Ezekiel 28:11

Ezekiel 28:11 serves as a concise but crucial introductory phrase, signaling the commencement of a new divine message delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse acts as a header for the profound oracle that follows, specifically directed at the "King of Tyrus."

Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, delivering God's messages to the exiled Israelites and prophecies concerning surrounding nations. Prior to this verse, Ezekiel 28 contains a scathing prophecy against the Prince of Tyrus (verses 1-10), condemning his pride and self-exaltation. Verse 11 marks a distinct shift, introducing a new, even more enigmatic oracle that begins in Ezekiel 28:12 and continues to verse 19, often interpreted as a prophetic lament over a powerful, perhaps even supernatural, entity behind the earthly king of Tyre.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation: The phrase "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a standard prophetic formula emphasizing that the message originates directly from God, not from Ezekiel's own thoughts or wisdom. It underscores the divine authority and truthfulness of the prophecy, assuring readers that what follows is God's own declaration.
• Prophetic Authority: This introductory statement validates Ezekiel's role as God's chosen messenger. It assures the audience that what follows is not human opinion but a direct communication from the Sovereign Lord. Similar declarations can be found throughout prophetic literature, such as in Jeremiah 1:4.
• Transition and Emphasis: The repeated phrase signals a new segment or a heightened emphasis within the prophetic discourse. It draws the reader's attention to the specific and significant revelation that is about to unfold concerning the King of Tyrus.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "the word of the LORD came unto me" (וַיְהִי דְבַר יְהוָה אֵלַי, vayhi devar Yahweh elai) is a recurring motif in the prophetic books, especially prominent in Ezekiel. It signifies the formal and authoritative reception of a divine message by a prophet. This formula establishes the divine origin and imperative nature of the communication, leaving no doubt that the subsequent words are God's own declaration, not merely human wisdom or insight.

Practical Application

While an introductory verse, Ezekiel 28:11 reminds us of the foundational truth that God speaks. For believers today, this reinforces the reliability and authority of the written Word of God. It encourages us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing that within its pages, we encounter the very voice of the Lord. Just as Ezekiel was a conduit for God's message to his generation, the Bible remains the primary means through which God communicates His will, character, and plan for humanity, providing guidance for all aspects of life.