Ezekiel 15 1

Ezekiel 15:1 kjv

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 15:1 nkjv

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Ezekiel 15:1 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 15:1 esv

And the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 15:1 nlt

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 15 verses

Ezekiel 15 1 Meaning

Ezekiel 15:1 introduces a new divine message delivered to the prophet Ezekiel. It signals the beginning of a fresh prophetic utterance directly from God, underscoring its supreme authority and the certainty of the message that follows. This verse functions as a common formula in prophetic literature, indicating that the subsequent communication is not Ezekiel’s own thought or human speculation, but a direct revelation from YHWH, the covenant God. It emphasizes divine initiative in communicating with humanity, particularly during a critical period of exile for the people of Judah.

Ezekiel 15 1 Context

Ezekiel 15:1 appears in the book of Ezekiel, written during the Babylonian exile. The prophet Ezekiel, a priest, was called by God to deliver messages to the exiled Judahites. The preceding chapters (Ezekiel 12-14) dealt with Jerusalem's impending doom, the unfaithfulness of its inhabitants, false prophets, and the inevitability of judgment, despite pleas for intercession. Ezekiel 14:12-23 particularly highlighted that even if righteous figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job were in Jerusalem, they could only save themselves, not the city. Chapter 15 then immediately follows, beginning a new, concise prophetic message. This chapter presents a short, pointed parable of a worthless vine branch, symbolizing Jerusalem. The "word of the Lord came to me" formula signals a distinct shift in discourse, moving from the prior, often complex and symbolic acts and messages of impending destruction to a more direct and illustrative judgment on Jerusalem's perceived intrinsic worth. It is a critical statement of divine assessment after the final rejection of pleas for mercy.

Ezekiel 15 1 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְהִי - va·ye·hi): This Hebrew conjunction literally means "And it was," or "And it came to pass." It serves as a common narrative connector, introducing the next event or development. In a prophetic book like Ezekiel, it regularly marks the beginning of a new oracle or divine communication, signaling a continuation of God's interaction with the prophet, even if there's a shift in subject or tone. It emphasizes the sequential unfolding of God's revelation.
• the word (דְּבַר - devar): Refers to the "speech," "message," "command," or "declaration" of God. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a king's word carried immense authority and executive power. When applied to God, devar YHWH signifies ultimate authority, truthfulness, and often, an active, potent force that brings things into being or into judgment (as seen in Ps 33:6 and Isa 55:11). It is not mere information but divine utterance with a will behind it.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the ineffable covenant name of God, often translated "LORD" (all caps) in English Bibles. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with Israel. By explicitly stating "of YHWH," the verse underlines that the source of the message is not human but the sovereign, faithful God who both establishes and keeps His promises, including those of judgment and restoration. This is crucial for establishing the authenticity and immutability of the message.
• came (not explicitly one word in Hebrew, rather implied by the structure va·ye·hi devar YHWH elai): The phrase implies the action of coming or happening to. It denotes God's active, intentional outreach. It highlights that the divine message is not sought by the prophet but is initiated and delivered by God. The message reaches its intended recipient without fail.
• to me (אֵלַי - ʾelai): Directly identifies Ezekiel as the recipient of the divine message. It underscores the personal and specific nature of God's communication with His chosen messenger. This is not a general broadcast but a particular entrustment to Ezekiel, making him responsible for its transmission.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - leʾmor): This common Hebrew infinitive absolute often translates to "to say," and functions as a grammatical device to introduce direct speech. In this context, it guarantees that what follows are the precise, unmediated words of God, to be relayed exactly as heard. It is a seal of authenticity and a call for attentive listening to the exact words that follow.

• Words-group analysis:
• "Then the word of the Lord came to me": This phrase functions as a divine commissioning and authentication. It clearly establishes that the origin of the subsequent message is heavenly, not earthly. It asserts God's initiative in breaking His silence and revealing His will, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His people, even in their state of exile and judgment. The prophet is a passive recipient, tasked with simply relaying the divine pronouncement.
• "the word of the Lord": This specific combination emphasizes the inherent power, truth, and authority of the message. It is the active will and decree of the supreme sovereign, capable of shaping reality. The use of YHWH signifies a message rooted in the covenant and carries implications for Israel's unique relationship with this God.
• "came to me, saying": This emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the revelation to Ezekiel. He is God's chosen channel, and the divine message is presented as direct discourse (saying)—not a summary or an interpretation, but the very utterance of God. This structure reinforces the certainty and gravity of the message about to be revealed regarding Jerusalem's worth.

Ezekiel 15 1 Bonus section

• Formulaic Significance: The repetition of "Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying" throughout prophetic literature, especially in Ezekiel, is a key structural device. It creates distinct units of prophetic utterance, demonstrating a continuous and deliberate flow of divine communication and revelation, anchoring each oracle in direct divine authority.
• Contrast with False Prophecy: This formula implicitly stands in contrast to the pronouncements of false prophets, whom Ezekiel himself condemned. Jeremiah 23:16 warns against those who "speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." Ezekiel 15:1 leaves no doubt about the source of its message, emphasizing divine truth against human deception.
• Active and Dynamic Word: In biblical thought, "the word of the Lord" is not a passive utterance but an active and powerful entity. It's the means by which God creates (Gen 1:3), sustains (Heb 1:3), judges (Isa 55:11), and redeems (Rom 10:17). Its arrival to Ezekiel implies that the coming message about Jerusalem's fate is not merely informative but performative – it is decreeing a reality.
• Personal Address and Responsibility: The phrase "came to me" (Ezekiel) highlights the prophet's personal encounter with God and his specific calling. This revelation is given to him for the precise purpose of communicating it, thereby placing upon Ezekiel the weighty responsibility of accurate transmission. This underscores the prophet's role as a faithful mediator between God and His people.

Ezekiel 15 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 15:1 is a formulaic introduction vital to understanding the prophetic book of Ezekiel and the chapter that follows. It unequivocally asserts divine authorship and supreme authority over the subsequent message, emphasizing that the prophet is a divinely chosen instrument, not the originator of the wisdom or judgment he conveys. By stating "the word of the Lord came to me," it preempts any questioning of the message's veracity or weight. This declaration transitions from previous, more elaborate visions and warnings to a succinct, poignant parable concerning Jerusalem's ultimate worthlessness, specifically comparing it to a useless vine branch fit only for fuel. This stark pronouncement of judgment is thus anchored in the unassailable truth and will of the covenant God, reminding the exiled people that their dire circumstances are a direct consequence of a divinely spoken and executed decree, not random fate. It serves as a preamble that charges the following divine statement with immutable certainty and profound spiritual significance.