Ezekiel 21:18

KJV

¶ The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah came unto me again, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:18 functions as a critical transitional marker, introducing a distinct prophetic oracle within Ezekiel's broader message of divine judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. This concise yet potent statement, "The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying," serves as a foundational prophetic formula, unequivocally establishing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent message. It signals a shift from the general pronouncements of the "sword of the LORD" to a more specific and detailed prophecy concerning Babylon's impending invasion and King Nebuchadnezzar's strategic decisions, profoundly underscoring God's continuous communication and sovereign control over all historical events, even amidst unfolding crisis and geopolitical maneuvering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21:18 marks a clear and intentional division within the chapter, signaling a transition from a general, sweeping oracle concerning the "sword of the Lord" (Ezekiel 21:1-17), which metaphorically represents God's pervasive judgment against Jerusalem and the land of Israel. The preceding verses vividly portray this judgment as a sharpened, polished sword poised for imminent slaughter, emphasizing its unstoppable nature and divine origin. Verse 18, with its familiar and recurring prophetic formula, introduces a new, more specific, and geographically focused oracle. This subsequent section (Ezekiel 21:19-27) meticulously details King Nebuchadnezzar's approach to a strategic crossroads, where he employs various forms of divination to determine whether to attack Rabbah of Ammon or Jerusalem first. The introductory phrase in verse 18 thus prepares the reader for a detailed account of human military strategy and decision-making, which is nonetheless presented as an integral part of God's preordained plan, thereby powerfully emphasizing divine sovereignty over even the most intricate geopolitical affairs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies contained within Ezekiel 21 are delivered during a profoundly turbulent and critical period in Judah's history, specifically following the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC, but prior to the catastrophic final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ezekiel, himself an exile in Babylon, speaks to a people clinging desperately to false hopes of an imminent return and divine intervention, while Jerusalem under King Zedekiah remains stubbornly defiant. The broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, particularly among pagan nations, included widespread reliance on various divination practices to discern the will of the gods or predict future events. This is explicitly illustrated in Nebuchadnezzar's use of arrows, teraphim (household idols used for divination), and liver inspection (hepatoscopy) as described in [Ezekiel 21:21](/ezekiel/21-21 "Ezekiel 21:21 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divination"). This verse, by introducing God's direct word, starkly contrasts divine revelation with these human, often superstitious, attempts to discern the future. It asserts God's ultimate and absolute control over the very events that Nebuchadnezzar seeks to determine through pagan means, demonstrating His sovereign orchestration of history. Geographically, the "crossroads" mentioned later in the chapter ([Ezekiel 21:20](/ezekiel/21-20 "Ezekiel 21:20 - The Crossroads for the King of Babylon")) highlights the immense strategic importance of the region, where major trade and military routes intersected, making military decisions at such junctions supremely crucial.
* **Key Themes:** This concise verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes that permeate the book of Ezekiel and indeed, much of prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, unequivocally asserting that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver originates directly from the Almighty God. The phrase "The word of the LORD" establishes the unimpeachable divine authority behind the prophecy, ensuring that the words are not merely human predictions or opinions but God's sovereign declaration, a theme consistently echoed from the very beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, as seen in [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD to Ezekiel"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Active Involvement in History**. The repeated coming of "the word of the LORD" emphasizes God's continuous, intimate, and purposeful engagement in the affairs of His people and the nations. He is not a distant, detached deity but one who actively communicates His will, reveals His intricate plans, and orchestrates historical events, particularly concerning both judgment and restoration. This demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including His ability to control and direct even the decisions of powerful foreign kings, a truth affirmed in passages like [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD"). Finally, it signals the theme of **Impending Judgment and Divine Precision**, preparing the audience for a detailed prophecy that demonstrates God's meticulous planning and execution even in the most devastating acts of judgment, leaving no doubt that the unfolding events are part of His preordained and righteous purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root `dâbar`, meaning "to speak" or "to arrange." This term is remarkably multifaceted, referring not only to a spoken utterance but also to a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "event." In this context, `dâbâr` signifies a substantial, authoritative communication from God, carrying the full weight of divine intention and often leading to specific actions or outcomes. It implies a message that is not merely informative but active, powerful, and effective, bringing about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or, more commonly in English translations, rendered as "the LORD" (distinguished by small caps). Derived from the verb "to be" (`hayah`), it signifies God as "the self-Existent," "the Eternal One," or "He who causes to be." The use of `Yᵉhôvâh` here emphasizes God's personal, relational, and unchanging nature, particularly in His covenant dealings with Israel. It underscores that the message comes from the sovereign God who is eternally faithful to His promises and purposes, even when those purposes involve severe judgment.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to encompass various forms of communication, including answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, and speaking. In this specific prophetic formula, `ʼâmar` indicates a direct, verbal communication from God to the prophet, emphasizing the audibility, clarity, and directness of the divine revelation. It confirms that the subsequent content is either a direct quotation or a precise summary of God's own authoritative words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately and unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message that is about to follow. It signifies that the subsequent prophecy is not Ezekiel's personal thought, opinion, or interpretation, but a direct, authoritative communication from `Yᵉhôvâh`, the covenant God of Israel. This formula is a foundational hallmark of prophetic literature, serving to validate the prophet's message as God's own, demanding attentive hearing and obedience.
* **"came unto me again":** The adverb "again" is crucial for understanding the dynamic nature of God's communication. It highlights the continuous, repetitive, and persistent nature of God's interaction with Ezekiel. This is not a singular, isolated revelation but an ongoing dialogue, indicating God's sustained engagement with His prophet and His people during a period of intense national crisis and impending judgment. It also explicitly implies that a new, distinct message is being delivered, following previous divine revelations.
* **"saying,":** This participle functions as a direct verbal bridge, signaling that the subsequent verses will contain the precise words, detailed instructions, or specific content conveyed by the Lord to Ezekiel. This structural element emphasizes the directness and clarity of the divine revelation, preparing the audience to receive the specific prophecy that immediately follows this introductory statement.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:18 primarily employs a **Prophetic Formula**. The phrase "The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying," is a highly conventional and recurring literary device found throughout the prophetic books, particularly prominent in Ezekiel, where it appears over sixty times. This formula serves several vital functions: it authenticates the message as divine revelation, unequivocally distinguishing it from human opinion, speculation, or personal interpretation. It also firmly establishes the prophet's role as a mere conduit or messenger for God's authoritative voice. The inclusion of the word "again" also functions as a form of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the continuous, unfolding, and persistent nature of God's communication. This repetition reinforces the idea that God is not silent or disengaged but actively and continuously communicating His plans and purposes to His chosen messenger, adapting His revelation to the changing circumstances and needs of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:18 profoundly underscores the core doctrine of divine revelation and God's active, meticulous sovereignty over all creation and human history. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant, uninvolved deity but one who intimately communicates His will and orchestrates events, even the seemingly random decisions of powerful human kings and empires. The "word of the LORD" is presented not merely as information but as a dynamic, living force, possessing inherent authority and irresistible power to accomplish precisely what it declares. This verse sets the theological stage for understanding that even the impending destruction of Jerusalem, a devastating and traumatic historical event, is not a chaotic accident or a result of mere human agency, but rather a meticulously planned and executed act within God's sovereign design, revealed to His prophet in advance. This divine communication serves both to vindicate God's righteousness and to warn His people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness even in the administration of severe judgment.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "The Lord Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:18, though brief in its textual length, carries immense theological and practical weight for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's unwavering commitment to communicating with humanity. Just as God spoke directly, repeatedly, and authoritatively to Ezekiel, He continues to speak to us today, primarily through His inspired written Word, the Bible. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening, diligent study, and humble submission to Scripture, recognizing that within its sacred pages lies the authoritative "word of the LORD" for our lives. Understanding that the Bible is divinely inspired elevates its authority far above mere human wisdom or opinion, demanding our absolute trust, unwavering obedience, and careful, prayerful study. Furthermore, in an age characterized by profound uncertainty, rapid change, and global upheaval, this verse offers profound comfort and a firm anchor for our faith: God is sovereign. He is not surprised by world events, nor is He detached from them; rather, He is actively involved, revealing His plans and working through human actions and historical circumstances to accomplish His divine will. This truth provides a firm foundation for our faith, encouraging us to trust implicitly in His ultimate control and perfect timing, even when circumstances seem chaotic, overwhelming, or beyond our comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the Bible as "the word of the LORD" fundamentally impact your approach to reading, studying, and applying Scripture in your daily life?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively seek to hear God's voice and discern His specific will for your life amidst the many competing voices of the world?**
* **How does the profound truth of God's sovereignty, as powerfully demonstrated in His revealed word to Ezekiel, bring you comfort, peace, or perhaps a challenge to your perspective in times of personal struggle or global uncertainty?**
* **What concrete, actionable steps can you commit to taking this week to better align your thoughts, words, and actions with the authoritative and living word of God?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: This phrase, or very similar variations, serves as a crucial and intentional prophetic formula that validates the divine origin and supreme authority of the message that immediately follows. Its frequent repetition emphasizes several key theological and practical points: it assures the audience that the prophet is not speaking his own thoughts, predictions, or interpretations, but rather God's direct, infallible revelation; it highlights God's continuous, active, and sustained involvement in human history and the lives of His people; and it unequivocally underscores the prophet's role as a mere messenger, faithfully relaying the divine word without alteration or personal bias. In the book of Ezekiel, its recurrence is particularly significant, reinforcing the sustained nature of God's communication during a prolonged period of national crisis, impending judgment, and eventual restoration, as seen consistently throughout the book, from [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Ezekiel") to its later oracles.

