Facing Jerusalem: A Call to Prophetic Boldness

In Ezekiel 21:2, the Lord commands, "Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel." This verse serves not only as a directive for Ezekiel, the priest and prophet, but also conveys a profound message for all believers today about the importance of obedience, the weight of prophecy, and the call to confront the realities of our world.

To understand the gravity of this command, we must consider the historical context. The nation of Israel had strayed far from the covenant that they had with God. The people had turned to idolatry, corruption, and moral decay, abandoning the principles that had once defined them as God’s chosen people. Ezekiel was living in Babylonian exile, witnessing firsthand the repercussions of their actions. In this moment of spiritual and physical desolation, God’s call to Ezekiel was one of urgency — it was time to face the realities of sin and rebellion head-on.

First, let’s reflect on what it means to “set thy face toward Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was not merely a physical location for Ezekiel; it represented the dwelling place of God among His people. It was where the Temple stood, and it was the heart of their faith and identity. By setting his face toward Jerusalem, Ezekiel was aligning himself with God’s plans and purposes. As believers today, we must also set our faces toward our spiritual Jerusalem. This means looking toward our God, our worship, and our community with a heart to bring forth His desires into the earth. It is a call to not just see the problems but to actively seek God’s presence and guidance in addressing them.

The second part of the command — “drop thy word toward the holy places” — emphasizes the responsibility that comes with prophetic declaration. Holy places are meant to be sanctuaries of purity and worship, where the Lord’s presence is revered. However, in the state of decline Israel was in, Ezekiel was charged with the difficult task of announcing judgment and calling out what was amiss. Prophecy requires boldness and clarity, especially when it involves calling out sin. As believers, we are to be heralds of truth; thus, we must not shy away from proclaiming God’s word, especially in a culture that often regards truth with skepticism or outright hostility.

Lastly, to “prophesy against the land of Israel” is a profound act of love masked in stark warning. It is easy to misinterpret such declarations as merely an expression of condemnation. However, true prophecy often arises from a place of deep concern and desire for restoration. God loved Israel, and His warnings were designed to lead them back to repentance and rededication to Him. Our modern-day prophecies must carry that same spirit of love. Confrontation, when done in truth and love, can pave the way for healing and transformation. It is about guiding hearts back to the heart of God.

In today’s world, we too face the challenges of a society that often mirrors the decline seen in Israel during Ezekiel’s time. As believers, we are called to confront sin, speak truth, and advocate for righteousness. Let us not forget that we do so not out of a desire to tear down, but out of a longing to see God’s Kingdom manifest on earth as it is in heaven. Our words, much like Ezekiel’s, should pulse with the reality of God’s love, judgement, and hope for redemption.

In conclusion, may we be inspired to set our faces toward our own Jerusalem. May we carry the weight of our call as prophets in our communities to bring forth God’s truth. And may we always remember that behind every difficult message lies the heart of a God who desires not judgment, but restoration. Let us rise to this challenge with courage and faith, knowing the Lord is with us as we navigate the complexities of our time.

Artwork for Ezekiel 21:2

Ezekiel 21:2 - "Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,"

"Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel," - Ezekiel 21:2

Ezekiel 21:7

Ezekiel 21:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 12:21 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 21:18 - "¶ The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,"

Ezekiel 21:8 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 28:21 - "Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,"

Ezekiel 21:21 - "For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver."

Ezekiel 41:21 - "The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other."

Ezekiel 21:20 - "Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced."

Ezekiel 44:21 - "Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court."

Ezekiel 47:21 - "So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel."

Ezekiel 7:21 - "And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it."

Ezekiel 27:21 - "Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants."

Ezekiel 21:6 - "Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes."

Ezekiel 21:11 - "And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer."

Ezekiel 21:13 - "Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 16:21 - "That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?"

Ezekiel 21:9 - "Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:"

Ezekiel 21:25 - "¶ And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,"

Ezekiel 21:16 - "Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set."

"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 21:1

"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 12:21

Ezekiel 21:27 - "I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him."

Ezekiel 21:21 For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the road, at the fork of the two roads, to use divination: he shakes the arrows, he consults the images, he looks at the liver.

Ezekiel 21:17 - "I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said it."

Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."

Ezekiel 43:21 - "Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary."

Ezekiel 10:21 - "Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings."