Ezekiel 24:1

KJV

¶ Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Again in the ninth {H8671} year {H8141}, in the tenth {H6224} month {H2320}, in the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me on the tenth day of the tenth month of the ninth year:

Berean Standard Bible

In the ninth year, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

Again, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenthdayof the month, the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:1 serves as a precise chronological anchor for a pivotal divine revelation, marking the exact date the word of the Lord reached the prophet Ezekiel in Babylonian exile. This divinely appointed communication, received on the very day King Nebuchadnezzar commenced his final, devastating siege against Jerusalem, powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history, His meticulous foreknowledge, and the certainty of His declared judgments against His rebellious people. The verse acts as a solemn prelude, setting the stage for the vivid "boiling pot" parable that immediately follows, which symbolically depicts Jerusalem's inevitable destruction and the consuming nature of God's wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 24:1 functions as a critical narrative hinge, introducing the climactic oracle concerning Jerusalem's final downfall, famously known as the "boiling pot" parable found in [Ezekiel 24:3-14](/ezekiel/24-3-14 "Ezekiel 24:3-14 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot"). This verse immediately follows a series of prophecies detailing God's judgment against surrounding nations (e.g., [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25-32 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations")), which themselves were preceded by extensive condemnations of Jerusalem's deep-seated idolatry, moral corruption, and persistent rebellion against God's covenant (e.g., [Ezekiel 8-23](/ezekiel/8-23 "Ezekiel 8-23 - Jerusalem's Abominations and Impending Judgment")). The precise dating of this message is not merely incidental but emphasizes its profound significance, directly linking the divine word to a pivotal historical event. It signals a dramatic shift from general warnings and symbolic actions to the declaration of the siege's commencement, indicating that the period for repentance has definitively ended, and the full weight of God's promised judgment is now inescapably upon the city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The chronological marker provided in Ezekiel 24:1 – "the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month" – is historically verifiable and profoundly significant. It corresponds to January 15, 588 BC, the exact day King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon initiated his final, devastating siege against Jerusalem. This precise historical alignment is corroborated by other crucial biblical accounts, such as [2 Kings 25:1](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - The Siege of Jerusalem Begins") and [Jeremiah 52:4](/jeremiah/52-4 "Jeremiah 52:4 - Jeremiah's Account of the Siege"). At this critical juncture, Ezekiel was not in Jerusalem but among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, having been deported during the second wave of exiles in 597 BC (cf. [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1-3 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Setting")). The fact that God's word reached him with such meticulous timing, despite the significant geographical distance, powerfully highlights the Lord's omnipresence, His meticulous control over the unfolding drama of redemption and judgment, and the supernatural nature of prophetic revelation. The cultural context is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where persistent disobedience to the Mosaic Law and engagement in idolatry inevitably led to specific, divinely ordained consequences, including siege, famine, and exile, as outlined in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all historical events, His perfect knowledge of the future, and His orchestration of human affairs. The precise timing of this prophecy, delivered to Ezekiel in Babylon on the very day the siege commenced in Jerusalem, dramatically underscores that nothing, not even the actions of powerful foreign kings, is outside of God's purview or ultimate plan (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Second, it emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and Revelation**, as the recurring formula "the word of the LORD came unto me" authenticates Ezekiel's role as a direct recipient and faithful messenger of God's infallible word (cf. [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Divine Commission")). This phrase distinguishes divine communication from human speculation or mere opinion. Third, the verse points to the **Certainty and Imminence of Judgment**. The specific date serves as a stark and undeniable reminder that God's patience had reached its limit, and the long-warned consequences for Jerusalem's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and moral corruption were now undeniably at hand (cf. [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Jerusalem's Sins and God's Wrath")). The time for repentance had passed, and the day of reckoning had arrived with absolute precision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root _dâbar_, meaning "to speak" or "to arrange." This term possesses a vast semantic range, encompassing not merely spoken utterances but also matters, affairs, things, decrees, and commands. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies a powerful, authoritative, and inherently effective communication from God that carries the weight of a divine decree or a revealed truth. It is not merely information but a potent force that brings about what it declares, shaping reality according to God's will.
* **month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** Derived from _châdash_, meaning "to be new." This word literally refers to the "new moon," which marked the beginning of each lunar month in the ancient Israelite calendar. Its inclusion here, alongside "year" and "day," emphasizes the meticulous chronological nature of God's revelation, indicating that the divine timetable is exact, precisely observed, and perfectly synchronized with historical events.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." This name, derived from the verb "to be" (_hâyâh_), signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who is always present and faithful to His covenant promises and threats. The appearance of this name underscores that the message is not from a generic deity but from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is sovereign over all creation and history, and whose character guarantees the fulfillment of His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month":** This initial clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker for the divine revelation. The "ninth year" refers to the ninth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, which also marks the ninth year of Ezekiel's own exile in Babylon. The specification of the "tenth month" and "tenth day of the month" (the word "day" is supplied but clearly implied by the ordinal "tenth" in relation to "month") pinpoints the exact calendar day: January 15, 588 BC. This date is profoundly significant as it precisely marks the commencement of the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. This meticulous dating highlights God's absolute sovereignty over time and history, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control even over the actions of foreign kings and the unfolding of major geopolitical events.
* **"the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,":** This is a standard and foundational prophetic formula, signifying a direct, undeniable, and authoritative divine communication. "The word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) emphasizes the divine origin and infallible nature of the message, leaving no doubt that it is God's own utterance. It underscores that Ezekiel is not speaking his own thoughts, interpretations, or opinions but is a mere conduit for God's explicit and unadulterated revelation. The phrase "came unto me" indicates the personal and direct nature of this encounter between the divine and the prophet, while "saying" serves as a direct introduction to the specific content of the divine message that follows in the subsequent verses, establishing the prophetic oracle as a direct divine address.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:1 primarily employs **Chronological Precision** as a key literary device. The meticulous dating ("ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month") serves to anchor the prophecy firmly in historical reality, lending it an undeniable sense of immediacy, verifiability, and divine authority. This precision is not merely for historical record-keeping but functions to underscore God's **Omniscience** and **Sovereignty**, demonstrating that He knows the future with perfect clarity and orchestrates events according to His divine timetable. The recurring prophetic formula, "the word of the LORD came unto me," acts as a powerful form of **Divine Attestation**, validating Ezekiel's message as originating directly from God and not from human invention or speculation. This formula establishes the **Authoritative Tone** of the entire prophetic book, emphasizing that the subsequent pronouncements are not mere human warnings but divine decrees that will inevitably come to pass.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:1 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His meticulous timing and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and warnings. The precision of the date reveals a God who is not distant, indifferent, or passive but intimately engaged in the affairs of nations and individuals, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. This verse sets the stage for the revelation of God's judgment, reminding us that divine warnings are not idle threats but carry the weight of certain execution if unheeded. It also highlights the absolute reliability of God's word, as His prophecies are fulfilled with exactitude, even when they concern devastating events, thereby affirming His faithfulness and truthfulness.

