Ezekiel 29:2

"Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt.

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which literally means "son of Adam" or "son of humanity." This title emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the humility and frailty of the prophet, contrasting with the divine messages he is tasked to deliver. The use of "son of man" also foreshadows the New Testament usage where Jesus refers to Himself with the same title, highlighting His identification with humanity.

set your face against
This phrase indicates a deliberate and resolute opposition. In Hebrew, "set your face" (sim panim) conveys a sense of determination and unwavering focus. It is a prophetic gesture of confrontation, signifying that the prophet is to deliver a message of judgment. This expression is used elsewhere in the Bible to denote God's firm stance against sin and rebellion, emphasizing the seriousness of the forthcoming prophecy.

Pharaoh king of Egypt
Pharaoh was the title used by the rulers of ancient Egypt. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, Egypt was a significant power in the region, often seen as a potential ally or threat to Israel. Historically, this refers to Pharaoh Hophra (Apries), who reigned during Ezekiel's time. Egypt's political and military influence is well-documented in archaeological findings, and this prophecy highlights the futility of relying on Egypt for security, as Israel often did.

and prophesy against him
The act of prophesying "against" someone indicates a message of judgment or condemnation. In the Hebrew context, prophecy is not merely foretelling the future but is a divine communication that often calls for repentance or warns of impending consequences. Ezekiel's role as a prophet is to convey God's displeasure and impending judgment on Egypt, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Pharaoh
The title for the king of Egypt, representing the political and spiritual leadership of the nation.

3. Egypt
A powerful and influential nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people.

4. Prophecy
A divine message delivered by a prophet, often concerning future events or divine judgment.

5. Judgment
The act of God bringing justice and correction, often through prophetic declarations against nations or individuals.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their leaders, and He can raise them up or bring them down according to His purposes.

The Danger of Pride and Self-Reliance
Pharaoh and Egypt symbolize human pride and reliance on worldly power, which ultimately leads to downfall when opposed to God's will.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are called to speak God's truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness to God's message.

Judgment as a Call to Repentance
God's judgments are not merely punitive but serve as calls to repentance and opportunities for nations and individuals to turn back to Him.

Historical Context and Modern Application
Understanding the historical context of biblical prophecies helps us apply their lessons to contemporary situations, recognizing the timeless nature of God's principles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Pharaoh and Egypt in Ezekiel 29:2 reflect God's sovereignty over nations, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events?

2. In what ways can pride and self-reliance lead to spiritual downfall, as seen in the example of Pharaoh and Egypt?

3. How can we apply the role of prophets in speaking truth to power in our own lives and communities today?

4. What are some modern examples of nations or leaders that might parallel the pride and opposition to God seen in Pharaoh and Egypt, and how should Christians respond?

5. How can understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's prophecies enhance our interpretation and application of these scriptures in our personal faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7-12
The plagues of Egypt, where God demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, showing a historical precedent for God's judgment against Egypt.

Isaiah 19
Another prophecy against Egypt, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to humble the proud.

Jeremiah 46
A parallel prophecy against Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's will.

Revelation 11:8
Symbolic reference to Egypt as a place of spiritual bondage, connecting to the broader biblical theme of deliverance from oppression.