Ezekiel 28:20-24 · Bible study
Ezekiel 28:20-24 Commentary: Why Sidon? Judgment & Security
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Ezekiel's separate oracle against Sidon serves as the seventh and final judgment on Israel's neighbors, clearing the way for restoration.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God judges Sidon to display His holiness and remove a source of temptation and hostility from Israel, leading both nations to recognize Yahweh.
- Key words: “pricking brier” and “hurting thorn” (v.24; metaphors for hostile nations that ensnare and wound), “glorified” and “sanctified” (v.22; God’s self-demonstration through judgment).
- Main debate: Whether the removal of the briers occurred fully in the post-exilic period or awaits eschatological fulfillment.
- Theological theme: God’s glory is revealed through both judgment and deliverance; He clears obstacles for His people to dwell securely.
- Best use: To teach that God’s judgment serves a redemptive purpose, vindicating His holiness and preparing a safe place for His people to flourish.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
20Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
21“Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against her.
22And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her.
23I will send a plague against her and shed blood in her streets; the slain will fall within her, while the sword is against her on every side. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
24For the people of Israel will no longer face a pricking brier or a painful thorn from all around them who treat them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.’
WEB World English Bible 2000
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.”
KJV King James Version 1769
20Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
21Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,
22And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
23For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the Lord.
24And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord God.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
20And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
21Son of man, set thy face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it,
22and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, O Sidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
23For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of her, with the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.
24And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor a hurting thorn of any that are round about them, that did despite unto them; and they shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
20And there is a word of Jehovah unto me, saying,
21`Son of man, set thy face unto Zidon, and prophesy concerning it;
22and thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I am against thee, O Zidon, And I have been honoured in thy midst, And they have known that I am Jehovah, In My doing in her judgments, And I have been sanctified in her.
23And I have sent into her pestilence, And blood into her out-places, The wounded hath been judged in her midst, By the sword upon her round about, And they have known that I am Jehovah.
24And there is no more to the house of Israel A pricking brier, and paining thorn, Of all round about them--despising them, And they have known that I am the Lord Jehovah.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
20And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
21Son of man, set thy face towards Zidon, and prophesy against it,
22and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, Zidon, and I will be glorified in the midst of thee; and they shall know that I [am] Jehovah, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be hallowed in her.
23And I will send into her the pestilence, and blood in her streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of her, by the sword upon her on every side: and they shall know that I [am] Jehovah.
24And there shall be no more a wounding sting for the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn, among all that were round about them, that despised them: and they shall know that I [am] the Lord Jehovah.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
20And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
21Son of man, set thy face against Sidon: and thou shalt prophesy of it,
22And shalt say: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I come against thee, Sidon, and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall execute judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
23And I will send into her pestilence, and blood in her streets: and they shall fall being slain by the sword on all sides in the midst thereof: and they shall know that I am the Lord.
24And the house of Israel shall have no more a stumblingblock of bitterness, nor a thorn causing pain on every side round about them, of them that are against them: and they shall know that I am the Lord God.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that this brief oracle against Sidon completes the cycle of judgments against seven nations surrounding Israel (Keil & Delitzsch). Sidon was more ancient than Tyre and, according to Barnes, its primary offense against Israel was promoting idolatry, most famously through Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31). Matthew Henry notes that God’s glory is the central purpose: “I will be glorified in the midst of thee.” The judgment serves to demonstrate God’s holiness and power, leading both Sidon and Israel to “know that I am Yahweh.” Verse 24 then pivots to promise: the “pricking brier” and “hurting thorn”, metaphors for hostile nations (Clarke, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown), will be removed so that Israel can dwell securely. This transition, as Cambridge Bible observes, explains why judgments on the nations precede the restoration promises in 28:25-26.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Historical fulfillment view: Relies on the record of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Sidon and later destruction by Artaxerxes Ochus (Barnes, Clarke).
- Eschatological / typological view: Points to the full removal of all hostile powers at the end of days (Wesley, Gill, and some Reformed traditions).