* [2 Kings 25:1](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - The Start of Jerusalem's Final Siege")
* [Jeremiah 52:4](/jeremiah/52-4 "Jeremiah 52:4 - Jeremiah's Account of the Siege")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:1 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that God is utterly sovereign over time and history, and His word is always precise, true, and effective. For us today, this means that we can place our full trust in His promises and His warnings, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to accomplish all that He declares. Just as He knew the exact moment of Jerusalem's siege and communicated it to His prophet, He knows the trajectory of our individual lives and the unfolding of global events. This profound truth should cultivate within us both a deep sense of awe at His omnipotence and an abiding humility that calls us to heed His revealed will. The verse challenges us to live with a constant awareness of God's active presence and meticulous oversight, recognizing that our choices have real and eternal consequences within His divine framework. It encourages us to respond to His word with prompt obedience, genuine repentance, and unwavering faith, understanding that while His patience is vast, there are indeed divinely appointed times of reckoning. Ultimately, it invites us to find profound comfort and security in the knowledge that our God is never caught off guard, and His ultimate plans for justice, redemption, and the establishment of His kingdom will prevail with perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating in Ezekiel 24:1 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty over historical events and your own life?**
* **What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" imply about the authority and reliability of biblical prophecy for guiding your decisions and beliefs today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to ignore or downplay God's warnings in Scripture, and what crucial lessons can we learn from Jerusalem's experience of delayed but certain judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why is the exact date in Ezekiel 24:1 so important?**

Answer: The exact date—"the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month"—is critically important because it precisely marks the commencement of King Nebuchadnezzar's final siege against Jerusalem. This historical detail, corroborated by [2 Kings 25:1](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - The Siege of Jerusalem Begins") and [Jeremiah 52:4](/jeremiah/52-4 "Jeremiah 52:4 - Jeremiah's Account of the Siege"), demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous foreknowledge. It shows that God's word to Ezekiel, delivered in Babylon, was perfectly synchronized with events unfolding hundreds of miles away in Jerusalem, proving that God is in complete control of history and fulfills His prophecies with astonishing accuracy. It underscores the certainty, inevitability, and divine orchestration of the judgment He had long declared, leaving no room for doubt about His power or the reliability of His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 24:1 details a moment of severe judgment for ancient Israel, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The precise timing of God's word coming to Ezekiel, coinciding exactly with the siege of Jerusalem, prefigures the ultimate divine timing in salvation history—the perfectly orchestrated advent of Jesus Christ. Just as God's word to Ezekiel was a declaration of judgment that would be perfectly executed, so too was the coming of Christ a divinely appointed act, occurring "when the fullness of time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Jesus, as the living Word of God (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), embodies the ultimate divine communication, revealing God's character, will, and redemptive plan with unparalleled clarity and authority. The judgment declared against Jerusalem in Ezekiel foreshadows the broader judgment against sin and rebellion that ultimately culminated in Christ, who, though sinless, "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the theme of God's sovereignty over history, so powerfully evident in Ezekiel 24:1, culminates in Christ, who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")) and whose promised return will mark the final, perfectly timed consummation of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (cf. [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Return")). Thus, this verse, while dark in its immediate context, ultimately points to the unwavering faithfulness of a God whose word is always true, whether in judgment or in the ultimate, precise, and glorious salvation offered through His Son.

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.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 8:1

¶ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.

Ezekiel 20:1

¶ And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, [that] certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

Ezekiel 1:2

In the fifth [day] of the month, which [was] the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

Ezekiel 32:17

¶ It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

Ezekiel 33:21

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [that] one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.