**What is the theological significance of "the word of the LORD" in the Old Testament?**

Answer: "The word of the LORD" (`davar Yahweh` in Hebrew) is a foundational and profoundly significant theological concept in the Old Testament, representing God's active, authoritative, and effective communication. It signifies far more than mere spoken words; it embodies God's very will, His sovereign decree, and His inherent creative and redemptive power. When the "word of the LORD" comes, it carries intrinsic authority and often brings about precisely what it declares. It is the primary means by which God creates the universe (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being")), reveals His divine law and commandments (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add To or Subtract From the Word")), establishes and maintains His covenants (e.g., [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - The Word of the LORD to Abram")), delivers righteous judgment (as powerfully demonstrated in Ezekiel), and offers the path to salvation and restoration. It is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as infallible, irresistibly effective, and eternally true, standing firm forever (e.g., [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:18, by emphasizing the authoritative, continuous, and powerfully effective "word of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament unequivocally reveals Jesus as the very embodiment of God's Word, the eternal Logos through whom all things were created and by whom God has fully and finally revealed Himself to humanity. As [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator") majestically declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." This identifies Jesus not merely as a messenger, but as the living, active, and creative Word of God Himself. Furthermore, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son") powerfully articulates this progression of revelation: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." This highlights that while God spoke through prophets like Ezekiel in fragments, shadows, and diverse ways, His complete, final, and most glorious revelation is found in Christ. Jesus is not merely a bearer of God's word; He *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate and perfect communication from God to humanity, fulfilling all the prophecies and promises that came through the ancient prophets. His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the definitive "word of the LORD" concerning salvation, judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as He is the "Word of God" who reigns supreme ([Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - The Word of God on the White Horse")).

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.