Ezekiel 20:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

and the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:2 serves as a foundational prophetic formula, marking the authoritative commencement of a divine message from Yahweh to the prophet Ezekiel. This concise declaration underscores that the subsequent pronouncements are not human conjectures but direct, divinely inspired revelations, thereby establishing the absolute authority and truthfulness of the prophecy to follow, particularly as it pertains to Israel's rebellious history and God's unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:2 immediately follows a brief chronological marker in [Ezekiel 20:1](/ezekiel/20-1 "Ezekiel 20:1 - Chronological Marker"), which dates the prophetic utterance to the seventh year, fifth month, and tenth day of the exile. This precise dating is characteristic of Ezekiel's prophecies, grounding them in specific historical moments. The formula "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying," is a recurring literary device throughout the book, signaling a new, distinct divine communication (e.g., [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - God's Word to Ezekiel"), [Ezekiel 3:16](/ezekiel/3-16 "Ezekiel 3:16 - The Word of the LORD Comes")). In the broader narrative of [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History"), this verse introduces a profound and somber divine discourse where God recounts Israel's long history of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the land, culminating in the judgment of exile. The formula sets the stage for a weighty theological argument concerning God's justice and His covenant faithfulness despite His people's persistent apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically among those deported during the second wave of exile in 597 BC, which included King Jehoiachin and the elite of Jerusalem. This period was marked by profound national trauma, loss of sovereignty, and spiritual disorientation. The exiles grappled with questions of God's presence, His covenant promises, and the reasons for their suffering. In this context, the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" served to authenticate Ezekiel's message as divine, distinguishing it from the false hopes offered by other prophets or the despair prevalent among the people. Culturally, the concept of a prophet receiving direct verbal revelation from God was well-established in ancient Israel, signifying God's active involvement in human history and His desire to communicate His will to His people. The exilic setting amplified the need for clear, authoritative divine guidance, and this introductory formula provided that assurance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, asserting that the message originates from the supreme ruler of the cosmos, Yahweh, whose word is absolute and cannot be gainsaid. This reinforces God's control over historical events, even the devastating exile. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Revelation**, underscoring God's consistent method of communicating His will and plans through chosen human intermediaries. Ezekiel is not speaking his own thoughts, but serving as a conduit for God's direct speech, a pattern seen throughout the Old Testament (cf. [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")). Thirdly, the formula signifies the **Urgency and Importance** of the ensuing message. Each time "the word of the LORD" comes, it signals a critical moment of divine intervention, demanding immediate and serious attention from the audience, preparing them for a message of judgment, hope, or instruction that is vital for their understanding of God's dealings with them. This is particularly crucial in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - God's Case Against Israel"), where God lays out a comprehensive indictment of Israel's past.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר (dabar), this term encompasses not only spoken language but also a matter, thing, affair, or deed. In this context, it signifies a divine utterance that is active, authoritative, and effective, carrying the weight of God's will and power. It is more than mere information; it is a dynamic force that accomplishes God's purposes, often leading to action or consequence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." It derives from the root הָיָה (hayah), meaning "to be," signifying God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One. The use of this name emphasizes God's personal relationship with Israel, His covenant faithfulness, and His absolute sovereignty as the God who is and always will be.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to denote various forms of verbal communication, including answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, or speaking. Here, it indicates the direct, verbal nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, highlighting that the message is articulate and specific, not merely an impression or a feeling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the word of the LORD unto me":** This clause establishes the source and recipient of the prophetic message. "Then came" (וַיְהִי דְבַר) indicates a new, distinct event of divine revelation, often following a period of silence or a previous interaction. "The word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה) identifies the message's origin as Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, imbuing it with absolute authority and truthfulness. "Unto me" clearly designates Ezekiel as the sole recipient of this specific divine communication, emphasizing his role as God's chosen messenger.
* **"saying":** This single word (לֵאמֹר) serves as an introductory particle, signaling that what follows is the direct, verbatim content of the divine message. It confirms that Ezekiel is about to relay God's exact words, not his interpretation or summary, reinforcing the directness and precision of the revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:2 employs several key literary devices. It functions primarily as an **Introductory Formula**, a common stylistic feature in prophetic literature (e.g., Jeremiah, Isaiah) that signals the commencement of a divine oracle. This formula, specifically the phrase "the word of the LORD came," acts as a **Divine Speech Indicator**, unequivocally attributing the subsequent discourse to God Himself, thereby establishing its inherent authority and truthfulness. The **Repetition** of this formula throughout the book of Ezekiel (and other prophetic books) creates a rhythmic pattern that constantly reminds the reader of the divine origin of the prophecies, reinforcing the absolute reliability of the message. This repetition also serves to punctuate the narrative, marking new sections of revelation and emphasizing the ongoing, active communication between God and His prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:2, though brief, is profoundly significant as it underscores the fundamental theological truth that God is a speaking God, actively engaging with His creation and revealing His will to humanity. This verse grounds all subsequent prophecy in divine initiative, asserting that the message is not of human origin but flows directly from the sovereign, covenant-keeping Yahweh. It highlights the nature of prophecy as God's direct address to His people, intended to call them to repentance, offer guidance, and unveil His plans. The authority embedded in "the word of the LORD" means that what follows is not merely counsel but divine mandate, demanding obedience and faith.

