Ezekiel 12:1
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
The word of the LORD
This phrase signifies divine communication, a hallmark of prophetic literature. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just spoken words but also actions and events. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful, creative force, as seen in Genesis where God speaks creation into existence. This underscores the authority and authenticity of Ezekiel's message, as it originates from God Himself. Historically, prophets were seen as God's mouthpieces, and this phrase reassures the audience that the message is not of human origin but divine.

came to me
The phrase indicates a personal and direct encounter with the divine. In Hebrew, "came" is "hayah," which can mean "to happen" or "to come to pass," suggesting that the word of the LORD is not static but dynamic and active. This reflects the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, where God initiates communication. Archaeologically, prophets like Ezekiel often received visions or words in specific locations, emphasizing the historical reality of these encounters. This phrase reassures believers of God's willingness to engage personally with His chosen messengers.

saying
This word introduces the content of the divine message. In Hebrew, "saying" is "amar," which is often used to denote the act of speaking. It highlights the transition from divine thought to human understanding. Scripturally, this sets the stage for the revelation that follows, preparing the audience to receive God's instructions or judgments. The use of "saying" emphasizes the clarity and intentionality of God's communication, ensuring that the message is conveyed precisely as intended. This inspires confidence in the reliability and truth of the prophetic word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's messages. His role is to convey God's warnings and instructions to the Israelites.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates directly with Ezekiel. This emphasizes the divine authority and origin of the message.

3. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, having been exiled from their homeland due to their disobedience to God.
Teaching Points
The Authority of God's Word
God's word is authoritative and comes directly from Him. As believers, we must recognize the divine origin of Scripture and submit to its authority in our lives.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were chosen to deliver God's messages. Today, we are called to be messengers of God's truth, sharing the gospel and living out His commands.

Listening to God's Voice
Just as Ezekiel received God's word, we must be attentive to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Obedience in Difficult Circumstances
Ezekiel's ministry occurred during a time of national crisis. We are called to remain faithful and obedient to God, even in challenging situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our comprehension of Ezekiel's message?

2. In what ways can we discern and respond to God's voice in our lives today, similar to how Ezekiel received the word of the LORD?

3. How does the role of prophets in the Old Testament inform our understanding of sharing God's truth in the modern world?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living under the authority of God's word?

5. How can we remain faithful and obedient to God during times of personal or communal crisis, drawing inspiration from Ezekiel's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah receives the word of the LORD, highlighting the calling and commissioning of prophets.

Isaiah 6:8-9
Isaiah's commission as a prophet parallels Ezekiel's, emphasizing the role of prophets in delivering God's messages to a rebellious people.

2 Kings 24:10-16
Provides historical context for the Babylonian exile, explaining why the Israelites were in captivity.
It Parabolic Appeal to a Rebellious PeopleW. Jones Ezekiel 12:1-16
The Dramatic Form of ProphecyJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 12:1-16
People
Ezekiel
Places
Babylon, Chaldea, Jerusalem
Topics
Saying
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 11:24-25

     1431   prophecy, OT methods
     3236   Holy Spirit, and Scripture
     5263   communication

Library
A Common Mistake and Lame Excuse
'... He prophesieth of the times that are far off.'--EZEKIEL xii. 27. Human nature was very much the same in the exiles that listened to Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar and in Manchester to-day. The same neglect of God's message was grounded then on the same misapprehension of its bearings which profoundly operates in the case of many people now. Ezekiel had been proclaiming the fall of Jerusalem to the exiles whose captivity preceded it by a few years; and he was confronted by the incredulity
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The End
'1. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. 2. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. 4. And the city was broken up, and all the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Last Agony
'In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it. 2. And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Believer's Privilege at Death
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil. Rejoicing in hope.' Rom 12:12. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he hash hope in his death.' Prov 14:42. The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all their heaven here. Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.' Luke 6:64. You may make your acquittance, and write Received in full payment.' Son, remember that
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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