Ezekiel 28:1

Ezekiel 28:1 serves as a concise but crucial introductory statement, signaling the commencement of a new divine oracle delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse is not a prophecy in itself, but rather the authoritative preamble to a significant message concerning the city of Tyre.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). His prophecies often addressed the sins of Judah and Jerusalem, but also extended to neighboring nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples. Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its immense wealth, maritime trade, and fortified position. It was a powerful commercial hub, often characterized by pride and self-sufficiency. This verse sets the stage for a detailed prophecy that targets Tyre's arrogance and eventual downfall, particularly focusing on its ruler.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation: The phrase "The word of the LORD came again unto me" underscores that the message originated not from Ezekiel's own thoughts or wisdom, but directly from God. This emphasizes the divine inspiration and authority of the prophetic word. It mirrors the common opening for many prophetic books and oracles, asserting that God actively communicates with His people through His chosen messengers.
• Prophetic Authority: This verse reaffirms Ezekiel's role as God's spokesperson. Just as in his initial calling (Ezekiel 1:3), the recurrence of "the word of the LORD came unto me" validates the authenticity and weight of the subsequent pronouncements.
• Introduction to Judgment: While simple, this verse acts as a solemn announcement that a divine judgment is about to be declared. The "saying" that follows in Ezekiel 28:2 begins the detailed denunciation of Tyre's leadership, which is central to understanding the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "The word of the LORD" is dabar YHWH. Dabar means "word," "utterance," or "thing," and YHWH is the sacred, covenant name of God (often rendered "LORD" in KJV). This combination powerfully conveys the idea of God's direct and active communication. The addition of "came again unto me" (vayehi dabar YHWH elay lemor) indicates a continuation or resumption of God's communication to Ezekiel, highlighting the ongoing nature of divine revelation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 28:1, though brief, reminds us of the foundational truth that God speaks. For believers today, this verse reinforces the concept of biblical inspiration and the authority of Scripture. Just as God communicated directly with Ezekiel to reveal His will and purposes, so too does His written Word serve as our primary source of divine truth. It encourages us to approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing that within its pages, we encounter the very "word of the LORD." Understanding this opening verse helps set the proper mindset for receiving the powerful and often challenging truths that follow, particularly concerning pride and judgment, themes that resonate throughout scripture, such as in Proverbs 16:18.