Ezekiel 29:1

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

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},

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

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

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

Ezekiel 29:1 marks the beginning of a significant prophetic section within the Book of Ezekiel, focusing on God's judgment against ancient Egypt. This verse provides a precise chronological marker, a common feature in Ezekiel's prophecies, anchoring the divine message to a specific point in history during the Babylonian exile.

Context

This opening verse places the prophecy "In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month." This detailed dating corresponds to January 12, 587 BC, a crucial time during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. Ezekiel, a prophet exiled in Babylon, meticulously dates his visions and divine pronouncements, demonstrating God's active involvement in the historical events unfolding around His people. While Jerusalem was still under siege, many in Judah were looking to Egypt for help against Babylon, making this prophecy against Egypt particularly timely and significant. It serves as a divine warning that reliance on human powers, even mighty ones like Egypt, would prove futile against God's sovereign plan, as God would also bring judgment upon Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Chronology: The meticulous dating in this verse underscores God's absolute control over time and history. Every event, including the rise and fall of nations like Egypt and Babylon, occurs within His precise timetable and purpose. This precision also authenticates the prophetic word, showing it is not random but divinely orchestrated.
  • Prophetic Authority and Revelation: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a standard prophetic formula, asserting that the message did not originate from Ezekiel himself but was a direct, authoritative revelation from God. This divine origin ensures the message's truth and ultimate fulfillment.
  • Judgment on Nations: This verse introduces a major theme of Ezekiel 29-32: God's judgment against surrounding nations, particularly Egypt. This demonstrates that God's authority extends beyond Israel to all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and pride, and often for their role in hindering God's people or boasting against Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: dabar Yahweh) is a powerful declaration of divine communication. It signifies a direct, authoritative message from God Himself. This phrase is central to prophetic literature, affirming the divine origin and infallible nature of the prophet's message. Its consistent use throughout Ezekiel and other prophetic books emphasizes that the prophet is merely a messenger, relaying God's exact words.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 29:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and the lives of individuals. Just as He precisely timed His word concerning ancient Egypt, He continues to work out His purposes in our world today. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in times of global uncertainty or personal distress, we can find peace knowing that God remains in control, orchestrating events according to His perfect plan.
  • Rely on God's Word: The consistent declaration "the word of the LORD came unto me" affirms the reliability and authority of Scripture. We are called to listen to and obey God's revealed truth, rather than relying on fleeting human alliances or wisdom, much like Israel was warned against relying on Egypt for help.
  • Recognize God's Justice: This prophecy against Egypt, and similar ones against other nations (e.g., Jeremiah 46:1), highlights God's universal justice. He holds all accountable, ultimately bringing about His righteous judgments.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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