2 Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,
2 "Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel
2 "Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries.
2 "Son of man, now face Jerusalem and let the Message roll out against the Sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel.
2 "Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel;
2 "Son of man, turn and face Jerusalem and prophesy against Israel and her sanctuaries.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:2
Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17
(Read Ezekiel 21:1-17)
Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in publishing it.