Ezekiel 20:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:46
46 Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, love, truth. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 20:46
46 Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
Analysis
Set thy face toward the south (שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ דֶּרֶךְ תֵּימָנָה, sim panekha derekh teimanah)—the idiom שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ (sim panekha, set your face) indicates prophetic confrontation and coming judgment. Ezekiel must physically orient himself toward the south (תֵּימָן, teiman), meaning Jerusalem from his Babylonian perspective.
Drop thy word (הַטֵּף, hatef) uses agricultural imagery—letting words fall like rain or dew. Prophesy against the forest of the south field (וְהִנָּבֵא אֶל־יַעַר הַשָּׂדֶה נֶגֶב, v'hinabei el-ya'ar hasadeh negev)—'forest' symbolizes proud Jerusalem, soon to be burned. The threefold command (set, drop, prophesy) emphasizes urgency. Ezekiel's contemporaries complained he spoke in riddles (20:49), prompting God to plainly name Jerusalem in chapter 21.
Historical Context
From Babylon, 'south' (negev) indicated Judah and Jerusalem. The forest imagery resonated with Judah's wooded hill country. Ezekiel's symbolic actions and cryptic oracles were designed to provoke questions, forcing the exiles to grapple with God's message.
Reflection
- Why does God sometimes communicate through symbols and parables rather than direct statements?
- How do you respond when God's word challenges your comfort or security?
Cross-References
- Word: Ezekiel 21:2, Amos 7:16
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 13:19