Ezekiel 1:3

KJV

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came expressly unto Ezekiel {H3168} the priest {H3548}, the son {H1121} of Buzi {H941}, in the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778} by the river {H5104} Chebar {H3529}; and the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was there upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

the word of ADONAI came to the cohen Yechezk'el son of Buzi, in the land of the Kasdim by the K'var River; there the hand of ADONAI was on him.

Berean Standard Bible

the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him.

American Standard Version

the word of Jehovah came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Jehovah was there upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 1:3 serves as the foundational introduction to the prophet Ezekiel and the extraordinary divine encounter that initiated his ministry. This pivotal verse precisely identifies Ezekiel as a priest, details his lineage through Buzi, and critically situates his prophetic calling in the "land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar." It immediately establishes the indisputable source of his authority and the compelling nature of his commission, declaring that "the word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel" and "the hand of the LORD was there upon him," thereby setting the stage for the profound visions, challenging messages, and often dramatic symbolic actions that comprise the book of Ezekiel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 1:3 immediately follows the opening verses (Ezekiel 1:1-2), which meticulously establish the precise date of Ezekiel's vision. These initial verses ground the supernatural revelation in a specific historical moment, emphasizing the divine initiative and the prophet's identity. Verse 3 then functions as a crucial bridge, transitioning from the chronological setting to the awe-inspiring vision of God's glory that begins in Ezekiel 1:4. By formally introducing Ezekiel, detailing his priestly lineage, and specifying his geographical location, this verse legitimizes his subsequent messages by highlighting the direct, undeniable, and divinely compelled nature of his encounter with God before plunging into the complex imagery of the cherubim and the divine throne-chariot. It underscores that what follows is not a human invention but a divine impartation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Ezekiel's call, "in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar," is profoundly significant. Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, during the second major wave of deportations under King Nebuchadnezzar, a historical event vividly recounted in [2 Kings 24:14-16](/2_kings/24-14-16 "2 Kings 24:14-16 - The Babylonian Deportation of Judah"). Unlike earlier prophets who ministered within the sacred confines of Jerusalem, Ezekiel's ministry began in a foreign, pagan land, far removed from the Temple. The Chebar river was likely a large irrigation canal near Nippur, a significant Babylonian city, indicating a settled community of exiles. For a priest like Ezekiel, whose life and ministry were traditionally centered around the Temple in Jerusalem, this exile was a profound disruption to his identity and calling. His divine commission in Babylon underscored God's sovereignty and active presence even outside the Promised Land and the Temple, challenging the exiles' understanding of God's dwelling and activity and demonstrating His faithfulness even in judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 1:3 introduces several key themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Initiative and Authority**. The emphatic phrase "The word of the LORD came expressly" stresses that God is the primary actor, initiating the prophetic message with undeniable clarity and power. This contrasts sharply with human speculation or desire, establishing the absolute authority of the divine revelation that follows. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Omnipresence and Presence in Adversity**. Ezekiel's call in exile, far from the spiritual heart of Israel, powerfully demonstrates that God's presence is not confined to Jerusalem or the Temple. Even in a foreign land, amidst national despair and displacement, God actively communicates with His people, revealing His commitment to them despite their disobedience, a theme beautifully echoed in [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence and Inescapable Presence"). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Prophetic Empowerment**. "And the hand of the LORD was there upon him" signifies the powerful, compelling, and enabling influence of God's Spirit, preparing and equipping Ezekiel to receive profound visions and deliver challenging messages. This divine touch is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, marking him as a true prophet under God's direct control and inspiration, as seen again in [Ezekiel 3:22](/ezekiel/3-22 "Ezekiel 3:22 - The Hand of the LORD upon Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root meaning "to speak," _dâbâr_ here refers to "a word," but by implication, it encompasses a "matter" or "thing" that is spoken. In this context, it signifies the authoritative, active, and specific communication from God. It is not merely a sound but a divine declaration, carrying the weight of God's will and purpose, which is "expressly" delivered to Ezekiel. This "word" is the very source of all prophetic revelation in the book, indicating a divine act of communication, not a human utterance.
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term denotes one who officiates in sacred rites, a priest. Ezekiel's identity as a priest, the son of Buzi, is crucial. As a member of the Levitical priesthood, he was trained in the Law and the Temple rituals. His priestly background gives him a unique perspective on Israel's sin and the defilement of the Temple, which becomes a major theme in his prophecy (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple")). It also highlights the profound disruption of his traditional priestly duties due to exile, making his prophetic call even more significant as a new, divinely ordained form of service to God's people.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," _yâd_ is used here idiomatically to signify power, means, direction, or influence. "The hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism, representing God's direct, tangible, and enabling power upon the prophet. It indicates divine compulsion and empowerment, suggesting that Ezekiel was not merely receiving a message but was physically and spiritually overwhelmed and directed by God's presence, preparing him for the intense visions and difficult ministry ahead. This "hand" signifies divine control and the impartation of spiritual capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. "The word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr YHWH_) is a standard prophetic formula, but the addition of "expressly" (Hebrew: _hayoh hayah_, an infinitive absolute construction) intensifies the certainty and clarity of the divine revelation. It means the word "came, indeed it came" or "came certainly," leaving no doubt about the divine source and the prophet's clear, undeniable reception of it. Identifying Ezekiel as "the priest, the son of Buzi" grounds his prophetic ministry in his established identity and lineage, emphasizing his legitimate standing within the Israelite community, even in exile.
* **"in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar;":** This geographical and cultural locator is highly significant. It places the divine encounter not in the sacred land of Israel or the Temple in Jerusalem, but in a foreign, pagan land of exile. The "river Chebar" (likely a canal) indicates a specific, tangible location within the Babylonian diaspora. This detail powerfully conveys God's omnipresence and His continued engagement with His people, even when they are displaced and far from their traditional spiritual centers, challenging the notion that God's presence was limited to Jerusalem and offering hope that God had not abandoned them.
* **"and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.":** This concluding clause describes the powerful, enabling presence of God's Spirit upon Ezekiel. "The hand of the LORD" is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying divine empowerment, inspiration, and often a compelling force that prepares the prophet for visions or pronouncements. It implies a tangible, overwhelming spiritual experience that equipped Ezekiel for his extraordinary and often challenging ministry, marking him as divinely chosen and supernaturally enabled to receive and deliver God's profound and often difficult messages.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 1:3 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the significance of Ezekiel's prophetic call. The phrase "The word of the LORD came expressly" utilizes **Emphasis** through an infinitive absolute construction in Hebrew (_hayoh hayah_), underscoring the undeniable certainty, clarity, and forceful nature of the divine revelation. This is not a vague impression but a direct, authoritative communication from God. The recurring phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a potent **Anthropomorphism** and **Idiom**, attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His active, powerful, and often compelling presence and influence upon the prophet. This **Symbolism** of the hand represents divine empowerment, control, and the impartation of prophetic ability. The detailed geographical setting ("in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar") serves as **Verisimilitude**, lending authenticity and realism to the supernatural events that follow, while also highlighting the profound **Irony** of God's word appearing in a pagan land rather than in the "holy" land or the Temple, thereby emphasizing God's universal sovereignty and His presence with His exiled people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 1:3 profoundly articulates the nature of divine revelation and prophetic authority. It underscores that true prophecy originates solely from God's initiative, not human will or desire. The "express" coming of the word of the LORD signifies its clarity, certainty, and undeniable power, establishing the prophet as a mere conduit for God's authoritative message. Furthermore, the presence of God's "hand" upon Ezekiel in a foreign land highlights God's omnipresence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in judgment and exile. This demonstrates that God's power and presence are not confined by geographical boundaries or human circumstances, offering a profound theological truth about His sovereignty over all creation and His steadfast love for His people, even in their darkest hours of displacement and despair.

