Ezekiel 29:1

KJV

¶ In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

In the tenth {H6224} year {H8141}, in the tenth {H6224} month, in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} day of the month {H2320}, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

On the twelfth day of the tenth month of the twelfth year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

In the tenth year, in the tenthmonth, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:1 inaugurates a significant prophetic oracle against ancient Egypt, meticulously dated to the tenth year, tenth month, and twelfth day of the Babylonian exile. This precise chronological marker, characteristic of Ezekiel's prophecies, firmly anchors the divine message within historical reality, underscoring God's sovereign control over time and nations. It introduces a series of pronouncements that reveal God's impending judgment on Egypt, highlighting His absolute authority over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even amidst the siege of Jerusalem and the diaspora of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:1 serves as the precise chronological and thematic introduction to a major prophetic block (chapters 29-32) dedicated entirely to oracles against Egypt. This section follows other judgments against surrounding nations (Tyre in chapters 26-28) and precedes the climactic prophecies of restoration for Israel (chapters 33-48). The meticulous dating here, as throughout the book (e.g., [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Vision")), emphasizes the divine origin and historical grounding of Ezekiel's revelations. It sets the stage for a detailed exposition of Egypt's pride and ultimate downfall, demonstrating God's comprehensive sovereignty over the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East and His people's destiny.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific date, "In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month," corresponds to January 12, 587 BC. At this critical juncture, Jerusalem was under a prolonged and brutal siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, which would ultimately lead to its destruction in 586 BC. During this period, many in Judah, desperate for relief, looked to Egypt as a powerful ally to counter Babylon. This reliance on a foreign power, rather than on the Lord, was a recurring theme and a source of divine condemnation (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Ezekiel's prophecy against Egypt, delivered to the exiles in Babylon, directly confronted this misplaced hope, asserting that Egypt, too, was subject to God's judgment and would prove to be a "broken reed" ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt, a Broken Reed")) for those who trusted in it.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes that resonate throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Chronology**, illustrating that God is not merely reacting to human events but is actively orchestrating history according to His precise timetable and purpose. The meticulous dating authenticates the prophetic word as a divinely ordered revelation, not a random human utterance. Secondly, the phrase "[the word of the LORD came unto me](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the Lord to Ezekiel")" emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and Revelation**, asserting that Ezekiel is merely a messenger, relaying a direct, authoritative message from the Lord God. This divine origin guarantees the message's truth and ultimate fulfillment. Lastly, this verse signals the theme of **Judgment on Nations**, demonstrating that God's authority extends beyond Israel to all nations, holding them accountable for their pride, idolatry, and their role in opposing His people or His plans. This universal scope of God's justice is a hallmark of prophetic literature, seen also in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, "the word of the LORD" signifies much more than mere utterance; it conveys an authoritative, divinely originated message, a decree, or a divine pronouncement that carries inherent power and certainty of fulfillment. It is the active, dynamic communication of God's will and purpose.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here highlights that the judgment on Egypt is not arbitrary but proceeds from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is Lord over all creation and history.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say (used with great latitude)." In this context, it denotes the direct, explicit communication from God to His prophet. It signifies the verbal transmission of the divine message, ensuring that what follows is precisely what the Lord commanded Ezekiel to declare. It underscores the directness and clarity of the prophetic revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month":** This opening clause provides a precise chronological marker for the divine revelation. It anchors the prophecy to a specific historical moment during the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's meticulous involvement in human history and the authenticity of the prophetic word. It also highlights the prophet's careful record-keeping, a common feature in Ezekiel, reinforcing the factual basis of his visions and messages.
* **"the word of the LORD came unto me":** This is a standard prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin and authority of the message. It signifies that the following pronouncement is not Ezekiel's own opinion or speculation, but a direct, authoritative revelation from YHWH Himself. This phrase underscores the prophet's role as a mere conduit for God's infallible truth.
* **"saying":** This final word indicates that the subsequent verses contain the direct content of the divine message that Ezekiel received. It serves as an immediate transition to the oracle against Egypt, signaling that the detailed judgment and prophecy that follow are the very words spoken by the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Precise Chronology**, which is a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophetic book. The meticulous dating of the prophecy (year, month, day) serves to ground the divine message firmly in historical reality, lending credibility and urgency to the pronouncement. It suggests that God's actions are not random but occur within a divinely ordained timeline. Another significant device is the **Prophetic Formula**, "the word of the LORD came unto me." This standardized phrase is a powerful declaration of divine inspiration and authority, ensuring the audience that the message originates from God Himself and is therefore infallible and certain to be fulfilled. This formula establishes the prophet's role as a passive recipient and faithful conveyor of God's direct **Divine Speech**, which is the core content of the ensuing oracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:1 serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, not only over His covenant people but over all nations and the entire course of human history. The precise dating of the prophecy underscores that God's plan unfolds according to His perfect timing, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can thwart His purposes. This divine control extends to judgment, as seen in the impending pronouncement against Egypt, a nation that often served as a false hope for Israel. The coming of "the word of the LORD" emphasizes the active, dynamic nature of God's communication, revealing His character as a God who speaks, acts, and holds all accountable. This revelation of God's universal dominion and justice provides comfort and warning: comfort for those who trust in Him, knowing He is ultimately in control, and warning for those who rely on human strength or defy His will.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): This passage affirms God's unique ability to declare the end from the beginning, highlighting His sovereign control over history, echoing the chronological precision in Ezekiel.
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations"): This psalm proclaims that the Lord frustrates the plans of the nations, but His counsel stands forever, directly connecting to the theme of God's judgment over mighty empires like Egypt.
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"): This verse describes the word of God as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, underscoring the power and efficacy of the divine word that "came unto" Ezekiel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:1, with its precise dating and declaration of the "word of the LORD," offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in the unfolding of history, orchestrating events according to His divine timetable. In a world often characterized by political instability, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval, this verse calls us to anchor our hope not in fleeting human alliances or the strength of nations, but in the unchanging, sovereign God. Just as Israel was tempted to rely on Egypt, we too can be tempted to place our trust in worldly solutions rather than God's unfailing word. This passage challenges us to recognize that true security and wisdom come from listening to and obeying God's authoritative revelation. It invites us to cultivate a deeper trust in His perfect plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic, knowing that His word is always precise, powerful, and ultimately fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating in Ezekiel 29:1 encourage your trust in God's sovereign control over current global events and your personal life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on "Egypt" (human strength, worldly systems, or personal abilities) rather than the "word of the LORD" in your present circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently listen for and align your life with the authoritative "word of the LORD" as revealed in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why is the dating so precise in Ezekiel's prophecies?**

