Ezekiel 28:20

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

Study Bible

Then the word of the LORD
This phrase indicates a divine revelation or message directly from God. In the context of Ezekiel, it underscores the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for God, emphasizing the authority and authenticity of the message. The phrase is common in prophetic literature, highlighting the direct communication between God and His prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4, Isaiah 38:4).

came to me
This personalizes the message, showing that Ezekiel is the chosen recipient of God's word. It reflects the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, where God entrusts them with His messages for the people. Ezekiel's role as a prophet is affirmed through these divine encounters, which are a hallmark of his ministry (Ezekiel 1:3).

saying
This introduces the content of the divine message. It prepares the reader for the specific instructions or revelations that follow. In the context of Ezekiel 28, the message pertains to the judgment against Sidon, a city known for its pride and opposition to God’s people. The use of "saying" indicates that what follows is not merely a narrative but a direct communication from God, carrying His authority and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's messages, tasked with delivering them to the Israelites.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets.

3. Tyre
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the context of Ezekiel 28 involves prophecies against Tyre, a significant city-state known for its wealth and pride.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which Ezekiel prophesied, marked by the Israelites' captivity in Babylon.

5. Prophecy
The act of conveying God's messages, often involving future events or divine judgments.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word is authoritative and comes directly from Him, as seen in the phrase "the word of the LORD came to me." Believers should approach Scripture with reverence and obedience.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Ezekiel serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages faithfully. Christians are called to be faithful witnesses of God's truth in their own contexts.

Judgment and Accountability
The context of Ezekiel 28 involves judgment against Tyre, reminding us that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions. We should live with an awareness of God's justice.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecies against Tyre and other nations demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over world events.

The Importance of Listening to God
Just as Ezekiel received and delivered God's word, Christians are encouraged to listen to God through prayer and Scripture, seeking His guidance in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Ezekiel's role as a prophet help us appreciate the authority of the messages he delivered?

2. In what ways can we act as faithful witnesses of God's truth in our daily lives, similar to Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?

3. How does the theme of judgment against Tyre challenge us to examine our own lives and the values of our society?

4. What comfort can we find in God's sovereignty over nations, especially in times of global uncertainty?

5. How can we cultivate a habit of listening to God, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we are attentive to His guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 3:16-21
This passage describes Ezekiel's role as a watchman, emphasizing his responsibility to deliver God's messages, similar to the context of Ezekiel 28:20.

Isaiah 13-23
These chapters contain oracles against various nations, paralleling the prophecies against Tyre and other nations in Ezekiel.

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Jeremiah's call as a prophet shares similarities with Ezekiel's, highlighting the divine commissioning and authority of God's messengers.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment against proud and wealthy cities like Tyre in Ezekiel.