Ezekiel 25:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:1 serves as a crucial transitional verse within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, signaling a profound shift in the divine messages. It reasserts the unwavering divine origin and authoritative nature of the pronouncements that follow, moving the prophetic focus from the judgment and desolation of Judah and Jerusalem to a new series of oracles directed against the surrounding Gentile nations. This concise formula underscores God's continued engagement with His prophet and His universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His dominion and justice extend over all peoples, not solely His covenant nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct and significant literary block within the Book of Ezekiel, encompassing chapters [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Oracles Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Prior to this, Ezekiel's prophecies had been overwhelmingly directed towards the impending and then actual destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah, culminating in the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall in [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall"). With the temple destroyed and the people exiled, the immediate focus on Israel's sin and punishment shifts. The oracles against foreign nations that begin here serve a vital theological purpose: to demonstrate God's comprehensive justice, extending His judgment beyond His covenant people to those who rejoiced in Judah's downfall, oppressed them, or acted with pride and malice. This section thus bridges the gap between the prophecies of judgment against Judah and the subsequent prophecies of restoration and hope for Israel, affirming God's ultimate control over global affairs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time of immense national trauma and theological crisis for Judah. Jerusalem had fallen in 586 BC, and its temple, the very heart of Jewish worship and identity, lay in ruins. The surrounding nations—Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia—had long-standing histories of rivalry, conflict, and often animosity with Israel. Culturally, these nations worshipped their own pantheons of gods, and their actions against Judah were frequently perceived as a challenge to the power and supremacy of Yahweh. Historically, some of these nations, particularly Edom and Ammon, had actively participated in or celebrated Jerusalem's destruction, viewing it as an opportunity for territorial expansion or an affirmation of their own deities' superiority over Yahweh. Ezekiel's prophecies against them, therefore, address specific historical grievances and profound theological challenges, asserting Yahweh's ultimate supremacy over all national deities and political powers, and demonstrating that no nation's actions escape His divine scrutiny and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The recurring phrase "The word of the LORD came unto me" powerfully reinforces the foundational theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**. It unequivocally establishes that Ezekiel is not speaking his own thoughts or political insights but is delivering direct, infallible messages from God, a continuation of his prophetic commission established early in the book (e.g., [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call") and [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman's Call")). This verse also introduces, or rather re-emphasizes, the theme of **God's Universal Sovereignty**. By extending judgment to nations beyond Israel, God demonstrates that His dominion is not limited to His chosen people but encompasses all of humanity and all earthly powers. This universal scope of divine justice is a crucial theological point, showing that no nation, ruler, or deity is beyond God's ultimate control and accountability. Finally, it highlights the **Justice of God**, as He holds even Gentile nations accountable for their actions, particularly their malicious glee or active participation in the suffering of His people, as vividly detailed in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Oracles Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term is profoundly significant, extending beyond a mere utterance to encompass a matter, thing, deed, or affair. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies not just spoken communication but also divine decree, authoritative message, and the active outworking of God's will. It implies a dynamic, powerful, and effective communication that brings about what it declares, carrying the weight of divine authority and efficacy.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The use of "LORD" (rendered in small caps in KJV to represent the Tetragrammaton) rather than the more generic "God" (Elohim) highlights God's personal relationship with Israel, even as He now extends His judgment to other nations, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness does not preclude His universal justice and dominion over all.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** (H559) A primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include commanding, declaring, answering, appointing, and determining. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, intentional, and authoritative nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, highlighting that the subsequent prophecies are not merely human thoughts or interpretations but explicit, precise divine pronouncements. It underscores the prophet's role as a direct conduit for God's verbal revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD came again unto me,"**: This foundational clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message Ezekiel is about to deliver. The inclusion of "again" (implied by the Hebrew structure and the broader narrative of Ezekiel's continuous prophetic ministry) signifies a renewed or continued revelation, emphasizing that Ezekiel's prophetic activity is not sporadic but an ongoing, divinely initiated process. It powerfully underscores God's active, persistent engagement with His prophet, even after the monumental and devastating event of Jerusalem's fall, signaling a new phase in His communicative plan.
* **"saying,"**: This simple yet crucial participial clause serves as a direct introduction to the content of the divine message. It acts as a transition, preparing the reader for the specific pronouncements that follow, indicating that the preceding statement is merely the preamble to the actual divine oracle. It highlights the verbal nature of the revelation and reinforces the prophet's role as a faithful conduit for God's precise and authoritative words, ensuring that what follows is understood as direct divine speech.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:1 primarily employs a **Prophetic Formula**, a standardized introductory phrase ("The word of the LORD came unto me, saying") that is a hallmark of prophetic literature throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Hosea's Prophetic Introduction")). This formula serves as a powerful **Authentication** device, immediately signaling to the audience that the subsequent message is not the prophet's personal opinion, political commentary, or human wisdom, but a direct, authoritative, and divinely inspired revelation from Yahweh Himself. The **Repetition** of this formula throughout Ezekiel's ministry (and other prophetic books) reinforces the consistent source of his messages and the unwavering nature of God's communication. Furthermore, it functions as a **Framing Device**, clearly delineating distinct sections of prophecy and indicating a significant shift in focus or theme, in this specific instance, from the judgment of Judah to the judgment of the surrounding Gentile nations. This structural element provides clarity and emphasizes the divine orchestration of the prophetic narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:1, though brief, functions as a foundational theological statement, powerfully asserting the absolute authority and initiative of God in all revelation. It reminds us that divine truth is not discovered by human intellect or wisdom but is graciously and sovereignly disclosed by the Creator of the universe. This verse sets the stage for demonstrating God's universal justice, proving that His moral law and judgment extend far beyond His covenant people to encompass all nations and all humanity. It underscores the profound truth that all peoples are ultimately accountable to Him, and no nation's actions, especially those against His chosen people, go unnoticed or unpunished. This theological truth provides immense comfort, assuring believers that God is ultimately in control of history, that His righteous standards are universal, and that He will ultimately right all wrongs and bring about His perfect justice in His time.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Hosea")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:1, despite its brevity, carries profound and enduring implications for contemporary believers. It grounds our faith in the unshakeable reality that the Bible is not merely ancient literature, human philosophy, or a collection of moral teachings, but the very "word of the LORD." This divine origin imbues Scripture with unparalleled authority, making it the ultimate and infallible standard for truth, morality, and every aspect of life. Approaching the Bible with this understanding transforms our reading from a casual exercise into a sacred encounter with the living God Himself. It calls us to listen attentively, obey faithfully, and trust implicitly in His revealed will, even when His words bring challenging messages of judgment, call for radical repentance, or seem counter-cultural. Furthermore, recognizing God's universal sovereignty, as powerfully introduced here, assures us that He is actively involved in the affairs of all nations and peoples, providing a steadfast hope and an anchor for our souls amidst global turmoil, injustice, and uncertainty. Our God is not confined to one nation or one era; He reigns supreme over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of Scripture (the "word of the LORD") profoundly impact your approach to reading, studying, and obeying the Bible in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways does God's universal sovereignty, as demonstrated by His judgment on foreign nations, offer comfort or present a challenge to your worldview and understanding of global events today?**
* **Considering the authoritative nature of "the word of the LORD," what practical steps can you take to better align your thoughts, words, and actions with His revealed will in an increasingly secular or relativistic world?**

