Ezekiel 24:20

Ezekiel 24:20 serves as a pivotal transitional verse within a deeply symbolic and somber chapter. It marks the moment when the prophet Ezekiel, having just performed a profoundly personal and difficult symbolic act, is given the divine interpretation of that act to deliver to the people of Israel. The phrase "Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying," underscores the immediate shift from human inquiry to divine revelation.

Context

This verse directly follows the people's question in Ezekiel 24:19, where they ask Ezekiel to explain the meaning of his unusual behavior after the sudden death of his wife. God had explicitly forbidden Ezekiel from mourning her in customary ways (Ezekiel 24:16), making him a living sign. Verse 20 signals the beginning of God's answer, which will clarify that Ezekiel's lack of public mourning foreshadows the overwhelming and unspeakable grief the Israelites will experience when the very "desire of their eyes"—the Temple in Jerusalem—is destroyed, and their sons and daughters are lost (Ezekiel 24:21). This prophetic message concerns the imminent siege and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority and Revelation: The central theme is the direct and undeniable origin of the message. "The word of the LORD came unto me" is a common prophetic formula, emphasizing that the prophet is merely a mouthpiece for God's authoritative message, not speaking his own thoughts or opinions. This establishes the message's infallible truth and underscores God's active involvement in the unfolding events of Israel's history.
• Prophetic Intermediary: Ezekiel's role as God's chosen messenger is highlighted. He is the one through whom God chooses to communicate His will and judgment to a rebellious nation, even when the message is severe and involves personal sacrifice from the prophet.
• Judgment and Foreshadowing: While not explicitly stated in this verse, it sets the stage for the revelation of God's severe judgment on Jerusalem and the impending destruction of the Temple, events that profoundly impacted the Jewish people and marked a turning point in their national identity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew dabar Yahweh (דְבַר יְהוָה). This strong phrase consistently appears throughout the prophetic books to indicate a direct, unmediated communication from God. It signifies the divine origin and absolute authority of the message being delivered, leaving no room for doubt about its source or truth. This particular phrasing emphasizes that the forthcoming explanation is not Ezekiel's personal interpretation but a divine decree, binding and certain.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezekiel 24:20 reminds us of the profound truth that God speaks to His people. Just as God communicated directly through His prophets in the Old Testament, He continues to reveal Himself through His written Word, the Bible. For us, this verse underscores the importance of:

• Attentive Listening: Recognizing that God's word is authoritative and requires our full attention, even when it contains difficult truths or prophecies of judgment. It challenges us to listen beyond our immediate desires and embrace God's ultimate plan.
• Seeking Divine Understanding: Acknowledging that true insight into life's profound questions and the meaning of challenging circumstances often comes from God's revelation, not merely human reasoning.
• The Reliability of Scripture: Reaffirming that the Bible is indeed the "word of the LORD," trustworthy and true, guiding us in all circumstances, just as Ezekiel's words guided Israel in a time of crisis. This echoes the concept found in 2 Timothy 3:16, that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.