Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them;

EZEKIEL 25:2KJV
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Ezekiel 25:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 25:2 mean?

Ezekiel 25:2 records God telling Ezekiel to turn his attention toward the Ammonites and deliver a message of prophecy against them. This verse marks the beginning of a section where Ezekiel is instructed to speak out against neighboring nations who have acted against Israel.

In this verse, God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" and commands him to "set thy face against the Ammonites," meaning Ezekiel is to take a firm, deliberate stance in delivering God's warning. The Ammonites were a neighboring people east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. This instruction sets up the following verses, where Ezekiel will announce specific judgments against them.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 25:2

  • "Son" (בֵּן, ben) and "man" (אָדָם, adam): God often calls Ezekiel "son of man," emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people, not a figure of special status.
  • "Set" (שִׂים, sim): This word means to place or direct, highlighting that Ezekiel's focus and intent are to be firmly fixed on the Ammonites, not just a passing mention.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew, "face" often means presence or attention. Here, it suggests Ezekiel must confront the Ammonites directly and personally with God's message.
  • "Ammonites" (בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן, benei Ammon): This phrase means "sons of Ammon," referring to the descendants of Ammon, a nation with a long and complicated relationship with Israel.
  • "Prophesy" (נָבָא, nava): This word means to speak under divine inspiration. Ezekiel is not just giving his own words, but delivering a message from God.

Why Ezekiel 25:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's concern and judgment are not limited to Israel; neighboring nations are also held accountable for their actions.
  • The command to "set thy face" shows the seriousness and determination expected of Ezekiel as God's spokesperson, not just a passive relaying of information.
  • By starting with the Ammonites, Ezekiel 25:2 introduces a new section of the book focused on God's dealings with foreign nations, expanding the scope of Ezekiel's prophecies.

Where else these words appear

“Ammonites” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 11:36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:9 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

“prophesy” Hebrew H5012 · used in 102 verses

  • Numbers 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
  • Jeremiah 20:1 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
  • Ezekiel 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;