Ezekiel 28:21
"Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against her.
Son of man
This phrase is a common designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the contrast between the divine message and the human messenger. The term "son of man" is also significant in the New Testament, where it is frequently used by Jesus to refer to Himself, emphasizing His incarnation and role as the representative human.

set your face against Sidon
Sidon was an ancient Phoenician city located in modern-day Lebanon. It was known for its wealth, trade, and influence in the region. Setting one's face against a city implies a determined opposition and a pronouncement of judgment. This phrase indicates that God is directing Ezekiel to focus his prophetic message specifically against Sidon, highlighting the city's impending judgment due to its sins and idolatry. Historically, Sidon was often in conflict with Israel and was known for its pagan practices, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

and prophesy against her
The act of prophesying against Sidon involves delivering a divine message of judgment. Prophecy in the biblical context is not merely foretelling the future but also forth-telling God's truth and intentions. This command to prophesy against Sidon aligns with the broader theme in Ezekiel of God's judgment against nations that opposed Israel or engaged in idolatry and immorality. The prophetic message serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, reflecting God's justice and mercy. This judgment against Sidon can be seen as part of the larger narrative of God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel and surrounding nations during the Babylonian exile.

2. Sidon
An ancient Phoenician city located in modern-day Lebanon, known for its wealth and commerce. It was often associated with idolatry and opposition to God's people.

3. Prophecy
A divine message delivered by a prophet, often concerning future events or divine judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Sidon demonstrates God's control over all nations, not just Israel. He holds every nation accountable for their actions.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Sidon's wealth and idolatry led to its downfall. This serves as a warning against placing trust in material wealth and false gods.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's task to prophesy against Sidon highlights the responsibility of God's messengers to speak truth, even when it is difficult or directed at powerful entities.

Judgment and Hope
While the prophecy is one of judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's desire for nations to turn back to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Sidon in Ezekiel 28:21 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events?

2. In what ways can the downfall of Sidon serve as a warning against pride and idolatry in our personal lives and communities?

3. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet challenge us to speak truth in our own contexts, even when it is unpopular or difficult?

4. Considering the broader biblical account, how does God's judgment against nations like Sidon demonstrate both His justice and His mercy?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 28:21 to our interactions with those who may be opposed to God's ways, and what other scriptures can guide us in this endeavor?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre and Sidon, highlighting their pride and eventual downfall.

Jeremiah 25:22
Jeremiah includes Sidon in the list of nations that will face God's judgment, emphasizing the widespread nature of divine retribution.

Joel 3:4
The prophet Joel mentions Sidon in the context of God's judgment against nations that have wronged Israel, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.
God Glorified in the Execution of JudgmentW. Jones Ezekiel 28:20-24
The End of Divine JudgmentW. Clarkson Ezekiel 28:20-26
People
Daniel, Ezekiel, Jacob, Zidon
Places
Sidon, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Tyre
Topics
Face, Prophesy, Prophet, Sidon, Towards, Zidon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 28:20-24

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Library
Palm Sunday
Text: Philippians 2, 5-11. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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