What is clear: God will glorify Himself by judging those who oppose His people and will remove all sources of harm so that Israel may know Him as Lord.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Sidon's role in Israel's history | Sidon was a source of idolatrous influence, especially through Jezebel, and was judged for that offense. | Clarke and Barnes emphasize historical seduction to idolatry; Gill extends this typologically to antichristian powers in the end times. |
| Fulfillment of the judgment | Sidon was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (and later by Artaxerxes Ochus), fulfilling the prophecy in part. | Wesley and Gill argue for a future, fuller fulfillment (perhaps eschatological), while Keil & Delitzsch see the prediction as complete in ancient history. |
| The 'pricking brier' (v.24) | It refers metaphorically to hostile nations or influences that caused Israel pain and led them into sin. | Some (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Clarke) link it to the Canaanite nations left in the land (Numbers 33:55); others (Lange) see it as a general metaphor for any adversary. |
| Connection to Israel's restoration | Verse 24 sets the stage for the promise of gathering and security in vv.25-26; God's judgment on the nations enables Israel's peace. | The nature of that security: literal dwelling in the land (historical Israel) or a spiritual peace for the church (some Christian interpreters apply it this way). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Sidon (modern Saida) was the original metropolis of Phoenicia, dating back to Genesis 10:15 where Canaan is named its father. Though Tyre later surpassed it in power and commerce, Sidon remained a persistent influence, especially its religious practices. The worship of Ashtaroth and Tammuz (Adonis) infected Israel repeatedly (Judges 10:6; 1 Kings 11:33; Ezekiel 8:14). The most notorious example was Jezebel, who actively promoted Baal worship and persecuted Yahweh’s prophets (1 Kings 18).
Ezekiel delivers this oracle as part of a series against seven nations (Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt), each receiving a divine word of judgment. Keil & Delitzsch argue that Sidon is included specifically to reach the number seven, a symbol of completeness. The judgments clear the land of spiritual and political enemies, preparing for Israel’s restoration (vv.25-26). Historically, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Sidon sometime after Tyre’s fall (Clarke), though the city revived later before being destroyed again by Artaxerxes Ochus. The point is not a single conquest but God’s larger purpose: to vindicate His holiness among the nations and to secure His people.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Ezekiel 28:20-24. The wording is stable across Hebrew manuscripts and the ancient versions (LXX, Syriac). Minor differences in modern translations reflect interpretive decisions (e.g., “pricking brier” vs. “stumblingblock of bitterness”) rather than textual corruption.
Reception History
The prophecy against Sidon has been read consistently as part of Ezekiel’s cycle against the nations. Early church fathers like Jerome saw in Sidon a type of worldly wisdom and pride that must be humbled by God. In Protestant tradition, Gill applied the passage to the Roman Church (antichristian states), while Matthew Henry and Keil framed it as God’s righteous judgment that clears the way for Israel’s restoration. More recently, commentators emphasize the literary role of Sidon as the seventh nation, completing the judgment series. The pastoral use has focused on the promise that God removes every “thorn” that harms His people, giving hope amid opposition.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God confronts the source of seduction. Sidon represents not just a political enemy but the religious and moral corruption that led Israel astray. The oracle shows God removing what tempts His people.
- God’s glory is revealed through judgment. The repeated phrase “I will be glorified” and “sanctified in her” ties judgment to God’s reputation. He acts not in petty revenge but to display His holy character.
- Security comes after the thorns are gone. Verse 24 promises that the “pricking brier” and “hurting thorn” will be no more. This is not simply a promise of peace but of a cleansed environment where God’s people can flourish.
Five-point outline
- The word of the Lord arrives (v.20), God speaks directly into the historical moment.
- Set your face against Sidon (v.21), A call to confront, not avoid, the source of trouble.
- Judgment and glory intertwined (vv.22-23), Pestilence, blood, and the sword become the stage for divine honor.
- The brier and thorn removed (v.24), What once caused pain and bitterness is eliminated.
- Then they will know the Lord Yahweh (v.24), The ultimate goal: recognition of God’s sovereignty by all.
Illustration hooks
- Overgrown path. A walker is constantly scratched by thorn bushes along a trail. When the thorns are cut back, the path becomes safe and pleasant. The judgment on Sidon is like God clearing the path for His people.
