What is the meaning of Ezekiel 28:21? Son of man • The phrase identifies Ezekiel as a human messenger chosen by the Lord, highlighting the contrast between God’s sovereignty and the prophet’s frailty (Ezekiel 2:1; 3:17). • It reminds us that God consistently uses ordinary people to convey His perfect will, just as He did with Moses (Exodus 3:10) and later with the apostles (Acts 4:13). • In the New Testament, Jesus often called Himself “Son of Man” (Matthew 8:20), underlining both His humanity and His divine mission—echoing the pattern first established with Ezekiel. set your face • This command calls for deliberate, unwavering resolve. Ezekiel must turn his whole attention toward Sidon in obedience, refusing to be distracted or intimidated (Ezekiel 6:2; 13:17). • Similar language appears when Isaiah says, “I have set My face like flint” (Isaiah 50:7), and when Jesus “resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). • God expects His servants to stand firm, even when their message is unpopular (Jeremiah 1:18). against Sidon • Sidon, a flourishing Phoenician port north of Israel, was steeped in idolatry and proud commerce (Genesis 10:15; 1 Kings 16:31). • Though outside Israel’s covenant community, Sidon is still accountable to Israel’s God, who rules every nation (Jeremiah 25:22; Joel 3:4). • The mention of a specific city underscores the literal historical setting: God’s judgment would fall on an actual place with real people, proving His universal authority (Zechariah 9:2). and prophesy • Ezekiel is not to voice personal opinions; he must declare God’s revealed word—“Thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 37:4). • True prophecy carries divine authority (2 Peter 1:21) and serves at least three purposes: – Warn the proud (Jonah 3:4), – Call to repentance (Jeremiah 7:3), – Reveal God’s glory in judgment and salvation (Ezekiel 28:22). • The act of prophesying affirms that Scripture is living and active, speaking into specific moments of history while also instructing future generations (Romans 15:4). against her • The repeated term “against” doubles the emphasis: God is not merely observing Sidon; He is opposed to her sin and will act in righteous judgment (Nahum 2:13; Amos 2:6). • Judgment is never arbitrary; it flows from God’s holiness and justice (Psalm 9:8). • Yet even in announcing wrath, the Lord aims ultimately at His glory and the possibility of repentance (Ezekiel 33:11), showing both severity and mercy. summary Ezekiel 28:21 delivers a concise, forceful commission. God calls His human messenger (“Son of man”) to adopt unwavering resolve (“set your face”), target a specific pagan stronghold (“against Sidon”), declare the divine verdict (“and prophesy”), and underline the certainty of impending judgment (“against her”). The verse reminds us that every nation answers to the Lord, that He faithfully warns before He strikes, and that obedient servants must speak His truth with courage and clarity. |
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