Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,

EZEKIEL 28:21KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Zidon” Hebrew H6721 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Judges 18:28 And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.
  • Jeremiah 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,

“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;