesman commissioned by the Sovereign LORD. - It underscores the gap between the infinite God and His finite messenger, keeping the focus on divine authority rather than personal insight (Ezekiel 2:1, “He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet and I will speak with you.’”). - Like other prophets called “son of man” (Daniel 8:17), Ezekiel bears a weighty assignment: speak exactly what God says, with no dilution or compromise. Set your face against Jerusalem - “Set your face” pictures steadfast resolve—Ezekiel must aim his full attention toward the city God had once chosen for His name (2 Chronicles 6:6). - The Lord’s prophet is not negotiating but declaring certain judgment, echoing Jeremiah 21:10, “For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good.” - Jerusalem’s privileged status does not shield it when covenant faithfulness is abandoned (Luke 13:34-35 shows the same principle in Christ’s lament centuries later). Preach against the sanctuaries - “Sanctuaries” include the temple precincts and any so-called holy places that had become centers of idolatry (Ezekiel 8 details abominations inside the temple itself). - God’s word through Ezekiel exposes hypocrisy: external religion cannot substitute for heartfelt obedience (Isaiah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 7:4). - By commanding rebuke of the very house that once radiated His glory (1 Kings 8:10-11), the LORD demonstrates that holiness is tied to His presence, not to stone and gold. Prophesy against the land of Israel - Judgment is comprehensive; not only city and sanctuary but the whole land will feel the sword (Ezekiel 7:2, “Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says to the land of Israel: The end! The end is upon the four corners of the land.”). - The language recalls covenant warnings: if Israel breaks faith, “the land will vomit you out” (Leviticus 18:28) and “you will be uprooted from the land” (Deuteronomy 28:63-64). - God’s purpose is corrective as well as punitive—He will purge rebellion so a remnant can one day return (Ezekiel 11:17-20). summary Ezekiel 21:2 calls a mortal prophet to deliver God’s unwavering verdict: Jerusalem, its corrupted worship centers, and the entire land stand under divine judgment because of persistent sin. The verse reinforces that position, privilege, and ritual cannot shield anyone from the holy standards revealed in Scripture. Yet even in announcing wrath, God is working toward eventual restoration for those who repent and honor His covenant. (2) Set thy face . . . drop thy word . . . prophesy.--These expressions, with the "say to the land" of Ezekiel 21:3, connect this with 20:46, 47; but there they were followed by figurative terms, while here we have plainly "Jerusalem," "the holy places," and "the land of Israel."Verses 2, 3. - The opening words, reproducing those of Ezekiel 20:46, indicate that the interpretation of that parable is coming. So the three variants of "south" are shown to mean respectively Jerusalem, the holy places, and the land of Israel. So, in ver. 3, the righteous and the wicked take the place of the "green" and the "dry" tree, and the fire is explained as meaning the sword of the invader. The teaching of ch. 18, had shown that Ezekiel had entered, as regards the ultimate judgment of individual men, into the spirit of Abram's words "That be far from thee to destroy the righteous with the wicked" (Genesis 18:25). But in regard to temporal judgments there would be in this case, as in the complaint of Job 9:22, no distinction. The sword went forth "against all flesh."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Sonבֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being set שִׂ֤ים (śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set your face פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ (pā·ne·ḵā) Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face toward אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Jerusalem יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel and preach וְהַטֵּ֖ף (wə·haṭ·ṭêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5197: To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the sanctuaries. מִקְדָּשִׁ֑ים (miq·dā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum Prophesy וְהִנָּבֵ֖א (wə·hin·nā·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the land אַדְמַ֥ת (’aḏ·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 127: Ground, land of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Ezekiel 21:2 NIVEzekiel 21:2 NLT Ezekiel 21:2 ESV Ezekiel 21:2 NASB Ezekiel 21:2 KJV Ezekiel 21:2 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 21:2 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 21:2 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 21:2 French Bible Ezekiel 21:2 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:2 Son of man set your face toward (Ezek. 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