Ezekiel 27:1

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

The word of Jehovah came again unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:1 serves as a foundational prophetic formula, signaling the direct and authoritative commencement of a new divine revelation from the LORD to the prophet Ezekiel. This concise statement sets the stage for the elaborate oracle against the city of Tyre that follows, underscoring the supernatural origin and absolute authority of the message Ezekiel is about to deliver to a people in exile, deeply in need of God's clear word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a standard introductory formula, a literary device frequently employed throughout the prophetic books, and particularly in Ezekiel. It marks the beginning of a distinct prophetic oracle, specifically a lamentation and judgment against the powerful maritime city of Tyre, which extends through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Sidon"). The phrase "The word of the LORD came again unto me" indicates a continuation of God's communication with Ezekiel, following previous pronouncements against other nations in [Ezekiel 25-26](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations"). Its repetition throughout the book, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel's Call") and [Ezekiel 6:1](/ezekiel/6-1 "Prophecy Against the Mountains of Israel"), reinforces the consistent and direct nature of God's engagement with His prophet.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Prophet Ezekiel delivered these messages during the Babylonian exile, a period roughly spanning 597-571 BC, following the first deportation of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel himself. The people of Israel were in captivity, grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and questioning God's presence and power. Tyre, located on the Phoenician coast, was a formidable and wealthy city-state renowned for its extensive trade networks, naval power, and seemingly impregnable island fortress. Culturally, Tyre was known for its pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry, particularly the worship of Melqart. The prophecy against such a dominant and arrogant power would have been a stark reminder to the exiled Israelites that even the mightiest human kingdoms were subject to the sovereign will of the LORD, offering a glimmer of hope that their God was still in control of world events.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced by this verse is **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that the words Ezekiel speaks are not his own human insights but direct, supernatural communication from God. This undergirds the theme of **Prophetic Authority**, establishing Ezekiel as God's divinely appointed mouthpiece, whose messages carry the weight and truth of the Almighty. Furthermore, by introducing a judgment against a powerful foreign nation, the verse subtly but powerfully contributes to the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty** over all nations and their destinies. This theme is crucial for the exiles, assuring them that despite their current circumstances, the LORD remains the supreme ruler, capable of executing His will on both Israel and the surrounding empires.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term is far more encompassing than a mere utterance. It signifies not just spoken language, but also an active decree, a matter, a thing, or an affair. In this context, it conveys the potent, authoritative, and effectual nature of God's communication, implying that what God says, He also brings to pass. It is a dynamic "word" that carries inherent power and intention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It denotes the self-existent, eternal God, the one who "is" and "was" and "is to come." The use of this specific name underscores that the source of the revelation is not a generic deity, but the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the sovereign ruler of all creation, whose word is utterly reliable and true.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, implying to declare, command, instruct, or intend. Here, it functions as a direct introduction to the precise content of God's message, indicating that the following verses are the exact words or direct command given by the LORD through Ezekiel. It signifies a clear, articulate, and intentional communication from the divine to the human.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message. It is not human wisdom, speculation, or political analysis, but the very utterance of the self-existent, sovereign God, carrying His power and truth.
* **"came again unto me":** The verb "came" (Hebrew _hayah_) often implies a divine encounter or manifestation, signifying that the word was actively delivered to Ezekiel. The inclusion of "again" highlights the recurring and consistent nature of God's revelation to His prophet, emphasizing Ezekiel's ongoing role as the recipient and conduit of divine truth. It implies continuity rather than a new, isolated event.
* **"saying,":** This participle functions as a direct introduction to the content of the divine message. It indicates that what follows is the exact pronouncement of the LORD, underscoring the verbatim nature of the prophecy and Ezekiel's faithfulness in transmitting it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:1 primarily employs a **Prophetic Formula**, a standardized introductory phrase common in biblical prophecy (e.g., "The word of the LORD came to..."). This formula serves a crucial function: it immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing message, distinguishing it from human speech or opinion. The **Repetition** of this formula throughout the book of Ezekiel reinforces the consistent nature of God's communication with His prophet and cumulatively builds the reader's confidence in the divine authority of the entire prophetic corpus. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** where "the word" (dâbâr) stands not just for spoken sounds, but for the entire divine message, decree, and active will of God, implying its power and efficacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:1 underscores a fundamental theological truth: God is a speaking God who actively communicates His will and purposes to humanity. This verse, like many others in Scripture, affirms the divine inspiration and authority of the prophetic word, asserting that the messages conveyed by prophets are not human inventions but emanate directly from the LORD Himself. This divine origin is the bedrock of biblical authority, assuring believers that the Scriptures are trustworthy, infallible, and sufficient for guiding faith and life. It highlights God's ongoing involvement in human history, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and His commitment to revealing His plans, whether of judgment or salvation.

