Ezekiel 35:2
Ezekiel 35:2 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it,
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
Son of man, let your face be turned to Mount Seir, and be a prophet against it,
“Son of man, face towards Mount Seir and prophesy against it
Sonne of man, Set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesie against it,
'Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy concerning it, and say to it:
“You human, turn toward Edom and prophesy what will happen to its people. Say that this is what Yahweh says to them:
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 35:2
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 35:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֕ם
שִׂ֥ים
פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
עַל
הַ֣ר
שֵׂעִ֑יר
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֖א
עָלָֽי/ו
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
שִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ֣ר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
שֵׂעִ֑יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
Seir
N-proper
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֖א
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 35:2
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.
אָדָ֕ם
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.
שִׂ֥ים
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.
פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ֣ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
שֵׂעִ֑יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
"Seir"
N-proper
Seir refers to a mountain in Idumaea and its original inhabitants, with the name meaning hairy or shaggy, as seen in Genesis 32:3 and Deuteronomy 2:1.
Definition: § Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy" patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Seir. See also: Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21:11.
וְ/הִנָּבֵ֖א
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.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 35:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 35:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 35:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 35:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 35:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 35:2
Context — A Prophecy against Mount Seir
1Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it,
3and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. 4I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 6:2 | “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. |
| 2 | Genesis 32:3 | Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 25:8 | This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” |
| 4 | Amos 1:11–12 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 2:5 | Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. |
| 6 | Ephesians 6:19 | Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, |
| 7 | Lamentations 4:21–22 | So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 25:11–14 | Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir, and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces. Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had dismissed from battle raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon. They struck down 3,000 people and carried off a great deal of plunder. When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 49:7–22 | Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? But I will strip Esau bare; I will uncover his hiding places, and he will be unable to conceal himself. His descendants will be destroyed along with his relatives and neighbors, and he will be no more. Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” For this is what the LORD says: “If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, can you possibly remain unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for you must drink it too. For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.” I have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent to the nations: “Assemble yourselves to march against her! Rise up for battle!” “For behold, I will make you small among nations, despised among men. The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. “Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Edom and the strategies He has devised against the people of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them. At the sound of their fall the earth will quake; their cry will resound to the Red Sea. Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:46 | “Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev. |
Ezekiel 35:2 Summary
[Ezekiel 35:2 tells us that God wants Ezekiel to speak against Mount Seir, which is another name for the land of Edom. This means God is going to use Ezekiel to tell the people of Edom that He is not pleased with their actions, similar to how He spoke through other prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 13:1-22). God wants everyone to know that He is in charge and will not tolerate opposition to His people, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 32:43. By having Ezekiel prophesy against Mount Seir, God is demonstrating His power and authority over all nations, and reminding us of His promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:3).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Mount Seir in the Bible?
Mount Seir is another name for the land of Edom, which was a nation that often opposed Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 35:2 and also in the book of Obadiah, which prophesies against Edom for their actions against Israel (Obadiah 1:1-21).
Why does God instruct Ezekiel to prophesy against Mount Seir?
God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against Mount Seir because of their history of hostility towards Israel, and to demonstrate His power and authority over all nations, as stated in Ezekiel 35:2 and reinforced in Isaiah 40:15-17, which reminds us of God's sovereignty over all nations.
What does it mean for Ezekiel to 'set his face' against Mount Seir?
For Ezekiel to 'set his face' against Mount Seir means to confront or oppose it directly, which is a common biblical expression for determination or resolve, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-18 where Jeremiah is instructed to stand against the nations.
Is this prophecy against Mount Seir still relevant today?
While the specific prophecy against Mount Seir in Ezekiel 35:2 is historically focused on the ancient nation of Edom, the principle of God's judgment on nations that oppose His people remains relevant, as seen in Genesis 12:3 and repeated in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Joel 3:2.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in relation to those who oppose His people?
- How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet relate to our own role as witnesses for God in the world today?
