Ezekiel 29:2-3
“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt; speak, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his streams, that says, ‘My Nile is my own; I made it for myself.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read "set your face against Pharaoh" as simply a directive to criticize him. However, this phrase carries a deeper, more confrontational weight, implying a determined and unyielding opposition, much like confronting a formidable enemy with unwavering resolve. The prophet isn't just speaking about Pharaoh, but directly to him and against him, preparing for a battle of divine pronouncements.
The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to pronounce judgment not just on Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, but on the entire nation, which prided itself on its power derived from the Nile. This Pharaoh, Hophra, was known for his overconfidence and military successes, believing his kingdom was untouchable. Ezekiel's prophecy comes at a time when Egypt felt secure in its might, making the impending judgment particularly stark.
Why does God tell Ezekiel to 'set your face' against Pharaoh? It's not just a casual instruction; it's a powerful, intentional act.
A Focused Confrontation
The phrase 'set your face against' (Hebrew: 'shet paneykha el) in this context is a powerful, deliberate command. It implies a steadfast, unwavering focus and intent directed squarely at the target. God isn't asking Ezekiel to casually mention Egypt; He's calling for a direct, confrontational stance.
This isn't just about a verbal prophecy; it's about aligning Ezekiel's entire being with God's judgment. Think of it like aiming a spotlight with absolute precision – there's no wavering, no distraction, just pure focus on the object of prophecy.
This intense focus underscores the seriousness of God's message and the impending judgment. Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, and his entire nation are about to face the undeniable attention of the Most High.
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God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy not just against Pharaoh, but 'against all Egypt.' What does this tell us about divine justice?
Collective Consequence
The prophecy isn't solely aimed at the king. God explicitly includes 'all Egypt.' This broadens the scope of judgment, indicating that the nation bears responsibility for its actions, its pride, and its opposition to God's people.
Pharaoh, as the ruler, symbolizes Egypt's power and arrogance. His downfall is intrinsically linked to the fate of the nation he leads. When a leader embodies the sins of a nation – like boasting, oppression, or idolatry – the judgment can extend to the entire populace.
This teaches us that national identity and actions have consequences. While individuals are responsible for their own sin, a nation's collective path can invite widespread divine displeasure and judgment.
The name 'Pharaoh' itself carries potent symbolism. What does this ancient title reveal about Egypt's self-perception and God's perspective?
The Crocodile King
Scholars note that 'Pharaoh' likely meant 'great house,' but it also carried associations with the 'crocodile.' The crocodile was a powerful symbol in ancient Egypt, representing the might and dominion associated with the Nile River.
This king, Pharaoh-hophra (or Apries), was known for his pride and his belief that his power, derived from the fertile Nile, was absolute and divinely sanctioned. He boasted that even a god couldn't depose him. This self-deification and immense pride set him up for a devastating fall.
God uses this very symbolism in His prophetic confrontation. By targeting the 'Pharaoh,' God is symbolically attacking the very source of Egypt's perceived power and arrogance – its connection to the Nile and its self-proclaimed divine authority. The 'river dragon' would be tamed.
Understand the original words
ben 'adam · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title often used for the prophet Ezekiel, highlighting his humanity and frailty in contrast to the majesty and holiness of God. It emphasizes the prophet's role as a representative of mankind before God and God's messenger to man.
Par'oh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title for the monarch of Egypt, symbolizing pride, worldly power, and often opposition to God’s people. In prophetic literature, it represents the arrogance of human empires that exalt themselves against the sovereignty of the Creator.
naba' · Hebrew Verb
To declare a message from God to humanity, acting as His spokesperson. It involves announcing God’s will, calling for repentance, or declaring coming judgment and deliverance.