* [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals Secrets to His Servants the Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:2 serves as a powerful reminder that the God we worship is not silent but has spoken and continues to speak. For believers today, this verse calls us to approach the Scriptures with reverence and expectation, recognizing them not as mere human literature but as the very "word of the LORD." Just as the exiles were called to listen intently to Ezekiel’s divinely inspired message, we are summoned to give diligent heed to the Bible, understanding that it carries the weight of divine authority and truth. This encourages a posture of humility and submission to God's revealed will, knowing that His word is living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")). Our spiritual growth and obedience are directly tied to our willingness to hear, understand, and apply what God has spoken through His inspired Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture (as highlighted in Ezekiel 20:2) impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek to hear and discern "the word of the LORD" in your daily life?**
* **What are the practical implications of believing that God's word is authoritative and true for your decisions and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying" so frequently repeated in prophetic books?**

Answer: This phrase, or similar variations, is a crucial literary and theological device used to emphasize the divine origin and authority of the prophetic message. Its repetition serves several purposes: it authenticates the prophet's message as direct revelation from God, distinguishing it from human opinion or wisdom; it signals a new, distinct prophetic oracle or section within the book; and it consistently reminds the audience that the words they are hearing are not merely the prophet's but the very words of Yahweh, demanding attention and obedience. This formula underscores God's active engagement with His people and His sovereign control over history, as seen throughout books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

**What does "the word of the LORD" signify beyond just spoken words?**

Answer: In Hebrew thought, "the word (dabar) of the LORD" is a dynamic and powerful concept. It signifies more than just an auditory message; it embodies God's active will, His creative power, His authoritative decree, and His effective action. When God's "word" comes, it is not merely information but a force that accomplishes His purposes, whether in creation ([Psalm 33:6](/psalm/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - By the Word of the LORD the Heavens Were Made")), judgment ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")), or covenant establishment. It is God's self-revelation in active form, shaping history and revealing His character and plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:2, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets served as conduits for God's verbal revelation, but in the New Testament, God's ultimate "word" is not merely spoken *through* a prophet, but *is* a person—Jesus Christ. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is the living, incarnate Word, the fullest and final revelation of God to humanity. Whereas the word came *to* Ezekiel, God has now spoken to us "by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), who perfectly embodies and communicates the Father's will and character. All the authority, truthfulness, and power inherent in "the word of the LORD" in Ezekiel are perfectly realized in Christ, who is not just a messenger but the very message itself, the one through whom God's purposes are definitively accomplished, and His covenant promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.