- What can we learn from the example of Mount Seir about the consequences of opposing God's plans and people?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of standing against opposition to our faith in our own lives, as Ezekiel did against Mount Seir?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 35:2
Son of man set thy face against Mount Seir,.... Which had its name from Seir the Horite, who first possessed it; and was succeeded in it by Esau and his posterity, the Edomites; see Genesis 36:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 35:2
Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it, Mount Seir - i:e., Idumea (Genesis 36:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
Put thyself in a posture looking towards Mount Seir, but with a stern and menacing countenance; the phrase you meet 21:2 25:2. Mount Seir; the country for the inhabitants of it, as is usual in Scripture. This was a mountainous country, yet fruitful. It was so called from the old lord of it, Seir the Horite, or mountaineer from Hor, whose posterity were ousted of it by Esau’ s posterity, . Prophesy against it; foretell what sad things are coming on them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
Ezekiel 35:2 Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,Ver. 2. Set thy face.] Ezekiel 6:2. Against Mount Seir.] Inhabited by the Edomites. And prophesy against it.] This had been done before, but not enough. God hath a further saying to them, and that for the comfort of his poor people who might thus object. Peace and security from danger is promised us in the foregoing chapter; but we have still many deadly enemies, and none worse than our near allies and next neighbours the Edomites. Here, therefore, they are heavily threatened with utter desolation for their malignity against Israel, and their blasphemy against God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
(2) Mount Seir.—This poetical designation of the Edomites from the land which they inhabited is common in Scripture (Genesis 36:8-9; Deuteronomy 2:1; Deuteronomy 2:5; 1 Chronicles 4:42, &c.). The land included the whole mountainous region between the Dead Sea and the Elanitic Gulf, or eastern branch of the Red Sea. The earlier denunciation of the Edomites had in view their historical relations to Israel; this, on the other hand, as already said—like Isaiah 34; Isaiah 63:1-6—while still keeping this historical relation in view, regards them also as representative of the world’s hostility to the covenant people of God. This appears from the fact that the desolation of Edom, itself but a small province, is put in contrast (Ezekiel 35:14) with the rejoicing of the whole earth, and that in Ezekiel 36:5 (and generally Ezekiel 35:3-7) Edom is coupled with “the residue of the heathen.” For the phrase “set thy face against,” see Ezekiel 13:17; and on Ezekiel 35:3, comp. Ezekiel 6:14.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
Verse 2. Set thy face against Mount Seir] That is, against the Edomites. This prophecy was probably delivered about the time of the preceding, and before the destruction of Idumea by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place about five years after. Calmet supposes that two destructions of Idumea are here foretold; one by Nebuchadnezzar, and the other by the Jews after their return from their captivity.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 35:2
2. set thy face against] Cf. ch. Ezekiel 6:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 35:2
FATE OF EDOM, AND OF ISRAEL OVER THE HEATHEN BECAUSE OF THE NAME OF JEHOVAH.The most conspicuous mountain chain is here taken to represent the entire land of Edom, just as it is so used, seemingly
Sermons on Ezekiel 35:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewh |
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The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev |
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The Arab and the Jew by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the deep-rooted enmity between Arabs and Jews, emphasizing that the current crisis in Israel must be viewed through a biblical lens. He argues that Israel's stru |
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Do You Appreciate Your Pastor? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of feeding the sheep with the word of God. He mentions a book called "Walking with the Giants" by Warren Wearsby, which contain |
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Prayer, the Holy Spiirt and Boldness and David Platt by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers coming together in prayer to seek supernatural courage and boldness to share the gospel, drawing inspiration from the early churc |
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(Ephesians) the Benediction by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of gospel preaching to transform lives. He quotes Romans 10:14-15, where Paul explains the importance of hearing the message of Ch |
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Studies in Romans-10 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound impact of preaching the gospel. He highlights that every soul that is saved through the preaching of the gospel is not on |