30:19 30:19

Ezekiel 30:20

30:21 30:21

Bible Versions

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [month], in the seventh [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh {H259}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the first {H7223} month, in the seventh {H7651} day of the month {H2320}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},
On the seventh day of the first month of the eleventh year, the word of ADONAI came to me:
In the eleventh year, on the seventh day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the firstmonth, in the seventhdayof the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 30:20 serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing a new divine oracle directed through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse states: "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Context

This verse provides the exact date for the prophecy that immediately follows it in Ezekiel 30:21-26. The dating system used by Ezekiel refers to the years of King Jehoiachin's captivity in Babylon, which began in 597 BC. The "eleventh year" is particularly significant as it coincides with the final siege and impending fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, an event detailed in historical books like 2 Kings 25:1 and Jeremiah 39:1. While Judah faced its ultimate destruction, this specific oracle is directed against Egypt, a nation that Judah often looked to for military aid, only to be disappointed. This prophecy foretells the breaking of Pharaoh's arm and the strengthening of Babylon's, reinforcing God's sovereignty over all nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Prophetic Authority: The recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" underscores that Ezekiel's messages are not his own but direct communications from God. This emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the prophetic message, a common motif throughout prophetic books (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4).
  • God's Precise Timing: The meticulous dating in Ezekiel highlights God's sovereignty over time and history. Every event, including the rise and fall of nations like Egypt, occurs according to His exact plan and schedule. This precision instills confidence in the fulfillment of His prophecies.
  • Judgment on Nations: While this verse is introductory, it sets the stage for a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, a powerful nation that often symbolized earthly strength and pride. It serves as a reminder that even mighty empires are subject to God's ultimate authority.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a standard prophetic formula in Hebrew, dabar Yahweh hayah elay. It signifies a direct, undeniable divine utterance to the prophet, establishing the authenticity and authority of the message that follows. There are no complex linguistic nuances in this particular dating clause; its power lies in its directness and recurring nature throughout Ezekiel's prophecies.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 30:20, though a dating verse, reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God is Active in History: Just as God precisely intervened in the affairs of ancient nations, He remains active and sovereign in the events of our world today. His timing is perfect, even when it seems slow or incomprehensible to us.
  • The Reliability of God's Word: The consistent declaration that "the word of the LORD came" assures us of the divine origin and trustworthiness of Scripture. What God speaks, He brings to pass.
  • Trust in God, Not Earthly Powers: The context of this prophecy against Egypt, a nation Judah often relied on, subtly teaches us to place our ultimate trust in God alone, not in human strength, political alliances, or worldly resources. This echoes principles found in Psalm 20:7.
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.

  • 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 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 29:1

    ¶ 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 31:1

    ¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
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