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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 20:46 "Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/20-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/26_Ezk_20_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 20:46 - A Prophecy Against the South" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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preach against the south and prophesy against the forest of the southland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Son of man, turn and face the south and speak out against it; prophesy against the brushlands of the Negev.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the southland; preach against the south, and prophesy against the forest land in the Negeb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop <i>thy word</i> toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the south; preach against the south and prophesy against the forest land, the South,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the south, and speak prophetically against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Son of man, set your face toward Teman, and speak out against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward Teman, and speak out against the south, and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward Teman and speak, dripping out <i>words</i>, against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward Teman, and speak out against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev (the South),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Ezekiel, son of man, turn toward the south and warn the forests <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Son of man, turn to the south, preach against the south, and prophesy against the forest in the Negev.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Mortal man," he said, "look toward the south. Speak against the south and prophesy against the forest of the south. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Son of Man, turn to the south and oppose it, talking toward the south. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Son of man, turn toward the south, and speak out against the south. Prophesy against the open scrub land of the Negev,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face towards the south, and drop thy word towards the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the south, and preach toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the south. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face the way of Teman, and prophesy to the south, and prophesy to the forest of the field—the south;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Son of man, set thy face the way of Teman, and prophesy unto the south, and prophesy unto the forest of the field -- the south;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face the way of the south, and drop to the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face against the way of the south, and drop towards the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face against the way of the south, and pour in drops toward Africa, and prophesy against the forest of the field of the meridian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, turn your face to the south: preach against the south, prophesy against the forest land in the south.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Mortal, set your face toward the south, preach against the south, and prophesy against the forest land in the Negeb;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, set your face toward the south, and look southward and prophesy against the forest which is in the south;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face toward the road of the south, and gaze to the south, and prophesy over the forest that is in the south<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face toward the South, and preach toward the South, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Son of man, set thy face against Thaeman, and look toward Darom, and prophesy against the chief forest of Nageb,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5568" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">A Prophecy Against the South</a></span><br><span class="reftext">45</span>Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, <span class="reftext">46</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“Son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śîm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">set</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·ne·ḵā (N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">your face</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/8486.htm" title="8486: tê·mā·nāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- South, south wind. Or teman; denominative from yamiyn; the south.">the south,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5197.htm" title="5197: wə·haṭ·ṭêp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to ooze, i.e. Distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration.">preach</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1864.htm" title="1864: dā·rō·wm (N-ms) -- The south. Of uncertain derivation; the south; poet. The south wind.">it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5012.htm" title="5012: wə·hin·nā·ḇê (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To prophesy. A primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. Speak by inspiration.">and prophesy</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3293.htm" title="3293: ya·‘ar (N-msc) -- From an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb.">the forest</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5045.htm" title="5045: ne·ḡeḇ (N-proper-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to be parched; the south; specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt.">of the Negev.</a> </span><span class="reftext">47</span>Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a></span><br />Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-14.htm">Jeremiah 21:14</a></span><br />I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a></span><br />In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Jeremiah 22:7</a></span><br />I will appoint destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut down the choicest of your cedars and throw them into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-24.htm">Isaiah 37:24</a></span><br />Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-22.htm">Jeremiah 46:22-23</a></span><br />Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. / They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-13.htm">Isaiah 2:13</a></span><br />against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-31.htm">Jeremiah 50:31-32</a></span><br />“Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, “for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. / The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-33.htm">Isaiah 30:33</a></span><br />For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-58.htm">Jeremiah 51:58</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Babylon’s thick walls will be leveled, and her high gates consumed by fire. So the labor of the people will be for nothing; the nations will exhaust themselves to fuel the flames.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a></span><br />The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a></span><br />The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/8-7.htm">Revelation 8:7</a></span><br />Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-4.htm">Revelation 9:4</a></span><br />They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a></span><br />Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;</p><p class="hdg">set</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/4-7.htm">Ezekiel 4:7</a></b></br> Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm <i>shall be</i> uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/6-2.htm">Ezekiel 6:2</a></b></br> Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them,</p><p class="hdg">toward.</p><p class="hdg">and drop</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Ezekiel 21:2</a></b></br> Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop <i>thy word</i> toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-2.htm">Deuteronomy 32:2</a></b></br> My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-22.htm">Job 29:22</a></b></br> After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/13-19.htm">Jeremiah 13:19</a></b></br> The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open <i>them</i>: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Jeremiah 22:7</a></b></br> And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast <i>them</i> into the fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/11-1.htm">Zechariah 11:1,2</a></b></br> Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/45-8.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-25.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-35.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-24.htm">Field</a> <a href="/ezekiel/15-6.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-13.htm">Negeb</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-13.htm">Negev</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-17.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-10.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-46.htm">South</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-1.htm">Southland</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-20.htm">Teman</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-21.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-24.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-45.htm">Word</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-6.htm">Field</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-19.htm">Negeb</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-19.htm">Negev</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">South</a> <a href="/joshua/15-19.htm">Southland</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-13.htm">Teman</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-16.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Word</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">God refuses to be consulted by the elders of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-4.htm">He shows the story of their rebellions in Egypt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-19.htm">in the desert</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">and in the land</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">He promises to gather them by the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">45. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-45.htm">Under the name of a forest he shows the destruction of Jerusalem</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Son of man</b><br>This phrase is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator of divine messages. The term "Son of man" is also used in the New Testament, notably by Jesus Christ to refer to Himself, indicating His role as the representative human and the fulfillment of prophetic roles.<p><b>Set your face toward the south</b><br>The direction "south" here refers to the southern kingdom of Judah, which was facing impending judgment. Setting one's face implies determination and focus, indicating that Ezekiel is to direct his attention and message specifically to this region. This phrase is reminiscent of other prophetic instructions where prophets are told to direct their messages toward specific locations or peoples, such as Jonah being sent to Nineveh.<p><b>Preach against it</b><br>The act of preaching against the south signifies delivering a message of warning and impending judgment. Prophets were often tasked with delivering difficult messages that called for repentance and warned of consequences for disobedience. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God sending prophets to call His people back to faithfulness.<p><b>And prophesy against the forest of the Negev</b><br>The "forest of the Negev" is a metaphorical reference to the people and leaders of Judah, with the Negev being a desert region in the southern part of Israel. Forests in prophetic literature often symbolize nations or peoples, and the use of "forest" here may indicate the density and complexity of the society or its leaders. The Negev's geographical location underscores the focus on the southern kingdom. This prophecy against the Negev is part of a larger narrative of judgment that includes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, events that are pivotal in biblical history and foreshadow the ultimate judgment and restoration themes found in the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_south.htm">The South</a></b><br>Refers to the southern kingdom of Judah, which is the focus of God's judgment in this passage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_forest_of_the_negev.htm">The Forest of the Negev</a></b><br>Symbolic of the people of Judah. The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel, and the "forest" metaphorically represents the inhabitants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a></b><br>The act of delivering God's message, often concerning future events or divine judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a></b><br>The theme of this passage, where God is pronouncing His impending judgment on Judah for their disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>God's call to Ezekiel to prophesy against Judah highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience leads to judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_prophet.htm">The Role of a Prophet</a></b><br>Prophets are called to deliver God's truth, even when it is difficult. This challenges us to speak truth in love, regardless of the consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_in_prophecy.htm">Symbolism in Prophecy</a></b><br>Understanding the symbolic language in prophecy helps us grasp the depth of God's messages. The "forest of the Negev" symbolizes the people, showing how God uses imagery to communicate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While this passage focuses on judgment, it is a reminder of God's justice. However, throughout Scripture, God's mercy is also evident, offering hope for repentance and restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The warnings to Judah serve as a call to repentance. We are reminded to examine our lives and turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'by_my_spirit'_mean.htm">Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_there_temple_ruins_with_separate_gates.htm">Ezekiel 46:9 mandates worshipers to enter and exit by different gates; is there any archaeological trace of such an architectural arrangement in known temple ruins?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_destroy_both_justly.htm">In Ezekiel 21:3-4, how can God threaten to destroy both the righteous and the wicked without contradicting other texts that portray Him as just?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_god_create_hell.htm">Did God create the realm known as hell?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 46.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Drop thy word.</span> The verb is used specially of prophetic utterances (<a href="/ezekiel/21-2.htm">Ezekiel 21:2</a>; <a href="/amos/7-6.htm">Amos 7:6</a>; <a href="/micah/2-6.htm">Micah 2:6, 11</a>), and stands, therefore, in the Hebrew without an object. Toward the south. Three distinct words are used in the Hebrew for the thrice-repeated "south" of the Authorized Version. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> One which primarily means "the region on the right hand," <span class="accented">sc</span>. as a man looks to the east. which Ezekiel also uses in <a href="/ezekiel/47-19.htm">Ezekiel 47:19</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/48-28.htm">Ezekiel 48:28</a>); <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> the "shining land," used repeatedly in <a href="/ezekiel/40.htm">Ezekiel 40, 42</a>. (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-23.htm">Deuteronomy 33:23</a>; <a href="/job/37-17.htm">Job 37:17</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:6</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:3</a>); and <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> the <span class="accented">Negeb</span>, the "dry" or "parched" land, the South (always in Revised Version with a capital letter), of <a href="/joshua/15-21.htm">Joshua 15:21</a>, and the historical books generally, the region lying to the south of Judah. The use of the three words where one might have sacrificed is, perhaps, characteristic of Ezekiel's affluence of diction. The LXX. treats all three as proper names, and transliterates them as <span class="accented">Thaiman, Darom</span>, and <span class="accented">N'ageb</span>. Against this region and its inhabitants (they, of course, are the "trees") Ezekiel is directed to utter his words of judgment. The parenthesis in the last sentence gives the key to the prophet's cypher writing. From Ezekiel's standpoint on the Chebar, the whole of Judah is as <span class="cmt_word">the forest of the south</span>. The "green tree," as in <a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1, 2</a>, is the man who is relatively righteous; the "dry tree" is the sinner whose true life is withered; the "fire" the devastation wrought by the Chaldean invaders, as executing the Divine judgment. In our Lord's words in <a href="/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31</a> we may probably find an echo of Ezekiel's imagery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of man,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(pā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">toward the south,</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּימָ֔נָה</span> <span class="translit">(tê·mā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8486.htm">Strong's 8486: </a> </span><span class="str2">South, south wind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">preach</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַטֵּ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(wə·haṭ·ṭêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5197.htm">Strong's 5197: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּר֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(dā·rō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1864.htm">Strong's 1864: </a> </span><span class="str2">The south, poet, the south wind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and prophesy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנָּבֵ֛א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nā·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prophesy, speak, by inspiration</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the forest</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֥עַר</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3293.htm">Strong's 3293: </a> </span><span class="str2">A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Negev.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶֽגֶב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ne·ḡeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5045.htm">Strong's 5045: </a> </span><span class="str2">South country, the Negeb, south</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/20-46.htm">Ezekiel 20:46 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/20-46.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:46 Son of man set your face toward (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/20-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:47" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>