Answer: The meticulous dating in Ezekiel's prophecies, as seen in [Ezekiel 29:1](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the divine origin of the message, demonstrating that God's word is not a vague prediction but a specific intervention in history. Secondly, it anchors the prophecy in real historical time, allowing future generations to verify the fulfillment of these predictions. Thirdly, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over time and events, showing that His plans unfold according to His precise timetable. This precision distinguishes biblical prophecy from mere human speculation, emphasizing its divine authority and reliability.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me"?**

Answer: This phrase, a common prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament, signifies that the message did not originate from Ezekiel himself but was a direct, authoritative revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes the prophet's role as a mere messenger, ensuring that the subsequent pronouncements carry the full weight and infallibility of divine truth. It highlights the active, dynamic nature of God's communication, underscoring that His word is living, powerful, and certain to accomplish its purpose, as described in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty").

**Why is Egypt being judged in this prophecy?**

Answer: Egypt, a powerful ancient empire, is being judged primarily for its pride, its idolatry, and its role as a deceptive and ultimately unreliable ally for Israel. Throughout Israel's history, Egypt often symbolized human strength and worldly reliance, tempting God's people to trust in human power rather than divine provision (e.g., [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")). God's judgment on Egypt, as detailed in [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh"), demonstrates His universal sovereignty over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and pride. This judgment also served to vindicate God's name among the nations and to teach Israel that their hope should be placed solely in Him, not in any earthly kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:1, with its emphasis on the precise timing of "the word of the LORD" and the declaration of divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very **Word of God** made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom all things were created and through whom God's ultimate revelation is given. The Old Testament prophetic word, delivered at specific historical junctures, pointed forward to the climactic arrival of God's decisive word in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's truth, power, and purpose. Just as the word came to Ezekiel to declare judgment on a proud nation, so too does Christ, the living Word, possess all authority to execute judgment ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")) and to bring salvation. The meticulous chronology of Ezekiel's prophecy foreshadows the precise timing of Christ's advent, death, and resurrection—events orchestrated by God's sovereign plan from eternity past ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son When the Time Had Fully Come")). Ultimately, the judgment pronounced on nations like Egypt by the word of the Lord finds its eschatological culmination in Christ, who will judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day When He Will Judge the World")). Thus, Ezekiel 29:1, by highlighting God's sovereign word breaking into history with authority and judgment, prepares the reader for the full and final revelation of God's Word and ultimate King in Jesus Christ.

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.

Cross-References

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,

Ezekiel 29:17

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

Ezekiel 20:1

¶ 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

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

Ezekiel 8:1

¶ 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.

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.