Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 20 - Verse 46

In this verse, the term "Son of man" is used as a title for the prophet Ezekiel, indicating his human nature and his role as a messenger of God. Instructed to focus his attention and words on the south, Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy against the forest of the south field. The south was often associated with warmth, prosperity, and blessing in ancient Hebrew culture. By prophesying against the forest in the south field, Ezekiel is delivering a message of judgment and warning to the people in that region. The forest may symbolize strength, security, or abundance, and by speaking out against it, Ezekiel is delivering a powerful warning of impending destruction or calamity. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding the word of God. It demonstrates the role of the prophet in delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the people of Israel, urging them to turn back to God and seek forgiveness.

In this verse, the phrase "Son of man" is used in reference to the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a spokesperson for God. The instruction to "set thy face toward the south" signifies a deliberate turning of attention towards a specific direction, indicating that the message being delivered is intended for a particular audience or region. The command to "drop thy word toward the south" implies a sense of gravity and importance in the message that is to be proclaimed. The call to "prophesy against the forest of the south field" indicates that the prophecy is a warning or judgment against those in the southern region of the land. Through this verse, we see the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's ministry, as he is called to speak forth the word of God with authority and conviction, even when delivering messages of rebuke or warning.