Ezekiel 21:2
Ezekiel 21:2 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel;
Son of man, let your face be turned to Jerusalem, let your words be dropped in the direction of her holy place, and be a prophet against the land of Israel;
“Son of man, face towards Jerusalem and condemn their places of worship. Prophesy against the people living in Israel
Sonne of man, set thy face toward Ierusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophecie against the land of Israel.
'Son of man, set thy face unto Jerusalem, and prophesy unto the holy places, and prophesy unto the ground of Israel;
“Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and preach toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel.
Son of man, set thy face towards Jerusalem, and drop thy word towards the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and let thy speech flow towards the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel:
“You human, turn toward Jerusalem. Preach about what will happen to the temple there. Preach about what will happen to the Israeli people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֗ם
שִׂ֤ים
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
תֵּימָ֔נָ/ה
וְ/הַטֵּ֖ף
אֶל
דָּר֑וֹם
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֛א
אֶל
יַ֥עַר
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
נֶֽגֶב
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
שִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
תֵּימָ֔נָ/ה
têymân
H8486
south
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הַטֵּ֖ף
nâṭaph
H5197
to drip/prophesy
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּר֑וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
south
N-ms
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֛א
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יַ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
נֶֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:2
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
תֵּימָ֔נָ/ה
têymân
H8486
"south"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for south or southern direction, used to describe location or wind. It is often translated as south in the Bible, including in books like Exodus and Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) south, southward, whatever is on the right (so the southern quarter), south wind 1a) south (of territory) 1b) southern quarter (of the sky) 1c) toward the south, southward (of direction) 1d) south wind
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: south (side, -ward, wind). See also: Exodus 26:18; Joshua 15:1; Psalms 78:26.
וְ/הַטֵּ֖ף
nâṭaph
H5197
"to drip/prophesy"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to drip or prophesy, often used to describe speaking by inspiration. It appears in the books of Deuteronomy and Ezekiel, where prophets speak God's words. The word implies a gradual and steady flow of words.
Definition: 1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse 1a) (Qal) to drop, drip 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to drip 1b2) to drop (prophecy)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: drop(-ping), prophesy(-et). See also: Judges 5:4; Ezekiel 21:2; Psalms 68:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּר֑וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
"south"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction south or the south wind. It is used to describe geographical locations or the movement of air. The south was an important direction in ancient Israel, often associated with warmth and sunshine.
Definition: south
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: south. See also: Deuteronomy 33:23; Ezekiel 40:28; Ezekiel 42:18.
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֛א
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
נֶֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
N-proper
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:2
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
1And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel
3and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. 4Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 20:46 | “Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 4:7 | You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 25:2 | “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 28:21 | “Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against her. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 4:3 | Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. |
| 6 | Micah 2:11 | If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people! |
| 7 | Micah 2:6 | “Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:2 | Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 26:11–12 | Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!” But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 38:2 | “Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him |
Ezekiel 21:2 Summary
[This verse is telling us that God wants Ezekiel to speak out against the wrong things that are happening in Jerusalem, and to call the people to turn back to Him. This is similar to what God told Isaiah to do in Isaiah 1:11-15, and what He told Jeremiah to do in Jeremiah 1:17-19. God wants us to speak out against what is wrong and to stand up for what is right, even if it is hard or unpopular. By doing so, we can help bring restoration and renewal to our communities, just like God promised in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is God instructing Ezekiel to preach against the sanctuaries in Jerusalem?
God is instructing Ezekiel to preach against the sanctuaries because the people of Jerusalem have become corrupt and are using the sanctuaries for their own selfish purposes, rather than to worship and honor God, as seen in Ezekiel 8:5-18 and Isaiah 1:11-15.
What does it mean for Ezekiel to 'set his face against Jerusalem'?
For Ezekiel to set his face against Jerusalem means that he is to boldly and unwaveringly speak out against the sins of the city, without fear of retaliation or rejection, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19 and Ezekiel 3:8-9.
Why is God telling Ezekiel to prophesy against the land of Israel?
God is telling Ezekiel to prophesy against the land of Israel because the nation as a whole has turned away from Him and is in need of correction and restoration, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:1-10 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Ezekiel?
This verse is part of the larger theme of the book of Ezekiel, which is to call the people of Israel to repentance and to warn them of the consequences of their sins, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and Ezekiel 33:10-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which we, as believers, can 'set our faces' against the sins and injustices in our own communities and cultures?
- How can we, like Ezekiel, boldly speak out against the things that are contrary to God's will, without fear of rejection or retaliation?
- In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, prophesy against the sins and injustices in our own land, and call people to repentance and restoration?
- What are some sanctuaries or 'holy places' in our own lives that may have become corrupted or polluted, and how can we, like Ezekiel, call for their cleansing and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:2
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem,.... Which shows that this city was meant by "the south", Ezekiel 20:46: and drop thy word toward the holy places; which also are meant by the south in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:2
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, Drop thy word toward the holy places - the three parts of the temple: the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
Set thy face; put thyself in a posture may bespeak thy going to prophesy. Toward Jerusalem, or against Jerusalem, called, , forest of the south field. Drop thy word; of the phrase see ; as rain from heaven, so distil my word. The holy places; either the temple, and all the parts of it, which were three, the porch, the holy, and holy of holies; or their synagogues, in which they met to worship and read the law, which were burnt up by this fire, . Against the land of Israel; not only against Jerusalem, but the whole land of Israel, from the south thereof to the north; as .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
Ezekiel 21:2 Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop [thy word] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,Ver. 2. Set thy face.] See on Ezekiel 20:46. And drop thy word.] See Deuteronomy 32:2 Amos 7:16. As drops of rain follow one upon another, so do words. Speak thick, speak home, though they forbid thee to drop such vinegar or nitre on their galled conscience. Toward the holy places,] i.e., Against the temple, which they so cried up, like so many oyster wives, ad ravim usque.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
(2) Set thy face . . . drop thy word . . . prophesy.—These expressions, with the “say to the land” of Ezekiel 21:3, connect this with 20:46, 47; but there they were followed by figurative terms, while here we have plainly “Jerusalem,” “the holy places,” and “the land of Israel.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
Verse 2. Set thy face toward Jerusalem] This is a continuation of the preceding prophecy; and in this chapter the prophet sets before them, in the plainest language, what the foregoing metaphors meant, so that they could not complain of his parables.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:2
2. the holy places] Or, sanctuaries. These are not the rural sanctuaries or high places, but the holy buildings in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 7:24; Lamentations 2:6).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
2. Drop thy word — See Deuteronomy 32:2; Isaiah 55:11. This word of the prophet did not drop as the dew, but fell like the blow of a sword. (Compare also Amos 7:16; Hebrews 4:12.) The holy places — Peshito, their holy place.
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Jonah, Micah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's controversy with His people as described in Micah chapters six and seven. The Lord challenges Israel to state their case against Him, re |
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Everybody's Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who see |
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Promise to the Powerless by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that power does not come from personal feelings or experiences, but from the truth that God has given to his people. The book of Deuteronomy |
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The Call and Qualifications for the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the importance of a divine call and necessary qualifications for the Gospel ministry. He emphasizes that a true call to the ministry involves a deep inward |
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Early Lessons for Christ's Disciples by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the lessons from Mark 1:16-45, focusing on the events that followed Christ's call to His first disciples. The sermon highlights seven vital spiritual |
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Heavenly Teaching by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the divine teaching of God in the souls of His children, emphasizing the necessity of this heavenly instruction for spiritual growth and understanding. |
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The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes |