Ezekiel 3:22

KJV

¶ And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was there upon me; and he said {H559} unto me, Arise {H6965}, go forth {H3318} into the plain {H1237}, and I will there talk {H1696} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

The hand of ADONAI came on me there, and he said to me, "Get up, go out to the valley, and I will speak with you there."

Berean Standard Bible

And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.”

American Standard Version

And the hand of Jehovah was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:22 marks a crucial moment in the prophet's ministry, where the tangible and empowering presence of God rests upon him, initiating a direct command to withdraw from the bustling exile community. God instructs Ezekiel to go into a solitary plain, not merely for physical relocation, but for a profound, undistracted encounter where the Lord promises to speak with him, signifying further divine revelation and preparation for the challenging prophetic task ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Ezekiel's intense initial call, his symbolic eating of the scroll of God's word, and his commission to speak to a "rebellious house" [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebellion"). Having already been overwhelmed by the divine presence and given his initial mandate, Ezekiel is now called to a specific, private encounter. The preceding verses describe his initial reluctance and God's empowering him to speak, while the subsequent verses detail a period of silence and further instructions, indicating that this summons to the plain is a pivotal transition point for deeper, more intimate divine communication before the full public ministry begins.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was a priest among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar river in Babylon, deported after the first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. Life for the exiles would have been a mix of communal living and the trauma of displacement. The "plain" (Hebrew: *biqʻâh*) would have referred to the broad, flat, often desolate expanse of Mesopotamia surrounding their settlement. This setting provided the necessary solitude, away from the distractions and potential opposition of the exiled community, creating an environment conducive for a prophet to receive direct, unhindered revelation from God, echoing a pattern seen throughout biblical history where significant divine encounters occur in isolated places.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 3:22 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. The phrase "the hand of the LORD was there upon me" emphasizes **Divine Presence and Empowerment**, highlighting God's direct, tangible, and sovereign influence in equipping His chosen instruments, a recurring motif throughout Ezekiel's ministry. The command to "Arise, go forth into the plain" underscores the theme of **Seclusion for Revelation**, demonstrating God's initiative in calling His prophet away from the noise and demands of the world to a place of undistracted communion, a pattern seen for profound encounters with God, such as Moses' experience at [Mount Horeb](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1 - Moses at the Burning Bush"). Finally, the explicit promise "I will there talk with thee" establishes **Divine Communication and Purposeful Dialogue** as the central aim of this encounter, signifying God's intention to convey further instructions, insights, and revelations essential for Ezekiel to fulfill his challenging and often unpopular prophetic calling to the "house of Israel" [Ezekiel 3:4](/ezekiel/3-4 "Ezekiel 3:4 - God's Message to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word signifies not merely a physical appendage but is used broadly to denote power, means, direction, authority, and active intervention. In the phrase "the hand of the LORD," it consistently represents God's sovereign power, direct influence, and empowering presence, particularly in enabling prophets for their ministry or executing His divine will. It implies an overwhelming, tangible, and often irresistible divine force.
* **Plain (Hebrew, _biqʻâh'_):** From H1237, this term literally means "a split," referring to a wide, level valley or expanse, typically between mountains. In the context of Ezekiel's exile by the Chebar River in Babylon, it denotes an open, desolate, or unpopulated area. This choice of location emphasizes solitude and a setting free from human distractions, ideal for receiving unhindered divine revelation.
* **Talk (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):):** From H1696, this primitive root primarily means "to speak" or "to arrange." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions, including commanding, declaring, communing, teaching, and even subduing. Here, it signifies God's intention to engage in direct, purposeful, and authoritative communication with Ezekiel, conveying specific messages, instructions, or revelations that are vital for the prophet's understanding and future ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the hand of the LORD was there upon me;":** This clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and the overwhelming nature of God's presence and power resting upon Ezekiel. It signifies a tangible, spiritual empowerment, an anointing that prepares and enables the prophet for the divine encounter and the arduous task ahead. This is not merely a feeling but a profound, direct intervention of God's sovereign authority.
* **"and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain,":** This is a direct divine command, instructing Ezekiel to take specific physical action and move to a designated location. The command "Arise, go forth" implies immediate obedience and a purposeful movement away from his current surroundings. The destination, "the plain," signifies a call to solitude and a setting apart, emphasizing the necessity of removing distractions for deeper spiritual communion.
* **"and I will there talk with thee.":** This final clause reveals the explicit purpose of the divine summons. God promises direct, personal communication with Ezekiel in that solitary place. It underscores the intimacy and importance of the forthcoming revelation, indicating that the encounter is not merely for empowerment but for the conveyance of specific messages, instructions, or further insights crucial for Ezekiel's understanding of his prophetic role and the unfolding divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the hand of the LORD," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His active power, direct intervention, and empowering presence. This idiom makes God's interaction more comprehensible to human understanding. The "plain" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a place of solitude, quiet, and separation from the world, essential for undistracted divine encounter and revelation. It symbolizes the spiritual space necessary for profound communion. Furthermore, the entire verse is an example of **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly to Ezekiel, emphasizing the personal and authoritative nature of the prophetic call and the intimate relationship between the divine speaker and the human recipient.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:22 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign initiative in calling and equipping His servants, emphasizing that prophetic ministry is not a human endeavor but a divine enablement. The "hand of the LORD" signifies the tangible, empowering presence of God, essential for any true spiritual work. This verse also highlights the theological principle that periods of solitude and withdrawal are often prerequisites for deeper divine revelation and communion. God frequently calls His chosen ones away from the noise and distractions of the world to speak intimately with them, preparing them for significant tasks. This underscores the value of intentional quietude for hearing God's voice and receiving His specific instructions, a pattern seen throughout biblical history for those called to speak on God's behalf.

