Ezekiel 12:21
ยถ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
The word of ADONAI came to me:
Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
Cross-References
No cross-references found.
ยถ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
The word of ADONAI came to me:
Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
No cross-references found.
Commentary
Ezekiel 12:21 serves as a foundational declaration within the book of Ezekiel, marking the beginning of a new, crucial message from God to the prophet.
Context
This verse employs a common prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, signaling a direct divine revelation. For Ezekiel, ministering among the exiles in Babylon, such declarations underscored the authenticity and urgency of his message. The people often doubted or dismissed God's warnings, believing judgment was far off or would never come. This specific "word of the LORD" sets the stage for God to address their skepticism regarding the fulfillment of prophecies, particularly the popular proverb about delayed visions (which is directly confronted in Ezekiel 12:22).
Key Themes
Divine Authority and Revelation
The phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a powerful affirmation of the divine origin of the message. It emphasizes that Ezekiel is not speaking his own thoughts, but conveying God's authoritative word. This formula establishes the prophet's legitimacy and the absolute truthfulness of the pronouncements that follow. It highlights God's active involvement in human history and His direct communication with His chosen servants, a theme central to the prophetic books (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4, Isaiah 2:1).
Addressing Skepticism and Impending Judgment
While brief, this introductory verse points to the immediate context of a people growing complacent and disbelieving concerning God's warnings. The "word" that follows directly confronts the popular proverb, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth" (Ezekiel 12:22). It signals that God is about to dismantle their false sense of security and declare the imminent fulfillment of His judgments.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated "the word of the LORD came unto me" is ืึทืึฐืึดื ืึฐืึทืจ ืึฐืืึธื ืึตืึทื ืึตืืึนืจ (vayehi devar Yahweh elai lemor). This precise formulation is a ubiquitous prophetic marker throughout the Old Testament, signifying the direct, undeniable, and binding nature of a divine oracle. It underscores the prophet's role as a mere conduit for God's message, not its originator. The term 'Yahweh' (LORD, in KJV) refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal and faithful relationship with His people, even as He delivers messages of judgment.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 12:21, though simple, reminds us of the profound truth that God speaks to humanity. For believers today, this verse encourages us to cultivate an attentive spirit, recognizing that God continues to communicate His will through His written Word, the Bible. Just as the Israelites needed to heed Ezekiel's warnings, we are called to listen to and obey God's voice as revealed in Scripture. It challenges any complacency or skepticism we might harbor regarding God's promises or warnings, urging us to trust in the certain fulfillment of His divine plan, whether it involves judgment or blessing. Understanding that "the word of the LORD came" should instill both reverence and urgency in our response to divine truth.
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