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Commentary on Ezekiel 20 verses 1–4
Here is, 1. The occasion of the message which we have in this chapter. That sermon which we had ch. 18 was occasioned by their presumptuous reflections upon God; this was occasioned by their hypocritical enquiries after him. Each shall have his own. This prophecy is exactly dated, in the seventh year of the captivity, about two years after Ezekiel began to prophesy. God would have them to keep account how long their captivity lasted, that they might see how the years went on towards their deliverance, though very slowly. Certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the Lord, not statedly (as those Eze 8:1), but, as it should seem, occasionally, and upon a particular emergency. Whether they were of those that were now in captivity, or elders lately come from Jerusalem upon business to Babylon, is not certain; but, by what the prophet says to them (Eze 20:32), it should seem, their enquiry was whether now that they were captives in Babylon, at a distance from their own country, where they had not only no temple, but no synagogue, for the worship of God, it was not lawful for them, that they might ingratiate themselves with their lords and masters, to join with them in their worship and do as the families of these countries do, that serve wood and stone. This matter was palliated as well as it would bear, like Naaman's pleading with Elisha for leave to bow in the house of Rimmon, in compliment to the king; but we have reason to suspect that their enquiry drove at this. Note, Those hearts are wretchedly hardened which ask God leave to go on in sin, and that when they are suffering for it. They came and sat very demurely and with a show of devotion before the prophet, Eze 33:31. 2. The purport of this message. (1.) They must be made to know that God is angry with them; he takes it as an affront that they come to enquire of him when they are resolved to go on still in their trespasses: As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you, Eze 20:3. Their shows of devotion shall be neither acceptable to God nor advantageous to themselves. God will not take notice of their enquiries, nor give them any satisfactory answers. Note, A hypocritical attendance on God and his ordinances is so far from being pleasing to him that it is provoking. (2.) They must be made to know that God is justly angry with them (Eze 20:4): "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Thou art a prophet, surely thou wilt not plead for them, as an intercessor with God; but surely thou wilt pass sentence on them as a judge for God. See, I have set thee over the nation; wilt thou not declare to them the judgments of the Lord? Cause them therefore to know the abominations of their fathers." So the orders run now, as before (Eze 16:2) he must cause them to know their own abominations. Though their own abominations were sufficient to justify God in the severest of his proceedings against them, yet it would be of use for them to know the abominations of their fathers, that they might see what a righteous thing it was with God now at last to cut them off from being a people, who from the first were such a provoking people.
(Verse 2, 3.) And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Have you come to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, says the Lord God. To the righteous and worthy who ask, a promise is given. As you continue to speak, I will say: Here I am. But to the sinners, like the elders of Israel, whose crimes are described by the prophets that follow, there is no answer; only rebuke for their sins. And an oath is added: As I live, the sentence of denial is made stronger. But as for what the LXX said, if I were to respond to you, Symmachus translated it more clearly, I will not respond to you.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:2 functions as a pivotal prophetic formula, marking the authoritative commencement of a direct divine message from Yahweh to the prophet Ezekiel. This concise declaration unequivocally establishes that the subsequent pronouncements are not human conjectures or interpretations but direct, divinely inspired revelations, thereby imbuing the prophecy with absolute authority, truthfulness, and the power to accomplish God's purposes, particularly as it introduces a profound discourse on Israel's rebellious history and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Ezekiel 20:2 immediately follows a precise chronological marker in Ezekiel 20:1, which dates this specific prophetic utterance to the seventh year, fifth month, and tenth day of the exile. This meticulous dating is a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophecies, grounding them firmly in specific historical moments and emphasizing their factual, revelatory nature. The phrase "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying," is a recurring and highly significant literary device throughout the book of Ezekiel, serving as a clear signal for the introduction of a new, distinct divine communication (e.g., Ezekiel 1:3, Ezekiel 3:16). In the broader narrative of Ezekiel 20, this verse introduces a comprehensive and somber divine discourse where God meticulously recounts Israel's long history of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience—from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the promised land—culminating in the judgment of exile. The formula sets the stage for a weighty theological argument concerning God's justice, His covenant faithfulness, and the persistent apostasy of His people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically among those who had been deported during the second wave of exile in 597 BC, which included King Jehoiachin and the elite of Jerusalem. This period was characterized by immense national trauma, the profound loss of national sovereignty, and deep spiritual disorientation among the exiles. They grappled with agonizing questions concerning God's presence among them, the validity of His covenant promises, and the reasons for their devastating suffering. In this crucible of despair and uncertainty, the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" served as an indispensable authentication of Ezekiel's message as truly divine, sharply distinguishing it from the false hopes peddled by other prophets or the pervasive despair that threatened to overwhelm the community. Culturally, the concept of a prophet receiving direct verbal revelation from God was deeply ingrained and well-established in ancient Israelite society, signifying God's active and personal involvement in human history and His desire to communicate His sovereign will to His chosen people. The exilic setting profoundly amplified the urgent need for clear, authoritative divine guidance, and this introductory formula provided that crucial assurance and foundation for the messages that followed.
