Ezekiel 28:20
Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
Again the word
H1697
דְבַר
Again the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Sidon (modern Saida, Lebanon) was one of Phoenicia's oldest cities, mentioned in Genesis 10:19. It rivaled Tyre commercially and religiously. Like Tyre, Sidon was besieged by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, then destroyed by Persia (345 BC when 40,000 citizens died), and later conquered by Alexander (333 BC). Unlike Tyre, Sidon survived in diminished form.
Questions for Reflection
- How does judgment on Sidon demonstrate that no partner in sin escapes accountability?
- What spiritual dangers does Sidon's influence on Israel (through Jezebel) illustrate?
- How should believers respond to cultural influences that corrupt worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it—After Tyre (chapters 26-28:19), God turns to צִידוֹן (Ṣîdôn, 'Sidon'), Tyre's sister city 25 miles north. Both were principal Phoenician cities; judgment on one extends to the other.
The command שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ (śîm pānekhā, 'set your face') signals hostile prophetic attention (6:2, 13:17, 21:2). Sidon shared Tyre's maritime commerce, idolatry (Baal/Astarte worship, 1 Kings 11:5, 33), and pride. While the oracle against Sidon is briefer than Tyre's (only vv. 20-23), the principle remains: God judges all who exalt themselves, oppress His people, and corrupt worship through commercial religion. Sidon's idolatry particularly infected Israel—Jezebel was a Sidonian princess (1 Kings 16:31)—making judgment appropriate.