Ezekiel 20:2

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

Then came the word ^{H1697} of the LORD ^{H3068} unto me, saying ^{H559},

and the word of ADONAI came to me:

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

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 20:2 serves as a standard introductory formula frequently found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel. It signals the beginning of a divine message, emphasizing that the words which follow are not the prophet's own thoughts or opinions, but a direct revelation from God Himself.

Context

The book of Ezekiel primarily records the prophecies delivered by Ezekiel to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the period of the Babylonian captivity (around 597-571 BC). This specific verse, "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying," marks a new prophetic utterance, often following a period of silence or a different type of interaction. In the broader context of Ezekiel chapter 20, this introduction precedes a significant message from God concerning Israel's rebellious history, their idolatry, and God's faithfulness despite their disobedience. It sets the stage for a solemn and comprehensive recounting of their past and future.

Key Themes

Divine Authority: The phrase unequivocally asserts that the upcoming message originates from God. This underscores the absolute authority and truthfulness of the prophecy, distinguishing it from human wisdom.
Prophetic Revelation: It highlights the direct and personal communication between God and His chosen prophet, Ezekiel. This was how God often revealed His will and plans to His people throughout history, through His appointed messengers.
Urgency and Importance: The introduction creates an immediate sense of anticipation and importance for the message that follows. It commands attention, signaling that what is about to be spoken is vital for the audience to hear and understand.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "the word of the LORD" is dabar Yahweh (דְּבַר יְהוָה). This is a foundational theological concept throughout the Old Testament, signifying the active, powerful, and authoritative communication of God. It's not merely information, but a dynamic force that accomplishes God's purposes. The recurrence of this phrase, as seen in Ezekiel 1:3 and Ezekiel 3:16, reinforces the consistent source of Ezekiel's prophecies.

Related Scriptures

This introductory formula is common in prophetic literature, emphasizing God's direct involvement. Similar declarations of divine speech can be found with other prophets, such as when the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, or how God reveals His secrets to His servants, the prophets, as mentioned in Amos 3:7.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 20:2 reminds us that God is a speaking God. He has revealed His will and character through His inspired Word, the Bible. Just as the exiles were called to listen to Ezekiel's divinely inspired message, we are called to give heed to the Scriptures. This verse encourages us to approach the Bible not as mere human writings, but as the authoritative and living word of God, capable of transforming lives and revealing His truth. It underscores the importance of prayerful study and obedience to what God has spoken.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.