Ezekiel 26:1

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

And it came to pass in the eleventh {H6249}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

On the first day of the month in the eleventh year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

In the eleventh month of the twelfth year, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the firstdayof the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

Ezekiel 26:1 serves as the introductory verse to a series of significant prophecies concerning the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre. This verse meticulously sets the stage by providing the exact date of the divine revelation to the prophet Ezekiel, highlighting the precision and authority of God's word.

Context

This verse marks a new section within the book of Ezekiel, specifically introducing the prophetic pronouncements against foreign nations. Following prophecies primarily focused on Judah and Jerusalem's impending doom and subsequent desolation, Ezekiel 26 shifts attention to the surrounding peoples who rejoiced in Israel's downfall. The dating, "the eleventh year, in the first day of the month," refers to the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin's captivity in Babylon, which was also the eleventh year of Ezekiel's own exile. This precise chronological marker is typical of Ezekiel's prophecies, underscoring the historical grounding and verifiable nature of God's message. It immediately precedes the vivid and detailed prophecy of Tyre's destruction, as seen in Ezekiel 26:2.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Authority: The recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a cornerstone of prophetic literature, affirming that Ezekiel's messages were not his own thoughts but direct communications from God. This emphasizes the divine origin and infallible authority behind the subsequent prophecies.
  • God's Precise Timing: The specific date provided (eleventh year, first day of the month) highlights God's meticulous planning and sovereignty over historical events. It assures the reader that God's judgments and plans unfold according to His perfect timing, not randomly.
  • The Prophet's Role: Ezekiel 26:1 reiterates Ezekiel's function as a mouthpiece for God, underscoring the consistent pattern throughout his ministry where he receives and delivers divine messages, often concerning the fate of nations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a standard prophetic formula in Hebrew, often rendered as davar Yahweh hayah elay. This specific wording emphasizes the active, intentional, and personal nature of God's communication to His chosen prophet. It is not merely an inspiration but a direct, authoritative utterance delivered to Ezekiel for dissemination.

Practical Application

This introductory verse reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events and communicating His will with precision. Just as He spoke to Ezekiel regarding Tyre, He continues to reveal His truth through His Word and through His Spirit. Secondly, it underscores the importance of divine revelation as the foundation for understanding spiritual and historical realities. For believers today, this reinforces the value of engaging with Scripture as God's authoritative word. Finally, it encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when His plans seem distant or complex, knowing that He works all things according to His sovereign will, as seen in the unfolding of His purposes throughout history.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 20:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Jeremiah 39:2 (2 votes)

    [And] in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month, the city was broken up.