### FAQ

**Why does the verse state "The word of the LORD came again unto me"? What is the significance of "again"?**

Answer: The term "again" (indicated by the Hebrew verb structure and the continuous narrative of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry) signifies a continuation or resumption of divine revelation to Ezekiel, rather than a new, isolated event. It highlights the ongoing nature of God's communication with His prophet. Prior to this point, Ezekiel had received numerous oracles concerning Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in the devastating news of the city's fall (e.g., [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall")). The use of "again" here marks a distinct shift in the *focus* of the prophecy, moving from Israel to the surrounding nations, but crucially emphasizes the *continuity* of the divine source. It powerfully reassures the audience that God is still speaking, still active, and still sovereign, even after the monumental and traumatic events in Jerusalem.

**What is the theological significance of God's word continuing to come to Ezekiel after the fall of Jerusalem?**

Answer: The theological significance of God's word continuing to come to Ezekiel after the fall of Jerusalem is profound and multifaceted. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple was a catastrophic event that could have led to widespread despair, questioning God's power, or even His faithfulness to His covenant promises. However, God's word continues to come to Ezekiel, demonstrating that His plan is not thwarted, His authority is undiminished, and His purposes extend beyond the immediate crisis of Israel. This shift in focus to the Gentile nations (beginning in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Oracles Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia")) powerfully illustrates that God's sovereignty extends far beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and all nations. He holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people. This provides immense reassurance that God is ultimately just and will ultimately deal with all evil, whether originating from His own covenant people or from foreign adversaries, demonstrating His ultimate control over all of history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 25:1, by emphatically asserting the authoritative "word of the LORD" as the source of all divine revelation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and personification in Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the living Word of God, the ultimate and complete revelation of the Father. Just as the word of the LORD "came" to Ezekiel, so too did the eternal Word become flesh and "dwell among us," full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, all of God's promises and prophetic words find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen," confirming their divine origin and ultimate realization ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, the universal sovereignty of God, powerfully implied by His extension of judgment to all nations in Ezekiel's prophecy, is fully realized in Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one appointed by God to ultimately judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge")), bringing to perfect completion the divine justice foreshadowed in Ezekiel's oracles against the nations. Thus, Ezekiel 25:1 points forward to the supreme revelation and universal reign of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, through whom God's sovereign will is perfectly accomplished.

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.