Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

EZEKIEL 35:2KJV
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Ezekiel 35:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 35:2 mean?

Ezekiel 35:2 is God’s instruction to Ezekiel to turn his attention toward Mount Seir and speak a message of judgment against it. The verse shows that God is directing Ezekiel to announce a prophecy specifically targeting Mount Seir, which represents the land of Edom.

In this setting, God is speaking to Ezekiel, who is called “son of man,” and giving him a task to confront Mount Seir. Mount Seir is the mountainous region associated with Edom, Israel’s neighbor and often its rival. The command to “set thy face against” means to take a firm, deliberate stance, signaling opposition. This verse begins a prophecy where Edom is singled out for its actions and attitude toward Israel.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:2

  • “Son” (בֵּן, ben) and “man” (אָדָם, adam): God addresses Ezekiel as “son of man,” a phrase used throughout the book to emphasize Ezekiel’s humanity and role as a messenger.
  • “Set” (שִׂים, sim): This word means to place or direct, and here it carries the sense of Ezekiel intentionally turning his attention and resolve toward Mount Seir.
  • “Face” (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew, “face” often means presence or direction. To “set your face against” someone is to take a determined, confrontational stance.
  • “Mount” (הַר, har) “Seir” (שֵׂעִיר, Se‘ir): This specifies the geographic and symbolic target. Mount Seir is not just a place but stands for the people and nation of Edom.
  • “Prophesy” (נָבָא, nava’): This word means to speak forth a message from God, usually about future events or divine judgment.

Why Ezekiel 35:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s message is not only for Israel but also for the nations around it, showing that Edom’s actions are under God’s scrutiny.
  • The instruction to “set thy face against” highlights the seriousness and directness of God’s opposition to Edom, not just a passive disapproval.
  • Understanding that Mount Seir represents Edom helps readers see the historical context: Edom’s hostility toward Israel is the reason for the coming prophecy of judgment.

Where else these words appear

“Seir” Hebrew H8165 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.
  • Judges 5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.

“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;