Ezekiel 30:20

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:20 serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing a new divine oracle delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse meticulously dates the reception of God's message to the eleventh year, first month, and seventh day of King Jehoiachin's exile, underscoring the divine sovereignty over time and history, and setting the stage for the subsequent prophecy concerning the judgment of Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a temporal hinge, precisely dating the oracle that immediately follows in [Ezekiel 30:21-26](/ezekiel/30-21 "Ezekiel 30:21-26 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh"). It falls within a larger section of prophecies against foreign nations, specifically those concerning Egypt (chapters 29-32). Prior to this, Ezekiel has delivered extensive prophecies against Tyre and Sidon ([Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecies Against Tyre and Sidon")), and the preceding chapter, [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh"), also contains an oracle against Pharaoh. The chronological precision of [Ezekiel 30:20](/ezekiel/30-20 "Ezekiel 30:20 - Chronological Marker") signals a distinct, divinely appointed moment for this particular message regarding the breaking of Pharaoh's arm and the strengthening of Babylon's.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "eleventh year" refers to the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile in Babylon, which began in 597 BC. This date is profoundly significant as it corresponds to 586 BC, the very year Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians after a prolonged siege, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:1-2](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1-2 - Siege of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 39:1-2](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-2 - Fall of Jerusalem"). While Jerusalem faced its ultimate destruction, this specific oracle is directed against Egypt, a nation that Judah had frequently relied upon for military and political support against encroaching powers like Assyria and Babylon. This reliance, however, often proved futile and was condemned by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Reliance on Egypt Condemned") and [Jeremiah 37:5-10](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-10 - Pharaoh's Army Retreats")). The prophecy in [Ezekiel 30:21-26](/ezekiel/30-21 "Ezekiel 30:21-26 - The Breaking of Pharaoh's Arm") thus underscores God's sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that neither Judah's false hopes in Egypt nor Egypt's own perceived strength could withstand His divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 30:20](/ezekiel/30-20 "Ezekiel 30:20 - Divine Chronology") contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Prophetic Authority**, as the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" authenticates Ezekiel's messages as direct, authoritative communications from God, not human conjecture (cf. [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the Lord to Jeremiah")). Secondly, the meticulous dating emphasizes **God's Precise Timing and Sovereignty over History**. Every event, from the rise and fall of empires to the specific moments of prophetic utterance, unfolds according to God's exact plan and schedule, reinforcing the certainty of His prophecies' fulfillment (cf. [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Thirdly, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **Judgment on Nations**, reminding both Judah and the surrounding world that even mighty empires like Egypt are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and judgment of the LORD (cf. [Psalm 9:19-20](/psalm/9-19 "Psalm 9:19-20 - Nations Judged by God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This fundamental Hebrew term signifies not merely a spoken sound but carries the weight of a matter, thing, or decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it denotes a divine utterance that is active, authoritative, and effective, often implying a divine command or a prophetic message that will certainly come to pass. It is the very essence of God's communication and intention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to His people. When "the word" comes from "the LORD," it underscores the ultimate authority, reliability, and divine power behind the message, identifying the speaker as the sovereign creator and ruler of all.
* **month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** (H2320) Derived from a root meaning "new," this word primarily refers to the new moon and, by implication, a month. Its inclusion in the precise dating formula of the verse highlights the meticulous nature of God's timing and revelation. It demonstrates that God's actions and communications are not arbitrary but occur at specific, divinely appointed junctures in human history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [month], in the seventh [day] of the month,"** This opening clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker for the reception of the divine oracle. The dating system is based on the years of King Jehoiachin's exile, a common practice in Ezekiel, grounding the prophecy in a specific historical reality for its original audience. The "eleventh year" (586 BC) is particularly poignant, as it marks the very year of Jerusalem's final destruction, creating a stark contrast between Judah's immediate devastation and the subsequent divine judgment against Egypt. This precision emphasizes God's sovereignty over time and His meticulous orchestration of historical events.
* **"[that] the word of the LORD came unto me,"** This phrase is a quintessential prophetic formula, appearing frequently throughout Ezekiel and other prophetic books. It unequivocally declares the divine origin of the message, asserting that the words Ezekiel is about to speak are not his own thoughts or opinions but direct, authoritative communications from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This establishes the absolute truthfulness and binding nature of the subsequent prophecy.
* **"saying,"** This final word serves as a direct transition, indicating that the preceding statement is an introduction to the actual content of the divine message. It signals that what follows is the direct speech of God, communicated through His prophet, underscoring the immediate and personal nature of the revelation to Ezekiel and, through him, to the people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "the word of the LORD came unto me," which consistently authenticates the divine origin and authority of Ezekiel's messages. This formula elevates the subsequent content from human discourse to divine decree. The verse also utilizes **Chronological Precision**, providing an exact date down to the year, month, and day. This meticulous dating serves to ground the prophecy firmly in historical reality, emphasizing God's active involvement and precise timing in human affairs, making the fulfillment of the prophecy more verifiable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Transition**, signaling a shift or continuation in the prophetic discourse, preparing the reader for the specific oracle that is about to be delivered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:20, though seemingly a simple chronological note, profoundly underscores the active and precise nature of God's engagement with human history. It reminds us that divine revelation is not random but occurs at specific, divinely appointed moments, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all events, including the rise and fall of nations. The consistent declaration that "the word of the LORD came" emphasizes the absolute authority and reliability of God's communication, assuring us that His purposes will be accomplished. This verse sets the stage for understanding that God orchestrates historical events to bring about His righteous judgments and to reveal His ultimate power, often in contrast to the perceived strength of earthly empires.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:20 invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God is intimately involved in the unfolding of history, down to the very day. In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, this verse offers a powerful anchor: God's timing is perfect, His word is sure, and His purposes are unshakeable. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human power structures, recognizing that the ultimate authority rests with the LORD. This should cultivate a deep trust in His providence, even when His plans seem slow or inscrutable to our finite understanding. Just as Ezekiel received a specific word for a specific time, we can be confident that God continues to speak and act in our world, calling us to listen, obey, and trust in His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating in this verse impact your understanding of God's involvement in history?**
* **What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" teach us about the nature and authority of Scripture?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's perfect timing rather than relying on your own plans or earthly solutions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the precise dating in Ezekiel 30:20 so important?**

Answer: The precise dating in [Ezekiel 30:20](/ezekiel/30-20 "Ezekiel 30:20 - Significance of Dating") is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the prophecy in a specific historical context, making it verifiable for its original audience and for future generations. The "eleventh year" of Jehoiachin's exile directly correlates with the year of Jerusalem's fall (586 BC), which adds a layer of dramatic irony and theological significance, as God is speaking about judgment on Egypt even as His own people face ultimate destruction. Secondly, it underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over time and history, demonstrating that His divine messages and actions are not random but part of a carefully orchestrated plan. This precision enhances the authority and reliability of the prophetic word.

**What does "the word of the LORD came unto me" signify?**

Answer: This recurring prophetic formula, found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the Lord to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")), signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver originates directly from God, not from human insight or opinion. It establishes the divine authority and authenticity of the prophecy, asserting that these are God's own words spoken through His chosen messenger. For the audience, it means the message carries the full weight of divine command and truth, demanding attention and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:20 is a chronological marker introducing an oracle of judgment, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The very concept of "the word of the LORD" coming to a prophet foreshadows the ultimate and final "Word" of God, who is Jesus Christ Himself. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," embodying the divine communication in human form. Jesus is the complete and perfect revelation of God, surpassing all previous prophetic utterances ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Furthermore, the precise timing of God's word to Ezekiel, even amidst the chaos of Jerusalem's fall, points to God's sovereign control over history, a control that culminates in Christ's redemptive work. Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection occurred at God's appointed time ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), fulfilling ancient prophecies and establishing His eternal kingdom. Just as God's word brought judgment upon nations in Ezekiel's day, Christ, as the ultimate Judge, will execute final judgment and establish a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the prophetic word's authority and the precision of God's timing in Ezekiel ultimately find their deepest meaning and fulfillment in the person and redemptive plan of 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 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,