Ezekiel 25 1

Ezekiel 25:1 kjv

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 25:1 nkjv

The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Ezekiel 25:1 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 25:1 esv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 25:1 nlt

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 25 verses

Ezekiel 25 1 Meaning

This verse serves as a standard prophetic formula, signifying a direct, authoritative divine communication to the prophet Ezekiel. It introduces a new prophetic oracle or revelation, making clear that the ensuing message originates not from human thought but from the supreme and sovereign God, YHWH, Himself. It underscores the divine initiative in communicating with humanity and authenticates Ezekiel's role as God's designated messenger.

Ezekiel 25 1 Context

Ezekiel 25:1 opens a new section of the book (chapters 25-32), shifting the prophetic focus from Israel's judgment to the judgment of surrounding pagan nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. This redirection occurred after the fall of Jerusalem, providing a theological response to Israel's neighbors who had either rejoiced at Judah's downfall or actively participated in its suffering. For Ezekiel and the exiles, these prophecies served to reinforce YHWH's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, and offered a message of justice, reassuring them that God was still in control and would punish those who opposed His people or His will. This contextual shift prepares the audience for the eventual promise of Israel's restoration by demonstrating God's universal justice.

Ezekiel 25 1 Word analysis

• The word (Hebrew: dāḇār, דָּבָר): This term signifies an utterance, a message, a command, or an affair. In this prophetic context, dāḇār is not a mere thought or human sentiment but a definitive, spoken revelation from God. Its authoritative nature confirms that what follows is binding and true.
• of the LORD (Hebrew: YHWH, יְהוָה): This refers to the covenant name of God, often rendered "the LORD" in English Bibles. YHWH is the personal name of the God of Israel, revealed as the eternally existent, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God. Attributing the word to YHWH emphasizes its divine, unique, and absolute authority, distinguishing it from any human pronouncements or the declarations of pagan deities. It underscores that the message comes from the one true God, the creator and controller of all.
• came (Hebrew: wā·ye·hî, וַיְהִי): This common Hebrew word, meaning "and it came to pass" or "and it happened," indicates a definitive event or action. Its usage here highlights the divine initiative – the word actively came to Ezekiel, rather than being sought or concocted by him. This verb choice suggests a spontaneous, direct, and unhindered transmission of the divine message.
• to me (Hebrew: ’ê·lay, אֵלַי): This specifies Ezekiel as the direct and chosen recipient of the divine revelation. It personalizes the communication, establishing his authority as the one entrusted with this particular message. This direct address ensures no ambiguity about the prophet's mandate or the source of his ensuing prophecies.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The word of the LORD": This phrase functions as a definitive authentication stamp for the message that follows. It unequivocally declares the divine origin and supreme authority of the prophecy. It asserts that the upcoming oracle is not Ezekiel’s own analysis or opinion but a direct communication from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel and sovereign ruler of all. This establishment of divine source is crucial for the exilic community, reminding them of God’s active presence and power despite their dire circumstances and the power of their pagan captors.
• "came to me": This specifies the nature of the revelation as a direct and personal communication from God to His chosen prophet, Ezekiel. It underscores the active role of YHWH in initiating contact and conveying His message, and simultaneously highlights Ezekiel's role as a direct conduit. The phrase conveys a sense of immediacy and divine purpose in singling out Ezekiel for this particular communication, affirming his prophetic calling and legitimizing his utterances to his audience. It also sets apart genuine prophetic word from human conjecture.

Ezekiel 25 1 Bonus section

The consistent use of this prophetic formula, "The word of the LORD came to me/him," throughout the Old Testament serves several vital theological and practical functions beyond mere introduction. It acts as a divine validation mark, signaling that what follows is inspired and to be received with full authority, distinguishing it from general wisdom or human advice. In an age where divine communication was highly valued, this phrase also served to filter out false prophecy, where individuals might claim to speak for God without legitimate authorization. It highlights God's ongoing, personal engagement with His chosen messengers and, through them, with His people, reminding us that God is a speaking God who desires to make His will and character known. This direct verbal communication underlines the concept of revelation as a dynamic and ongoing interaction between God and humanity.

Ezekiel 25 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 25:1 initiates a critical turning point in the prophet's ministry. Beyond merely indicating the divine origin of the ensuing message, this concise phrase profoundly impacts the context and authority of the chapters that follow. The consistent use of "The word of the LORD came to me" throughout prophetic literature emphasizes divine initiative, ensuring the audience recognizes God as the sole speaker. For Ezekiel's audience, dwelling in exile and surrounded by polytheism, this repeated declaration forcefully asserts YHWH's exclusive sovereignty over history and other nations, directly refuting any claims of Babylonian deities. It undergirds every subsequent prophecy, especially the judgments against the surrounding nations, solidifying that YHWH is a universal God of justice who holds all peoples accountable, providing a sense of comfort and vindication for His suffering people, knowing their oppressors will not escape divine reckoning.