Ezekiel 28:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 28:20
20 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 28 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, fellowship, judgment. 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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 28:20
20 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord