Ezekiel 29:17

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the seven {H7651} and twentieth {H6242} year {H8141}, in the first {H7223} month, in the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day of the first month of the twenty-seventh year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

In the twenty-seventh year, on the first day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the firstmonth, in the firstdayof the month, the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:17 serves as a precise and pivotal chronological marker, introducing a new and profoundly significant prophetic message from the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse meticulously dates the divine revelation to the twenty-seventh year of Jehoiachin's exile, underscoring the intentionality, sovereignty, and specific timing behind God's communication. It sets the stage for a crucial oracle concerning God's judgment upon Egypt and His unique recompense for King Nebuchadnezzar's arduous, yet unrewarded, thirteen-year siege of Tyre, demonstrating God's active orchestration of geopolitical events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse introduces the final dated prophecy in the book of Ezekiel, occurring in the twenty-seventh year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, approximately 571 BC. Its chronological placement is highly significant, as it is the latest date in the entire book, placing this oracle considerably after Ezekiel's earlier prophecies against Egypt, such such as those found in [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1-16 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt"). This precise dating directly relates to the conclusion of the long and arduous thirteen-year siege of Tyre by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 29:18-20](/ezekiel/29-18-20 "Ezekiel 29:18-20 - Egypt Given as Spoil to Nebuchadnezzar") explain that Nebuchadnezzar's army received no spoil from Tyre despite their immense effort and sacrifice. Therefore, God, in His sovereign justice, promises to give them the land of Egypt as compensation for their labor. Thus, this introductory verse is not merely a date but a crucial pivot point in Ezekiel's prophetic unfolding, linking past events (the siege of Tyre) to future divine actions (the conquest of Egypt).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dating "in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month" refers to the twenty-seventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile, which corresponds to approximately 571 BC. This period was a tumultuous one in the ancient Near East, dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. The Babylonian siege of Tyre (c. 586-573 BC) was a monumental undertaking, highlighting Babylon's military might and strategic ambition. For the Judean exiles, like Ezekiel, living under Babylonian rule, such precise dating served to authenticate the prophecy, grounding it in their lived historical reality. It also underscored God's active involvement in the geopolitical landscape, demonstrating His control over even the most powerful empires and their rulers, such as Nebuchadnezzar, who, though a pagan king, was unknowingly an instrument of God's will, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). This context would have offered a profound sense of divine order amidst the chaos of their displacement.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 29:17, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Timing**, emphasizing that God's word is not random but delivered with deliberate precision and according to His sovereign timetable. This meticulous dating underscores the authenticity and intentionality behind the prophetic message, reassuring the exiles that God's plan was unfolding exactly as He purposed. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating His absolute control over historical events and the destinies of powerful empires like ancient Egypt and Babylon. Even the actions of pagan kings are ultimately subservient to His divine will, a theme echoed throughout prophetic books like [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Lastly, this introduction foreshadows the theme of **Justice and Recompense**, where God explicitly promises to reward King Nebuchadnezzar for his military service, even though he was acting out of his own ambition. This showcases God's meticulous justice, ensuring that those who, even unwittingly, serve His purposes are recompensed, a principle also seen in God's dealings with other nations in [Isaiah 45:13](/isaiah/45-13 "Isaiah 45:13 - Cyrus as God's Instrument").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root _dâbar_, meaning "to speak." This term signifies not merely a spoken utterance but often carries the weight of a matter, affair, or thing. In this context, "the word of the LORD" (d'var Yahweh) denotes a divine decree, a message with authority and substance, indicating a direct communication from God that is effective and purposeful, not just information. It is a living, active message that shapes reality and brings about God's intended outcome.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its presence here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging, and covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who is utterly distinct from the pagan deities of the surrounding nations. It underscores the ultimate authority, reliability, and unique character of the revelation, coming from the one true God.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to convey various forms of communication, including answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, or speaking. In conjunction with "the word of the LORD came unto me," it highlights the direct and verbal nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, signifying that the prophet is a conduit for God's explicit declaration. This indicates that the subsequent oracle is a precise and articulated message, not merely an impression or vision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first [month], in the first [day] of the month":** This opening clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker for the divine revelation. The "seven and twentieth year" refers to the 27th year of King Jehoiachin's exile (c. 571 BC), making this the latest dated prophecy in the book of Ezekiel. The specification of "the first month, in the first day of the month" further narrows the timeframe to the New Year's Day (Nisan 1) of that particular year. This level of detail is characteristic of Ezekiel's meticulous record-keeping and serves to ground the prophecy firmly in historical reality, emphasizing its authenticity and the deliberate timing of God's revelation in relation to unfolding geopolitical events.
* **"the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,":** This is a classic prophetic formula, frequently encountered throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Came to Hosea")). It signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver does not originate from his own thoughts, human wisdom, or political analysis, but directly from Yahweh, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The phrase "came unto me" implies a direct, personal, and authoritative divine encounter, while "saying" indicates that the revelation was verbal and explicit, preparing the reader for the precise content of the oracle that follows, affirming its divine origin and infallibility.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:17 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and authority. The most prominent is **Chronological Precision**, which is evident in the highly specific dating ("seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month"). This exactitude serves to anchor the divine message firmly within human history, lending credibility and historical veracity to the prophecy. It underscores the belief that God acts within time and space, not abstractly, and that His plans unfold according to a meticulous divine timetable. Secondly, the verse utilizes **Formulaic Language** through the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me." This is a standard prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament, functioning as a clear signal to the audience that the subsequent message is a direct, authoritative divine utterance, not a human opinion or speculation. This formula establishes the **Divine Address**, indicating that God Himself is the speaker and the ultimate source of the revelation, thereby imbuing the prophecy with ultimate authority and infallibility, assuring the reader of its divine origin and trustworthiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:17, while an introductory verse, carries profound theological weight, affirming God's absolute sovereignty over all of history and nations. It demonstrates that His plans unfold with meticulous precision, even across decades and through the actions of pagan rulers. The precise dating underscores the reliability of divine revelation; God's word is not arbitrary but delivered with intentionality and according to His perfect timetable. This verse prepares the reader for a demonstration of God's meticulous justice, where He ensures recompense even for those who, like Nebuchadnezzar, unknowingly serve His purposes. It assures us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate will and purposes, often in ways unseen or misunderstood by human observers, thereby calling for trust in His unseen hand.