Key Themes: This concise verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphatically underscores Divine Authority and Sovereignty, asserting that the message originates from Yahweh, the supreme ruler of the cosmos, whose word is absolute, infallible, and cannot be gainsaid. This powerfully reinforces God's ultimate control over all historical events, even those as devastating as the exile. Secondly, it highlights the enduring theme of Prophetic Revelation, emphasizing God's consistent and chosen method of communicating His will, plans, and judgments through specially chosen human intermediaries. Ezekiel is not articulating his own thoughts or opinions but serving as a direct conduit for God's precise speech, a pattern consistently observed throughout the Old Testament (Jeremiah 1:2 or Hosea 1:1). Thirdly, the formula inherently signifies the Urgency and Importance of the ensuing message. Each instance where "the word of the LORD" comes signals a critical moment of divine intervention, demanding immediate, serious, and reverent attention from the audience, preparing them for a message of judgment, hope, or instruction that is vital for their understanding of God's intricate dealings with them. This is particularly crucial in Ezekiel 20, where God lays out a comprehensive and devastating indictment of Israel's past sins.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:2 masterfully employs several key literary devices to establish the authority and nature of the prophetic message. It functions primarily as an Introductory Formula, a pervasive stylistic feature found throughout prophetic literature (e.g., in Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Hosea) that consistently signals the commencement of a new, divinely inspired oracle. This formula, specifically the phrase "the word of the LORD came," acts as a potent Divine Speech Indicator, unequivocally attributing the subsequent discourse to God Himself. This mechanism is crucial for establishing the inherent authority, truthfulness, and binding nature of the message. Furthermore, the Repetition of this precise formula throughout the book of Ezekiel (and indeed, across many prophetic books) creates a rhythmic and emphatic pattern that constantly reminds the reader of the divine origin of the prophecies, reinforcing the absolute reliability and infallibility of the message. This repetition also serves a structural purpose, punctuating the narrative, marking distinct new sections of revelation, and emphasizing the ongoing, active, and personal communication between the sovereign God and His chosen prophet.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:2, though remarkably brief, is profoundly significant as it articulates the fundamental theological truth that God is a speaking God, actively engaging with His creation and purposefully revealing His will to humanity. This verse grounds all subsequent prophecy in divine initiative, asserting that the message is not of human origin or invention but flows directly from the sovereign, covenant-keeping Yahweh. It highlights the very nature of prophecy as God's direct address to His people, intended to call them to repentance, offer divine guidance, unveil His plans, and declare His judgments. The inherent authority embedded in "the word of the LORD" means that what follows is not merely counsel or opinion but divine mandate, demanding immediate obedience, unwavering faith, and serious consideration.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:2 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that the God we worship is not silent or distant, but has spoken decisively and continues to speak. For believers today, this verse issues a profound call to approach the Holy Scriptures with utmost reverence, awe, and eager expectation, recognizing them not as mere human literature or historical accounts but as the very "word of the LORD" itself. Just as the exiles were called to listen intently and obediently to Ezekiel's divinely inspired message, we are summoned to give diligent heed to the Bible, understanding that it carries the full weight of divine authority, absolute truth, and transformative power. This perspective encourages a posture of profound humility, submission, and active listening to God's revealed will, knowing that His word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Our spiritual growth, our moral compass, and our journey of obedience are inextricably tied to our willingness to hear, understand, internalize, and faithfully apply what God has spoken through His inspired and inerrant Word.
Questions for Reflection
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 very similar variations, is a crucial literary and theological device used to emphasize the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophetic message. Its consistent repetition serves several vital purposes: it unequivocally authenticates the prophet's message as direct revelation from God Himself, thereby distinguishing it from mere human opinion, wisdom, or conjecture; it signals the commencement of a new, distinct prophetic oracle or a major section within the book, providing structural clarity; and it consistently reminds the audience that the words they are hearing are not merely the prophet's own, but the very words of Yahweh, the sovereign God, demanding their immediate attention, reverent obedience, and faithful response. This formula powerfully underscores God's active, ongoing engagement with His people and His sovereign control over all history, as seen throughout books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
What does "the word of the LORD" signify beyond just spoken words in the Old Testament?
Answer: In Hebrew thought, "the word (dabar) of the LORD" is a dynamic, active, and incredibly powerful concept that extends far beyond mere auditory messages. It embodies God's active will, His creative power, His authoritative decree, and His effective action in the world. When God's "word" comes, it is not simply information to be received but a potent force that accomplishes His purposes, whether in the act of creation (Psalm 33:6), the execution of judgment, the fulfillment of promises (Isaiah 55:11), or the establishment of His covenant. It represents God's self-revelation in active, dynamic form, shaping history, revealing His unchanging character, and bringing His sovereign plans to fruition.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:2, with its profound emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet as a direct, authoritative revelation, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets served as crucial conduits for God's verbal revelation, in the New Testament, God's ultimate and final "word" is not merely spoken through a prophet, but is a person—Jesus Christ Himself. As John 1:1 majestically 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, clearest, and definitive revelation of God to humanity. Whereas the word came to Ezekiel, God has now spoken to us definitively and comprehensively "by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2), who perfectly embodies, expresses, and communicates the Father's will, character, and redemptive purpose. All the inherent authority, truthfulness, power, and efficacy embedded in "the word of the LORD" in Ezekiel are perfectly realized and consummated in Christ, who is not just a messenger but the very message itself, the one through whom God's eternal purposes are definitively accomplished, and all His magnificent covenant promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).