This verse, Ezekiel 35:2, marks the beginning of a prophecy of judgment against Mount Seir, which represents the land and people of Edom. Let's break it down:
"Son of man": This is a common title used for Ezekiel throughout the book. It emphasizes his role as a human being commissioned to deliver God's message. It highlights his vulnerability and dependence on God, while also underscoring the importance of the message he carries.
"Set your face against Mount Seir": This is a symbolic action. "Setting one's face" against something is an expression of determination and focus. It means Ezekiel is to turn his attention and prophetic message directly towards Mount Seir.
"Mount Seir": This refers to the mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites. In Ezekiel, and often in the Old Testament, Mount Seir is used as a metonym, representing the entire nation of Edom.
"And prophesy against it": This is the core instruction. Ezekiel is to deliver a message of judgment from God against Edom. A prophecy "against" implies a negative or condemning message, often involving warnings of destruction or punishment.
In summary, the verse instructs Ezekiel to purposefully and emphatically direct his prophetic message of judgment towards the land and people of Edom (Mount Seir).
Why this prophecy against Edom?
The reason for this judgment is revealed in the subsequent verses of Ezekiel 35 (and elsewhere in the Old Testament). Edom had demonstrated animosity towards Israel, particularly during times of Israel's distress. They rejoiced in Israel's downfall, took advantage of their weakness, and even sought to seize Israelite territory. Edom's actions violated the bond of kinship they should have felt with Israel (as descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother). Therefore, God, through Ezekiel, announces that Edom will face similar judgment for their hostility and treachery.
This verse, Ezekiel 35:2, marks the beginning of a prophecy of judgment against Mount Seir, which represents the land and people of Edom. Let's break it down:
"Son of man": This is a common title used for Ezekiel throughout the book. It emphasizes his role as a human being commissioned to deliver God's message. It highlights his vulnerability and dependence on God, while also underscoring the importance of the message he carries.
"Set your face against Mount Seir": This is a symbolic action. "Setting one's face" against something is an expression of determination and focus. It means Ezekiel is to turn his attention and prophetic message directly towards Mount Seir.
"Mount Seir": This refers to the mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites. In Ezekiel, and often in the Old Testament, Mount Seir is used as a metonym, representing the entire nation of Edom.
"And prophesy against it": This is the core instruction. Ezekiel is to deliver a message of judgment from God against Edom. A prophecy "against" implies a negative or condemning message, often involving warnings of destruction or punishment.
In summary, the verse instructs Ezekiel to purposefully and emphatically direct his prophetic message of judgment towards the land and people of Edom (Mount Seir).
Why this prophecy against Edom?
The reason for this judgment is revealed in the subsequent verses of Ezekiel 35 (and elsewhere in the Old Testament). Edom had demonstrated animosity towards Israel, particularly during times of Israel's distress. They rejoiced in Israel's downfall, took advantage of their weakness, and even sought to seize Israelite territory. Edom's actions violated the bond of kinship they should have felt with Israel (as descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother). Therefore, God, through Ezekiel, announces that Edom will face similar judgment for their hostility and treachery.