* [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "Prophecy from God")
* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "God's Word in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:1, though brief, carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that the Bible is not merely an ancient text, but the living, authoritative "word of the LORD." In a world filled with conflicting voices and uncertainties, this verse calls us to anchor our lives in the unchanging truth of God's revelation. Just as Ezekiel received a specific word for his generation, we are called to listen intently to God's voice through His written Word, recognizing its power to illuminate, convict, correct, and guide. Embracing the divine origin of Scripture cultivates deep trust, fostering a posture of humble submission and eager obedience to its teachings. It encourages us to seek God's word for clarity in confusion, strength in weakness, and hope in despair, knowing that the same God who spoke to Ezekiel continues to speak to us today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture, as highlighted in this verse, impact your trust in its truthfulness and authority?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek to hear and obey "the word of the LORD" in your daily life and decision-making?**
* **Considering God's consistent communication to Ezekiel, how does this encourage you to persevere in seeking God's guidance, even in times of uncertainty or spiritual dryness?**

### FAQ
**Why is this phrase repeated so often in Ezekiel and other prophetic books?**

Answer: The repetition of "The word of the LORD came to me/unto me" serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it consistently reinforces the divine origin and absolute authority of the message, leaving no doubt that the words are God's, not the prophet's own. Secondly, it acts as a literary marker, signaling the beginning of a new distinct oracle or section of divine revelation. Thirdly, it emphasizes the prophet's role as a mere recipient and faithful messenger, lending credibility and weight to the prophecies. This formula ensures that both the original hearers and subsequent readers understand that the message is a direct communication from the sovereign LORD.

**Does "came again unto me" imply that previous messages were ignored or that God had been silent?**

Answer: No, "came again unto me" (Hebrew _hayah od elay_) does not imply that previous messages were ignored or that there was a period of divine silence. Instead, the word "again" (Hebrew _od_) signifies continuity and the recurrence of divine communication. It emphasizes that Ezekiel's prophetic ministry was not a one-time event but a sustained, ongoing relationship with God, characterized by repeated revelations. It indicates a fresh, new message in a series of ongoing divine pronouncements, reinforcing the consistent nature of God's engagement with His chosen servant.

**What is the significance of the "LORD" (Yahweh) being the source of this word in this context?**

Answer: The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) is profoundly significant. It identifies the source of the prophecy not as a generic deity, but specifically as the covenant-keeping, self-existent God of Israel. This distinguishes the prophecy from human wisdom, political analysis, or the pronouncements of pagan gods. By identifying Himself as Yahweh, God asserts His unique sovereignty over all creation, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His ultimate control over the destinies of nations, including powerful ones like Tyre. It underscores that the message is from the supreme, living God who acts in history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:1, with its declaration of "the word of the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets consistently pointed to a future revelation of God's will, and in Christ, God's self-disclosure reaches its zenith. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") proclaims, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This "Word" is none other than Jesus, the eternal Son. The very essence of God's communication, His active and authoritative _dâbâr_, became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). While Ezekiel received the word of the LORD, we have received the LORD who is the Word.

Jesus is the full and final revelation of God, surpassing all previous prophetic utterances. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Speaks Through His Son") declares, "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." Every "word of the LORD" that came to Ezekiel and other prophets ultimately finds its meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies God's message, fulfills all prophecy ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and through whom God's ultimate plan of salvation is enacted. Thus, Ezekiel 27:1, while marking a specific prophetic utterance, points forward to the living Word, Jesus, who is the complete and perfect revelation of God to humanity.

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.