Again
The use of "again" indicates a continuation or repetition of communication from God to Ezekiel. This suggests a persistent and ongoing relationship between the prophet and God. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "וַיְהִי" (vayehi), which often introduces a new section or message in prophetic literature. It underscores the relentless nature of God's pursuit to communicate His will and warnings to His people, emphasizing His patience and desire for them to understand and repent.

the word
In Hebrew, "דְּבַר" (davar) is used, which can mean "word," "matter," or "thing." This term is significant in the biblical context as it represents not just spoken words but the active and powerful expression of God's will. The "word" of the LORD is not merely informative but transformative, carrying with it the authority and power to bring about change and fulfillment of God's purposes.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His sovereign authority over all creation. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes that the message Ezekiel receives is not of human origin but divine, carrying the weight and authority of the Creator Himself.

came to me
This phrase indicates the personal nature of God's communication with Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) means "to come" or "to enter," suggesting that the word of the LORD actively approaches and engages with the prophet. It highlights the intimate and direct manner in which God reveals His messages to His chosen servants, ensuring that His instructions and revelations are clearly understood and faithfully conveyed.

saying
The Hebrew word "לֵאמֹר" (le'mor) is often used to introduce direct speech. It signifies that what follows is a direct quotation from God, underscoring the importance and immediacy of the message. This word serves as a transition from the narrative introduction to the specific content of God's revelation, preparing the listener or reader to pay close attention to the divine message that is about to be delivered.

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages to the Israelites, often using symbolic acts and visions.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His messages to His people through prophets like Ezekiel.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were in exile in Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry, are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both physical captivity and spiritual judgment.

5. Prophecy
The act of delivering God's message, often concerning future events or divine judgment, as seen in Ezekiel's ministry.The Authority of God's Word
God's word is authoritative and comes directly from Him, as seen in the repeated phrase "the word of the LORD came to me." This reminds us to treat Scripture with reverence and obedience.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Ezekiel serve as God's mouthpiece, delivering messages that are often challenging but necessary for spiritual growth and correction.

The Importance of Listening
The Israelites' failure to heed God's warnings through Ezekiel serves as a cautionary tale for us to listen and respond to God's word in our lives.

God's Patience and Justice
Despite Israel's disobedience, God continues to communicate with them, showing His patience. However, His messages also warn of impending judgment, highlighting His justice.

Application in Modern Context
Just as God spoke to the Israelites through Ezekiel, He continues to speak to us today through His word. We must be attentive and responsive to His guidance.(21-28) These verses contain two distinct messages from the Lord (Ezekiel 12:21-28), both designed to meet the objection that warning prophecies had been uttered now for a long time, and as they had not come to pass there was no reason to expect their fulfilment, at least until some far distant future. It is always the tendency of sinful man to take this ground while experiencing the long-suffering and forbearance of God (see Ecclesiastes 8:11; Amos 6:3; Matthew 24:43; 1Thessalonians 5:3); and the scoff, "Where is the promise of His coming?" will still continue to the end of time (2Peter 3:4). In this case, the objection was evidently encouraged by false prophets (Ezekiel 12:24), and accordingly the following chapter is devoted to them. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Again the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to me,
אֵלַ֥י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

saying,
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 12:21 The word of Yahweh came to me (Ezek. Eze Ezk)