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 20:46KJV
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Ezekiel 20:46 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:46 mean?

Ezekiel 20:46 records God telling Ezekiel to turn toward the south and speak a prophetic message against the "forest of the south field." This is a symbolic warning of coming judgment, directed at a specific region, using the image of a forest to represent people or a nation.

In this verse, God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" and commands him to face the south, which often refers to the land of Judah. Ezekiel is told to "drop" his word, meaning to deliver a prophetic message, against the "forest," a metaphor for the people living in that region. The context is God warning of judgment because of ongoing disobedience, and the imagery sets up the message that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:46

  • "Drop" (נָטַף, nāṭaf): This word means to let something fall or drip, and in prophetic language, it often means to let words or messages flow out. Here, it emphasizes that Ezekiel's prophecy is not just spoken but poured out as a warning.
  • "Forest" (יַעַר, yaʿar): The use of "forest" is symbolic, likely representing the people or leaders of Judah. It paints a picture of many individuals together, like trees in a forest, facing coming danger.
  • "South" (תֵּימָן, tēmān; דָּרוֹם, darom; נֶגֶב, negev): Three different Hebrew words for "south" appear in this verse, each with slightly different nuances. This repetition draws attention to the specific direction and region God is targeting, underlining the focus on Judah.

Why Ezekiel 20:46 matters

  • Ezekiel 20:46 uses vivid imagery to prepare the reader for the symbolic prophecy that follows, making it clear that the message is not just about trees but about people facing judgment.
  • The verse highlights how God communicates through symbols and directions, showing that prophetic messages often carry layered meanings.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the chapter, shifting from recounting Israel's history to announcing a specific warning, which helps the reader follow the flow of Ezekiel's message.