* [Isaiah 8:11](/isaiah/8-11 "Isaiah 8:11 - The Hand of the LORD Upon Isaiah")
* [1 Kings 18:46](/1_kings/18-46 "1 Kings 18:46 - The Hand of the LORD on Elijah")
* [Exodus 3:1-4](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1-4 - Moses at the Burning Bush")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:22 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God's "hand" rested upon Ezekiel, we are reminded that true spiritual effectiveness and insight stem from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This verse challenges us to actively seek and yield to that divine enablement, rather than relying solely on our own strength or wisdom. Furthermore, the call to "go forth into the plain" serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of intentional solitude in our noisy, distraction-filled world. In an age of constant connectivity, finding our "plain"—a quiet space for prayer, meditation, and unhurried communion with God—is not a luxury but a necessity for hearing His voice clearly and receiving His guidance. Our readiness to "Arise, go forth" in obedience to God's leading, even when it calls us to unexpected or solitary places, reflects our trust and submission to His divine plan, anticipating that He desires to "talk with" us, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction for our lives and ministries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize and respond to the "hand of the LORD" in my own life, empowering me for God's purposes?**
* **What "plain" or solitary space do I need to seek out in my daily routine to better hear God's voice and receive His revelation?**
* **Am I willing to "Arise, go forth" in obedience to God's call, even if it leads me to uncomfortable or solitary places?**

### FAQ
**What does "the hand of the LORD" signify in biblical texts?**

Answer: "The hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom used throughout the Bible to denote God's active power, sovereign authority, and direct intervention. It signifies His empowering presence, His ability to execute His will, and His direct influence, particularly in empowering prophets like Ezekiel for their ministry, as seen also in [Isaiah 8:11](/isaiah/8-11 "Isaiah 8:11 - The Hand of the LORD Upon Isaiah") and in the New Testament, where "the hand of the Lord was with them" in spreading the gospel [Acts 11:21](/acts/11-21 "Acts 11:21 - The Hand of the Lord with Believers").

**Why did God instruct Ezekiel to go "into the plain" for communication?**

Answer: God instructed Ezekiel to go "into the plain" (Hebrew: *biqʻâh*, a wide, level valley) to ensure a setting of solitude and quiet, free from the distractions and influences of the exiled community. This allowed for undistracted, intimate, and profound communication between God and His prophet. It highlights the biblical principle that significant divine encounters often occur in secluded places, a pattern seen with figures like Moses at the burning bush [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1 - Moses at the Burning Bush") and Jesus Himself, who often withdrew to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 3:22, with its emphasis on divine empowerment, solitude for revelation, and intimate communication, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the supreme Prophet, upon whom the "hand of the LORD"—the Holy Spirit—rested without measure [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure"). He consistently withdrew to "solitary places" [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray") or mountains to commune intimately with His Father, demonstrating the essential pattern of seeking solitude for divine revelation and strength. As the Word made flesh, Jesus perfectly embodied the "talk" God promised Ezekiel, revealing the Father fully [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God But the Son"). Through His finished work, Christ makes it possible for believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, to experience a new covenant "hand of the LORD" upon them, empowering them to hear God's voice and be His witnesses [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). The Spirit now guides us into all truth [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Teaches All Things"), enabling a profound, personal "talk" with God that far surpasses the prophetic encounters of the Old Testament, drawing us into the very fellowship of the Father and the Son.

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

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Ezekiel 1:3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

Ezekiel 8:4

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 37:1

¶ The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones,

Ezekiel 3:14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.