Ezekiel 28:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 28:21 mean?

Ezekiel 28:21 is a command from God to the prophet Ezekiel, telling him to turn his attention toward the city of Zidon (also known as Sidon) and speak a prophecy against it. This verse signals that Zidon, like other nations mentioned in Ezekiel, is about to receive a message of judgment from God.

In this setting, God is speaking directly to Ezekiel, calling him "son of man" and instructing him to "set thy face against Zidon." This means Ezekiel is to focus on Zidon and deliver a specific warning or judgment. The verse marks the beginning of a section where Zidon is singled out among neighboring nations for its actions or attitudes, and God’s message is about to be declared through Ezekiel.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 28:21

• "Son" (בֵּן, ben) and "man" (אָדָם, adam): God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man," a phrase that emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people.
• "Set" (שִׂים, sim): This verb means to place, set, or direct. Here, it means Ezekiel is to deliberately turn his attention and intention toward Zidon.
• "Face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew, "face" often represents presence or focus. To "set your face against" someone means to oppose or confront them directly.
• "Zidon" (צִידוֹן, Tsidon): This is the Hebrew name for the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, a significant city on the Mediterranean coast, north of Israel.
• "Prophesy" (נָבָא, nava): This verb means to speak forth a message from God, often involving warning or prediction.

Why Ezekiel 28:21 matters

• This verse shows that God's messages of judgment were not limited to Israel or Judah but extended to surrounding nations like Zidon, highlighting God's sovereignty over all peoples.
• The command to "set thy face against" Zidon signals a deliberate and direct confrontation, not just a passing mention, showing that Zidon’s actions had drawn specific attention.
• By singling out Zidon, Ezekiel 28:21 connects to a broader section where God addresses various nations, helping readers see the wider scope of Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry.