Ezekiel 31:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the eleventh {H259}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the third {H7992} month, in the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the thirdmonth, in the firstdayof the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:1 serves as a precise chronological marker, meticulously dating the commencement of a significant prophetic oracle delivered to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse introduces a powerful divine message, primarily directed against the nation of Egypt, underscoring God's sovereign control over historical events and the certainty of His revealed word amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Babylonian exile and the fall of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a new prophetic oracle within the Book of Ezekiel, specifically marking the beginning of a detailed prophecy concerning Egypt. It follows a series of oracles against various foreign nations (chapters 25-32), with chapters 29-32 specifically dedicated to Egypt. The preceding chapters established Ezekiel's prophetic call and his initial messages of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. The precise dating of this oracle, like many others in Ezekiel, highlights its distinctness and importance within the broader collection of divine pronouncements, setting the stage for the vivid imagery and theological depth that follows in [Ezekiel 31:2-18](/ezekiel/31-2 "Ezekiel 31:2-18 - Egypt's Fall as a Great Tree").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month" places this prophecy around June 586 BC, a profoundly critical juncture in Judah's history. This date corresponds to the period immediately following the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, a catastrophic event that saw the temple razed and the remaining population exiled. Ezekiel, himself an exile in Babylon since 597 BC, received these messages from God, often addressing the despair and false hopes of his fellow exiles who clung to alliances with nations like Egypt. Culturally, Egypt was a formidable ancient power, known for its pride, wealth, and military might, often seen by Judah as a potential savior against Babylon, a reliance that God consistently condemned (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")).
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 31:1 introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation** is paramount; the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" emphasizes that Ezekiel's messages are not his own but direct, authoritative pronouncements from God. Secondly, the meticulous **Precision of God's Timing and Sovereignty** is highlighted by the exact chronological marker. This detail assures the audience that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events according to His perfect plan, even in times of national crisis and apparent chaos, as seen in the broader narrative of Judah's exile and restoration (e.g., [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel")). Thirdly, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **Judgment Against National Pride**, specifically targeting Egypt, which is depicted as a majestic cedar destined for a devastating fall, a warning against reliance on worldly power and self-exaltation (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing. In this context, "the word" signifies a divine utterance, a message directly from God. It carries the weight of authority, truth, and certainty, indicating that what follows is not merely human insight or opinion but a revelation from the Almighty, destined to come to pass.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. The "word of the LORD" therefore underscores that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging God who acts in history and fulfills His promises and warnings.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root; to say (used with great latitude). This verb indicates direct speech, confirming that the "word of the LORD" was not a vague impression or an abstract concept, but a clear, articulate message spoken by God to Ezekiel. It highlights the immediate and personal nature of divine communication to the prophet, preparing the audience for the specific content of the oracle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month":** This opening clause provides a precise chronological marker, anchoring the prophecy to a specific point in history. The "eleventh year" refers to the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile (Ezekiel's own dating system), which corresponds to 586 BC, shortly after the final destruction of Jerusalem. This meticulous dating lends historical authenticity and underscores God's sovereign control over time and events, demonstrating that His prophetic word is delivered with intentionality and precision, not randomly.
* **"[that] the word of the LORD came unto me":** This is a foundational prophetic formula, a hallmark of Ezekiel's book and other prophetic literature. It unequivocally declares the divine origin of the message. "The word of the LORD" (davar Yahweh) signifies that the message is not Ezekiel's own thoughts or opinions, but a direct, authoritative revelation from the covenant God, Yahweh. This phrase establishes the absolute truthfulness and power behind the subsequent oracle.
* **"saying":** This single word indicates that the divine communication was a direct verbal message, not a vision or a symbolic act (though those often followed). It prepares the reader for the immediate content of the prophecy, emphasizing that God is about to speak clearly and directly through His chosen messenger, Ezekiel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:1 primarily employs **Chronological Marker** and **Prophetic Formula**. The precise dating ("eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month") serves as a **Chronological Marker**, grounding the divine revelation in a specific historical context. This detail not only authenticates the prophecy but also emphasizes God's sovereign involvement in human history, demonstrating that His plans unfold with deliberate timing. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a classic **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary device throughout prophetic books. It functions as an authoritative declaration, signaling that the ensuing message originates directly from God, thus establishing the divine authority and infallibility of Ezekiel's pronouncements. This formula underscores the prophet's role as a mere conduit for **Divine Speech**, highlighting that the words are not his own but God's very utterances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:1 profoundly establishes the bedrock principle of divine revelation and God's active engagement in human history. The meticulous dating and the explicit declaration "the word of the LORD came unto me" affirm that God is not a distant, passive deity but one who communicates purposefully and precisely with humanity. This verse sets the stage for understanding that all subsequent prophecies, judgments, and promises are rooted in the unchangeable character and sovereign will of the self-existent God, Yahweh. It underscores the reliability of His word, demonstrating that His plans unfold according to His perfect timing, even amidst the chaos and despair of exile. The verse also implicitly highlights the prophet's role as a divinely appointed messenger, whose authority derives solely from the source of his message.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God, Not Human Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:1 invites us to contemplate the profound truth of God's active and precise involvement in our world. The meticulous dating reminds us that God is not haphazard in His dealings; He operates with perfect timing and intentionality, even when circumstances seem chaotic or bleak. For us today, this means we can trust that God's plans for our lives and for history are unfolding according to His sovereign will, despite appearances. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" underscores the divine origin and authority of Scripture. It calls us to approach the Bible not as mere human literature but as the very breath of God, alive and powerful, capable of shaping our understanding, guiding our decisions, and nourishing our souls. Just as Ezekiel was a faithful recipient and deliverer of God's word, we are called to be attentive listeners and obedient responders to what God has revealed. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and readiness to hear from God, recognizing that His word is reliable, purposeful, and ultimately brings about His intended outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating in Ezekiel 31:1 encourage your trust in God's sovereign timing, especially during periods of uncertainty in your own life or the world?**
* **What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" imply about the authority and reliability of the Bible for your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you better position yourself to "hear" and respond to God's word, both through Scripture and through His Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Why is the date in Ezekiel 31:1 so specific, down to the day?**

Answer: The precise dating in Ezekiel 31:1, a common feature throughout the book, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it lends historical authenticity and credibility to the prophet's message, grounding the divine revelation in a verifiable timeline. This meticulous detail assures the audience that these were real events and real pronouncements in a specific historical context. Secondly, it underscores God's sovereign control over history and time. It demonstrates that God's prophetic word is not vague or random but delivered with intentionality and precision, unfolding His divine plan according to His perfect timing. This precision can be seen as a testimony to the reliability of God's word and the certainty of its fulfillment, as seen in the subsequent judgment against Egypt detailed in [Ezekiel 31:2-18](/ezekiel/31-2 "Ezekiel 31:2-18 - The Fall of the Cedar").

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

Answer: This phrase, a hallmark of prophetic literature, is a powerful declaration of divine authority and origin. It signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver does not originate from his own thoughts, wisdom, or political insights, but directly from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The prophet is merely a messenger, a conduit for God's authoritative and infallible word. This formula establishes the absolute truthfulness and binding nature of the subsequent oracle, emphasizing that what God declares will undoubtedly come to pass. It highlights the divine source of all true prophecy and underscores the prophet's role as a faithful recipient and deliverer of God's exact message, as also seen in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 31:1 directly concerns a prophetic oracle delivered to Ezekiel, its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming in precise timing points profoundly to Christ. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect "Word of the LORD" (Greek: _Logos_), the full and final revelation of God to humanity. Just as God's word came to Ezekiel at a specific, crucial moment in history, so too did the eternal Word, Jesus Christ, enter human history at the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). He is the living embodiment of God's message, not merely a messenger but the message itself ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). All of God's previous revelations, including those given to prophets like Ezekiel, find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in Him ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The precision of God's timing in Ezekiel 31:1 foreshadows the divinely orchestrated arrival of the Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection perfectly fulfilled all that the prophets had spoken, demonstrating God's unwavering sovereignty over all history and His redemptive plan for humanity ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")).

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 30:20

¶ 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,

Jeremiah 52:5

So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

Jeremiah 52:6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Ezekiel 1:2

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