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A Prophecy against Sidon
In this short prophecy, Ezekiel is told to speak against Sidon. The passage shows that the Lord Yahweh stands over nations, brings judgment, and makes himself known through what he does.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses present Yahweh’s word coming to Ezekiel with a direct command: he must turn toward Sidon and prophesy against it. The message focuses on Sidon, on Yahweh’s judgments there, and on the effect this will have for Sidon and for the house of Israel.
Ezekiel 28:20–24Main takeaway
This prophecy teaches that the Lord Yahweh declares judgment on Sidon and says that through these acts people will know that he is Yahweh.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A command to prophesy against SidonThe passage begins with Yahweh speaking to Ezekiel. He is called “son of man” and told to “set your face toward Sidon”.
Explanation
The passage begins with Yahweh speaking to Ezekiel. He is called “son of man” and told to “set your face toward Sidon”. This phrase shows focused opposition in the prophecy. Ezekiel is not asked to tell a story here, but to deliver a declared message against a city.
02Yahweh says he is against SidonThe heart of the message starts with, “Behold, I am against you, Sidon.” The Lord Yahweh says he will be glorified among Sidon and will be known there.
Explanation
The heart of the message starts with, “Behold, I am against you, Sidon.” The Lord Yahweh says he will be glorified among Sidon and will be known there. The passage links this knowledge directly to his judgments and to his being sanctified, or shown as holy, in what happens.
03Judgment described in hard termsVerse 23 describes the judgment with pestilence, blood in the streets, the wounded falling, and the sword on every side.
Explanation
Verse 23 describes the judgment with pestilence, blood in the streets, the wounded falling, and the sword on every side. These are sober prophetic words about disaster and death. The repeated result is clear: “Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” The emphasis stays on who Yahweh is.
04Relief for the house of IsraelThe final verse turns to the house of Israel. Yahweh says there will no longer be a “pricking brier” or a “hurting thorn” from those around Israel who scorned them.
Explanation
The final verse turns to the house of Israel. Yahweh says there will no longer be a “pricking brier” or a “hurting thorn” from those around Israel who scorned them. The image speaks of painful trouble from surrounding scorners. Again, the conclusion is recognition of his identity: “they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What is Ezekiel specifically told to do toward Sidon?
Look for the command words in the opening lines and notice that the task is to face Sidon and prophesy against it.
02According to this prophecy, what repeated outcome will follow Yahweh’s judgments?
The same sentence pattern appears after the statements about judgment, so watch for the repeated words about what people will know.
03How does the final verse describe the effect on the house of Israel?
Notice the picture language of a brier and a thorn, and connect it with the statement that this trouble from surrounding scorners will stop.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 28:20–24
20Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
21“Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it,
22and say, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Behold, I am against you, Sidon. I will be glorified among you. Then they will know that I am Yahweh, when I have executed judgments in her, and am sanctified in her.
23For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets. The wounded will fall within her, with the sword on her on every side. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.
24“ ‘ “There will no longer be a pricking brier to the house of Israel, nor a hurting thorn of any that are around them that scorned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.”