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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 29 - Verse 2

29:2
Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:

Meaning

When the Bible instructs the Son of man to set his face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and all of Egypt, it is conveying a powerful message from God. In biblical literature, "Son of man" is often used to address a human being in a position of authority or leadership. In this context, the directive is for the individual to boldly confront the ruler of Egypt, who symbolizes power and oppression. The act of prophesying against Pharaoh and Egypt signifies a warning or rebuke from God about the consequences of their actions or the impending judgment they will face. This verse serves as a reminder that earthly rulers are not above divine judgment and that God holds all nations accountable for their actions. It also demonstrates God's sovereignty and authority over all earthly powers, emphasizing the importance of obedience and repentance. Overall, this verse serves as a call to righteousness and a reminder of God's justice in the world.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the phrase "Son of man" is used to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine nature of God. By instructing Ezekiel to set his face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, the passage highlights the prophet's role as a messenger delivering words of judgment and warning to a powerful ruler. The act of setting one's face implies a determined and unwavering commitment to deliver the message, even in the face of potential opposition or resistance. The word "prophesy" indicates that the message Ezekiel is to deliver is not his own, but comes from God Himself. The mention of Egypt symbolizes a nation known for its wealth, power, and idolatry, making it a fitting representation of pride and arrogance that needs to be humbled before God. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility prophets have to speak truth to power, even when faced with daunting circumstances.

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