* [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Not of Human Origin"): For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets"): For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's active, precise, and sovereign involvement in human history. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of human will, this verse assures us that God works according to His perfect, often unseen, timetable, revealing His plans in stages and fulfilling His purposes with unwavering accuracy. For the original audience in exile, living under the shadow of Babylonian power and experiencing profound displacement, this verse would have affirmed God's ultimate control over the nations and provided a deeper understanding of the unfolding geopolitical events, offering profound hope amidst despair. For believers today, it reinforces the reliability and divine inspiration of biblical prophecy, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or His timing appears delayed. It also subtly introduces the concept of God's justice in compensating even those who, like Nebuchadnezzar, serve His purposes unknowingly, prompting us to consider how God might be working through unexpected channels in our own lives and in the world around us. Our response should be one of patient trust, confident expectation in His unfailing word, and humble submission to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of this prophecy encourage your trust in God's meticulous planning and timing in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" affirm the authority and reliability of Scripture for you, particularly when facing doubts or challenges?**
* **How can understanding God's sovereignty over nations, as hinted at in this verse, shape your perspective on current global events and your prayers for the world?**

### FAQ

**Why is the date in Ezekiel 29:17 so specific, mentioning the year, month, and day?**

Answer: The meticulous dating in Ezekiel 29:17, specifying "the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month," serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the prophecy, grounding it firmly in historical reality and providing verifiable evidence of its occurrence. This level of detail was common in ancient Near Eastern records and prophetic writings, lending credibility to the prophet's claims and assuring the exiles of its truthfulness. Secondly, it underscores the divine precision and intentionality behind God's revelation. It demonstrates that God's word is not random but delivered at a specific, divinely appointed moment, often in relation to unfolding historical events, such as the conclusion of the arduous siege of Tyre mentioned in [Ezekiel 29:18](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward"). Lastly, for the exilic community, such precise dating would have provided a tangible anchor for their faith, assuring them that God was actively at work in their present circumstances and that His promises were unfolding according to His perfect timetable, offering hope in their despair.

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

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a foundational prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, signaling a direct, authoritative, and verbal communication from God to His prophet. Its significance lies in several aspects: It establishes the **divine origin** of the message, ensuring that what follows is not Ezekiel's personal opinion, human speculation, or even a dream, but a direct revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It highlights the **authority** of the message, indicating that it carries the weight of God's own decree and is therefore infallible and binding upon those who hear it. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **prophet's role as a messenger**, a faithful conduit through whom God speaks to His people, rather than an originator of the message. This formula underscores the inspiration of Scripture, reminding us that the words recorded are God-breathed, as affirmed in [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed"), and are therefore trustworthy and true.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:17, with its profound emphasis on the precise timing of God's word and His sovereign orchestration of history, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the "word of the LORD" came to Ezekiel at a divinely appointed moment to declare God's justice and plan for nations, so too did the ultimate "Word" of God, Jesus Christ, come into the world "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). Christ is the very embodiment of God's precise and purposeful revelation, the living Word through whom God speaks His final and most complete message to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The meticulous chronological detail in Ezekiel foreshadows God's perfect timing in sending His Son to accomplish redemption, fulfilling prophecies laid out centuries before concerning His birth, life, death, and resurrection ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Christ Fulfills the Law and Prophets")). Moreover, the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His just recompense, subtly introduced here through Nebuchadnezzar, culminates in Christ's universal reign and His ultimate judgment and establishment of His eternal kingdom, where all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). In Christ, God's word is not merely spoken but incarnated, His timing perfected, and His sovereign plan for redemption fully realized, offering not just recompense for earthly labor but eternal life and reconciliation for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 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,

Ezekiel 1:2

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

Ezekiel 24:1

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