Ezekiel 28:1

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

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah came again unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:1 functions as a pivotal introductory statement, signaling the commencement of a profound new divine oracle delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse is not a prophecy in itself but an authoritative preamble, signifying that the ensuing message, primarily concerning the proud city-state of Tyre and its ruler, originates directly from the sovereign will and voice of the LORD. This divine origin imbues the subsequent pronouncements with absolute authority, gravity, and an inescapable certainty of fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28:1 serves as a crucial transitional and introductory formula within the larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Ezekiel chapters 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, it sets the immediate stage for the detailed denunciation and pronouncement of judgment against Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city. This particular oracle, beginning in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - Prophecy Against the Prince of Tyre"), initially targets the human leader, often referred to as the "prince of Tyre," and then expands to a more enigmatic, possibly spiritual, figure, the "king of Tyre," in [Ezekiel 28:11-19](/ezekiel/28-11 "Ezekiel 28:11-19 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"). The formulaic opening, "The word of the LORD came again unto me," is a recurring literary device throughout the book, consistently signaling a distinct, divinely initiated message and emphasizing the direct source of Ezekiel's prophetic utterances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a profoundly tumultuous period in Israel's history, specifically amidst the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). While many of his prophecies addressed the sins and impending judgment of Judah and Jerusalem, God's scope extended to neighboring nations, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and judicial authority. Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its immense wealth, extensive maritime trade networks, and formidable fortifications, often described as an impregnable island fortress. It was a dominant commercial hub, known for its intricate trade routes and its self-sufficient, often arrogant, posture due to its prosperity and perceived invincibility. This cultural pride, economic might, and spiritual hubris, often leading to exploitation and a sense of invulnerability, form the critical backdrop against which God's severe judgment, introduced by this verse, is pronounced.
* **Key Themes:** The precise phrasing, "The word of the LORD came again unto me," powerfully underscores the overarching theme of **Divine Revelation**. It asserts unequivocally that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver originated not from his own human intellect, political analysis, or personal conviction, but directly from the transcendent and sovereign God. This emphasizes the divine inspiration and absolute authority of the prophetic word, a recurring and foundational motif throughout all prophetic literature. Furthermore, this verse powerfully reaffirms Ezekiel's **Prophetic Authority** and his established role as God's chosen spokesperson. Just as in his initial calling, where [the word of the LORD came to him by the Kebar River](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Calling"), the recurrence of this precise phrase validates the authenticity and weighty significance of the subsequent pronouncements. It also serves as a solemn **Introduction to Judgment**, signaling that a significant divine declaration, often one of indictment and condemnation, is about to unfold, particularly against the pride and self-exaltation of Tyre, a theme central to [Ezekiel chapter 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר (dâbar), this multifaceted term signifies not only a spoken utterance but also a matter, thing, affair, or deed. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it carries immense theological weight, implying a divine communication that is active, authoritative, and effectual. It is not merely information or a suggestion, but a powerful, living declaration from God that possesses the inherent power to bring about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, transliterated as "Yahweh" and typically rendered "LORD" in English Bibles (distinguished from "Lord" for Adonai). Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering covenant faithfulness. The use of YHWH here emphasizes that the message originates from the supreme, sovereign God who is actively involved in human history and holds ultimate authority over all nations, including the seemingly invincible Tyre.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root verb, meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to declare." In this context, it functions as an introductory particle, indicating that the preceding "word of the LORD" is about to be articulated in specific, detailed content. It highlights the direct, verbal, and precise nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, preparing the audience for the exact content of the divine message that immediately follows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately and unequivocally establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It signifies that the subsequent pronouncement is not human speculation, political commentary, or personal opinion, but a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself, the sovereign YHWH. This sets the tone for the entire oracle, demanding reverent attention.
* **"came again unto me":** The inclusion of the adverb "again" (Hebrew: *shuv*) is significant. It indicates a continuation or resumption of God's ongoing, consistent communication with Ezekiel. This phrase underscores the prophet's established and sustained role as God's faithful messenger, affirming the continuous nature of divine revelation and highlighting that God repeatedly engages with His chosen servants to disclose His will and purposes concerning His people and the nations.
* **"saying,":** This term acts as a direct and immediate transition, serving to introduce the specific content of the divine message. It signals to the reader that the subsequent verses will contain the precise words, instructions, or pronouncements that the LORD communicated to Ezekiel, emphasizing the verbal and declarative nature of the prophetic oracle that is about to unfold.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:1 employs several key literary devices that are characteristic of prophetic literature, serving to underscore the message's divine authority. The most prominent is the **Formulaic Opening**, specifically the "word of the LORD came to me" phrase, which is a recurring and highly significant marker throughout the book of Ezekiel and other prophetic texts (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")). This formula serves to authenticate the message, asserting its divine origin and absolute authority, leaving no doubt that the prophet is merely a conduit for God's direct revelation. This also ties into the **Divine Speech Formula**, which emphasizes that the subsequent words are God's own, not the prophet's. The use of "again" introduces a subtle but important element of **Repetition with Variation**, reinforcing the continuous nature of God's communication and Ezekiel's established prophetic role, building upon previous similar introductions in the book and solidifying the prophet's credibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:1 fundamentally underscores the profound biblical truth that God is a speaking God who actively communicates His will, character, and purposes to humanity. This verse is a powerful affirmation of divine revelation, asserting that the words of the prophets are not human constructs or mere reflections of their own insights, but direct, authoritative utterances from the sovereign LORD. It establishes the absolute authority, infallibility, and trustworthiness of the prophetic message, reminding us that when we encounter "the word of the LORD," we are hearing God Himself speak into human history. This concept is foundational to biblical theology, highlighting God's initiative in disclosing Himself and His redemptive and judicial plans to a world that desperately needs His truth. The prophet, in turn, is presented as a faithful conduit, tasked with accurately transmitting these divine decrees without alteration or addition, thereby serving as a vital link between the divine and human realms.

* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Touches Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:1, though concise, carries profound and enduring implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that the God of the Bible is not silent, distant, or indifferent, but an active, communicating God who desires to engage with His creation. For us today, His primary and most complete means of communication is His written Word, the Holy Scriptures. Just as Ezekiel was called to listen intently to "the word of the LORD" and faithfully proclaim it, we are called to approach the Bible with profound reverence, recognizing that within its sacred pages, we encounter the very voice of God. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and eager anticipation, desiring to hear, understand, and obediently respond to what the LORD is saying to us individually and corporately. It encourages us to trust implicitly in the unwavering authority, efficacy, and transformative power of God's Word, knowing that it will accomplish His purposes, whether in revealing truth, convicting of sin, offering comfort, or guiding our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "The word of the LORD came again unto me" shape your understanding of the Bible's divine authority and inspiration?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively listen for God's voice in your daily life, particularly through diligent engagement with His written Word?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence, attentiveness, and obedience to the Scriptures in your personal walk with God?**
* **How does recognizing God as a "speaking God" influence your prayer life, your decision-making, and your overall trust in His sovereign guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why does Ezekiel 28:1 specifically say "came *again* unto me"?**

Answer: The addition of "again" (Hebrew: *shuv*) is highly significant because it indicates a continuation or resumption of God's ongoing, consistent communication with Ezekiel. It highlights that this is not a new, isolated instance of revelation, but rather another in a series of divine encounters and messages that Ezekiel has already received. This repetition reinforces the prophet's established role as God's consistent and reliable messenger, validating the authenticity and ongoing nature of his prophetic ministry. It assures the audience that the source of the message remains the same divine authority, building upon the foundation laid in earlier passages where [the word of the LORD first came to Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Initial Prophetic Commission") and throughout his prophetic book.

**What is the theological significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: *dabar YHWH*) is a foundational theological concept in the Old Testament, signifying God's active, authoritative, and self-revealing communication. It underscores that God is not a silent or passive deity but one who actively engages with His creation, disclosing His character, will, and plans. When "the word of the LORD" comes, it carries inherent power and authority; it is not merely information but a divine decree that will accomplish its intended purpose, as powerfully affirmed in passages like [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). This phrase establishes the divine origin, infallibility, and transformative power of the prophetic message, demanding reverent attention and obedient response from all who hear it. It signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs through His spoken decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:1, with its profound emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet as the source of all divine revelation, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While God graciously spoke "at various times and in various ways" through the prophets of old, [He has spoken to us in these last days by His Son](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son"), as the author of Hebrews so powerfully declares. Jesus is far more than merely a messenger of God's word; He *is* the living Word made flesh, the eternal Logos through whom all things were created and through whom God perfectly and fully reveals Himself ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). All divine revelation, authority, and truth, which flowed through the prophets like Ezekiel in fragmented glimpses, converge and culminate in Christ. His words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")), and He speaks with an inherent authority that infinitely surpasses any prophet, for He speaks not merely *for* God, but *as* God, the very embodiment of divine truth ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Thus, the "word of the LORD" that came to Ezekiel foreshadows the coming of the ultimate Word, Jesus, who perfectly embodies and articulates the divine will, bringing both ultimate judgment and eternal salvation.

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.