- Chronic annoyance removed. Think of a dripping faucet or a loose screw that you keep meaning to fix. The constant irritation eats away at peace. God’s removal of Sidon ends a long-standing source of spiritual irritation for Israel.
- Reputation restored. A homeowner whose property is neglected becomes known for it. After he clears the overgrowth and repairs the fence, neighbors see him differently. God’s actions make His holiness visible.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God allow hostile people or circumstances to persist for so long before removing them?
- How can I recognize the “thorns” in my own life that need to be cleared away?
- What does it mean for God to be “glorified” through difficult events?
Leading a Discussion
Ezekiel 28:20-24 shows that God’s judgments against Israel’s neighbours are not random acts of violence. They serve a clear purpose: to display His holiness and to clear the way for His people to live in security. This passage invites us to think about how God deals with the threats and temptations that surround us.
Discussion questions
- Read verses 20-22. Why do you think God tells Ezekiel to “set your face” against Sidon? What does this phrase convey about determination?
- Verse 22 says God will be “glorified” and “sanctified” through judgment. In what ways does judgment reveal God’s character? Can you think of other Bible examples?
- The “pricking brier” and “hurting thorn” in verse 24 are metaphors. What do they suggest about the experience of Israel under the influence of neighbouring nations?
- How does the promise of removal in verse 24 connect to the larger hope of restoration in chapter 28:25-26?
- In what ways might God remove “thorns” from our lives today, whether people, habits, or circumstances? How do we cooperate with that work?
- Verse 24 ends with “then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.” Why is knowledge of God the ultimate goal, even more than peace or safety?
- How does this passage challenge the idea that God is indifferent to the suffering of His people?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 10:15 | Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth, |
| Isaiah 23:2 | Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon that pass over the sea have replenished. |
| Isaiah 23:4 | Be ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, “I have not travailed, nor given birth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins.” |
| Isaiah 23:12 | He said, “You shall rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, pass over to Kittim. Even there you will have no rest.” |
| Jeremiah 25:22 | and all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the isle which is beyond the sea; |
| Jeremiah 27:3 | Then send them to the king of Edom, to the king of Moab, to the king of the children of Ammon, to the king of Tyre, and to the king of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. |
| Jeremiah 47:4 | because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains; for Yahweh will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor. |
| Ezekiel 6:2 | “Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy to them, |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
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What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that Sidon once held maritime supremacy over Phoenicia, with Tyre as its colony, but was probably conquered by the Chaldeans shortly after Tyre fell. He sees the promise of no more "pricking brier" as the removal of idolatrous temptations from Israel, specifically citing Jezebel, the Sidonian queen who led Israel into
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that Zidon was older than Tyre but always played a lesser role, and its specific evil was seducing Israel into idolatry, as Jezebel did. He also observes that the phrase about being glorified can be understood as God getting glory or showing Himself holy.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
These judgments on Sidon and every nation hostile to Israel serve one great purpose: God brings all calamities and revolutions, and guides Israel's fortunes, so that He alone may be known as the true God to all mankind. The repeated phrase "know that I am the Lord" is no empty formula.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill reads Zidon as a type of the antichristian powers allied with Rome. God's judgments against the city are not aimed at conversion but at displaying His justice, so that even the wicked must acknowledge who He is. He sees these prophecies fulfilled both historically and in the future destruction of Rome's allies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB highlights that Zidon infected Israel with its idolatry of Ashtaroth and Tammuz more than Tyre did, citing Jezebel as a Zidonian daughter. The nations left in Canaan, including Zidon, acted as a brier that first enticed Israel into sin, then became the instrument of God's bitter punishment.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch observes that the prophecy against Sidon is intentionally brief and general, included mainly to bring the number of condemned nations to a symbolic seven. The promise for Israel that follows is linked antithetically to the judgments: God sanctifies Himself through judgment on Sidon, and through blessing when He gathers His people.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley stresses that the judgments pronounced against Zidon and Israel's other neighbors have not yet been completely fulfilled. He interprets the "pricking briar" as these troublesome bordering nations and insists the prophecy will certainly come to pass because Scripture cannot be broken.