* [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - Isaiah's Call and Vision of God's Glory")
* [Jeremiah 1:4-5](/jeremiah/1-4-5 "Jeremiah 1:4-5 - Jeremiah's Divine Commission and Foreknowledge")
* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence and Inescapable Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 1:3 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today, reminding us that God's call and His presence are not limited by our circumstances, our location, or even our past failures. Just as Ezekiel, a priest, was called in a foreign land during a time of national crisis and spiritual desolation, God can reach out to anyone, anywhere, to use them for His sovereign purposes. This verse challenges us to recognize that God's word is "express"—clear, authoritative, and compelling—and demands our attentive listening and obedient response, rather than our own preconceived notions or desires. It assures us that when God calls, He also empowers. The "hand of the LORD" upon Ezekiel speaks powerfully to the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit, equipping believers to live out their calling, face adversity with divine strength, and bear witness to God's truth, even in seemingly impossible or hostile situations. Our effectiveness in ministry and life stems not from our own strength, wisdom, or ideal circumstances, but from the divine enablement that God graciously provides to accomplish His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "exile" or challenging circumstances might God be seeking to speak to me "expressly" today, and how am I positioning myself to hear?**
* **How does recognizing God's omnipresence, as powerfully demonstrated in Ezekiel's call in a foreign land, change my perspective on difficult or unexpected life situations?**
* **What does "the hand of the LORD" upon Ezekiel teach me about the source of true spiritual power and enablement in my own life and service to God?**
* **Am I truly listening for the "express" word of the Lord in my daily life, or am I primarily relying on my own understanding, plans, and limited resources?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ezekiel's location 'by the river Chebar' significant?**

Answer: The location "by the river Chebar" (in the "land of the Chaldeans") is profoundly significant because it demonstrates God's omnipresence and sovereignty beyond the confines of the Promised Land or the Temple in Jerusalem. For a priest like Ezekiel, whose ministry was traditionally tied to the Temple and the sacred land, being called in exile underscored that God's presence and power were not limited to a specific geographical location. It conveyed a crucial message to the exiled Israelites: even though they were far from home and the Temple was destroyed, God was still with them, actively communicating and working among them. This challenged their understanding of God's dwelling and activity, showing that His covenant faithfulness extended even into their captivity, a theme central to the initial vision in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory").

**What does 'the hand of the LORD' signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a powerful biblical idiom that consistently signifies the active, compelling, and enabling presence of God's Spirit upon an individual, particularly a prophet. In Ezekiel 1:3, it indicates that Ezekiel was not merely receiving a message intellectually but was physically and spiritually overwhelmed and empowered by divine force. This "hand" prepared him for the profound visions he was about to receive and equipped him for the challenging prophetic ministry ahead. It denotes divine inspiration, control, and the supernatural ability to perceive and communicate God's truth, a motif that recurs throughout the book of Ezekiel, notably when Ezekiel is transported by the Spirit in [Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - The Hand of the LORD Transports Ezekiel").

**How does Ezekiel's call as a priest relate to his prophetic ministry?**

Answer: Ezekiel's identity as a priest, the son of Buzi, is integral to understanding his prophetic ministry. As a priest, he was trained in the Mosaic Law, the sacrificial system, and the rituals of the Temple. This background provided him with a deep understanding of Israel's covenant obligations and the sanctity of God's presence. His priestly perspective profoundly influences his prophetic messages, which frequently address the defilement of the Temple, the idolatry of the people, and the need for spiritual cleansing and restoration. While his traditional priestly duties were suspended due to exile, his prophetic call became a new, divinely ordained form of service, allowing him to continue ministering to God's people by revealing His judgment and promises, as detailed in the unfolding narrative of [the Book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 1:3, with its profound emphasis on the "word of the LORD" coming "expressly" and the "hand of the LORD" empowering the prophet, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely one who received God's word, but He is the living "Word of God" made flesh, the perfect and final revelation of God to humanity, as profoundly declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Eternal Word") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While Ezekiel was a conduit for God's message, Christ *is* God's message, the very embodiment of divine truth, purpose, and presence. Furthermore, just as the "hand of the LORD" was upon Ezekiel, the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus without measure for His earthly ministry, from His baptism (recorded in [Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism and the Spirit's Descent")) to His miracles, teaching, and ultimate sacrifice. Christ functions as the ultimate Prophet, delivering God's definitive message, and the ultimate Priest, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and continually interceding for His people, as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). His ministry, like Ezekiel's, transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, bringing God's presence and salvation to all nations, not just Israel. Ultimately, the Spirit's empowering "hand" that fell on Ezekiel now rests upon all believers through Christ, enabling them to be witnesses of God's truth in the world, just as the Spirit descended upon the church with power at Pentecost in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost and the Spirit's Outpouring").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 3:22

¶ And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

Ezekiel 3:14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

1 Kings 18:46

And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

2 Kings 3:15

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Ezekiel 37:1

¶ The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones,

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

Ezekiel 8:1

¶ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.