Ezekiel 22 1

Ezekiel 22:1 kjv

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

Ezekiel 22:1 nkjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Ezekiel 22:1 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 22:1 esv

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

Ezekiel 22:1 nlt

Now this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 22 verses

Ezekiel 22 1 Meaning

Ezekiel 22:1 serves as a standard prophetic formula, signifying the direct divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It indicates that the impending prophetic revelation is not a human opinion but a communication originating directly from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. The phrase "came again" emphasizes a continuity of divine communication to the prophet, suggesting that this particular message is a further installment or a renewed pronouncement, building upon prior revelations to Ezekiel concerning Judah's sin and impending judgment. This divine address establishes Ezekiel as the authoritative messenger for the subsequent stern indictment against Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 22 1 Context

Ezekiel chapter 22 falls within the major section of Ezekiel (chapters 1-24) where the prophet delivers oracles of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, before the final destruction of the city. Specifically, this verse introduces a renewed and particularly intense condemnation of Jerusalem, labeling it "the bloody city" (Eze 22:2). Ezekiel, in exile in Babylon, receives these messages from God for his fellow exiles, ensuring they understand the justice of God in the impending desolation of their homeland. The historical context is the eve of Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC, a period characterized by persistent idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual corruption in Judah despite previous divine warnings and limited reforms. The use of "again" in verse 1 indicates this is another in a series of God's communications, demonstrating His sustained efforts to confront the nation's sin before bringing His full judgment.

Ezekiel 22 1 Word analysis

• The word (וַיְהִי דְבַר - va'y'hi d'var):
  • Davar (דָּבָר) in Hebrew is rich, signifying more than just an utterance. It implies an active, powerful decree or event, a matter, or even an action. It carries the weight of authority and effectiveness, suggesting that what follows is a potent and transformative divine pronouncement, not mere idle talk.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH):
  • This explicitly names the divine source as YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes the message's absolute authority, revealing it as a sovereign declaration from the One true God, differentiating it from human wisdom or false prophecies. This connection demands a response of fear, obedience, or at least serious consideration from the hearers.
• came again (וַיְהִי... עוֹד - va'y'hi... 'od):
  • The particle 'od (עוֹד) translates as "again," "still," or "yet." Its inclusion is significant, highlighting the continuity and repetition of God's communication to Ezekiel. It implies that God has spoken before, and now speaks anew, underscoring His persistent effort to warn and intercede with His people, despite their ongoing rebellion. It can also suggest an increased urgency or a new phase in the revelation of judgment. This continuity affirms God's faithfulness to His prophetic warnings and His prolonged patience before final judgment.
• to me (אֵלַי - 'elay):
  • The direct personal pronoun emphasizes Ezekiel's individual commission and the specific, personal nature of his divine appointment. He is not just a hearer, but the designated recipient and entrusted messenger of this particular word to the exiles. It grounds the prophetic message in his unique calling.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - le'mor):
  • A common Hebrew infinitive construct introducing direct discourse. It signals that the exact words of the divine message are to follow. This reinforces the fidelity of the prophet to the source; he is not interpreting but transmitting the precise words given to him.

Ezekiel 22 1 Bonus section

The formula "The word of the Lord came to me (or X)" is one of the most common and vital phrases in biblical prophecy, occurring hundreds of times across the Old Testament, particularly in books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Its consistent use served several critical functions:

1. Legitimacy: It validated the prophet's message as divine, countering claims of self-proclaimed prophets or those speaking their own dreams.
2. Authority: It endowed the message with God's ultimate authority, demanding the audience's absolute attention and obedience.
3. Continuity: The repetition, especially with "again," underscored God's consistent engagement with His covenant people, demonstrating His character as a God who actively communicates His will and judgment. It reminds that God had not been silent or distant, but was continually attempting to bring His people to repentance.
4. Immediacy: While spoken in the past tense ("came"), it often suggests a present, urgent message requiring immediate action or consideration.This phrase effectively served as the divine "sender ID" for critical prophetic communication.

Ezekiel 22 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 22:1, though brief, functions as a powerful declaration of divine authority and a critical transition point in Ezekiel's prophecy. It establishes the immediately following condemnation of Jerusalem as undeniably originating from YHWH, eliminating any doubt about its source. The repeated nature of this divine address, conveyed by "came again," underlines God's unwavering resolve to speak to His rebellious people. It shows divine persistence, even patience, in delivering warnings and truth, though it also implies a deepening crisis and increasing intensity of the judgments revealed. This introduction ensures that the harsh indictment of Jerusalem in the subsequent verses, detailing its spiritual, moral, and social corruption, is received not as the prophet's personal opinion but as God's righteous decree and final word before catastrophic judgment. It also reminds the audience of Ezekiel's legitimacy as God's chosen voice, amidst a spiritual landscape riddled with false prophets.