Adonay Yahweh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A Hebrew title for God (Adonai Yahweh) that emphasizes His absolute authority, sovereignty, and rule over all creation as Master and Lord.
tannin · Hebrew Noun
A mythological or symbolic creature often representing chaos, demonic power, or an oppressive, tyrannical empire. In biblical imagery, it portrays the hostile, sea-dwelling powers that God ultimately masters and judges.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Pharaoh Hophra was delivered during a period of intense geopolitical turmoil, as Babylon's power grew and Egypt's influence waned. The prophecy highlights Egypt's arrogance and foreshadows its eventual subjugation, a stark contrast to its former might.
c. 589 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem
While Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his final siege of Jerusalem, Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt makes a military expedition to aid Judah. However, the Egyptian forces are forced to retreat, leaving Jerusalem to fall.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem falls to Nebuchadnezzar, its Temple is destroyed, and many Judeans are exiled to Babylon. Pharaoh Hophra's earlier intervention proved futile.
c. 570 BC
Rebellion Against Hophra
After his failed military campaigns and perceived weakness, Pharaoh Hophra faces a revolt led by his general Amasis. Amasis gains popular support and eventually overthrows Hophra.
c. 567 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Intervenes in Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invades Egypt, possibly to secure his influence or to quell Egyptian resistance. He helps Amasis solidify his rule, leading to a period of Egyptian subservience to Babylon.
This passage uses the same phrase, 'set your face against,' to indicate a direct confrontation and prophetic judgment directed towards a specific region and its people.
Jeremiah 44:30This verse names Pharaoh-hophra, the same king of Egypt Ezekiel is prophesying against, showing the continuity of God's message across prophetic voices regarding Egypt's fate.
Isaiah 19:1-4This prophecy details God's judgment against Egypt, highlighting the downfall of its king and the resulting instability and vulnerability of the nation, mirroring Ezekiel's message.
Psalm 74:12-17This psalm recounts God's powerful acts of creation and deliverance, specifically mentioning His might in dividing the sea and crushing the heads of the 'sea monsters,' which parallels the imagery used in Ezekiel to describe God's power over Egypt and its king, often symbolized as a river dragon or monster.
clarkeEzekiel 29:2: "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:"
Set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt - This was Pharaoh-hophra or Pharaoh-apries, whom we have so frequently met with in the prophecies of Jeremiah, and much of whose history has been given in the notes.
pooleEzekiel 29:2: "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:"
Set thy face: see Ezekiel 20:46 21:2 . Pharaoh; Hophra, as the Scripture styles him, Jeremiah 44:30 ; the Greek authors call him Apries, and Vaphres: most like he was grandson to Necho, who slew Josiah in fight, 2 Chronicles 35:23,24 . Prophesy against him; in prophetic style and authority declare what shall be done to him in his person. All Egypt; the whole multitude of Egyp…
It's easy to read "set your face against Pharaoh" as simply a directive to criticize him. However, this phrase carries a deeper, more confrontational weight, implying a determined and unyielding opposition, much like confronting a formidable enemy with unwavering resolve. The prophet isn't just speaking about Pharaoh, but directly to him and against him, preparing for a battle of divine pronouncements.
The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to pronounce judgment not just on Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, but on the entire nation, which prided itself on its power derived from the Nile. This Pharaoh, Hophra, was known for his overconfidence and military successes, believing his kingdom was untouchable. Ezekiel's prophecy comes at a time when Egypt felt secure in its might, making the impending judgment particularly stark.
The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to pronounce judgment not just on Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, but on the entire nation, which prided itself on its power derived from the Nile. This Pharaoh, Hophra, was known for his overconfidence and military successes, believing his kingdom was untouchable. Ezekiel's prophecy comes at a time when Egypt felt secure in its might, making the impending judgment particularly stark.
"“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt; speak, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD:
“Behold, I am against you,
Pharaoh king of Egypt,
the great dragon that lies…" — It's easy to read "set your face against Pharaoh" as simply a directive to criticize him. However, this phrase carries a deeper, more confrontational weight, implying a determined and unyielding oppo…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.