Ezekiel 32:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth 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 twelfth {H8147}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the twelfth month {H2320}, 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 twelfth month of the twelfth year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:1 serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing a new prophetic oracle primarily directed against Egypt. This verse, characteristic of Ezekiel's meticulous dating, emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message about to be delivered, signaling a shift in the prophetic focus from Judah's immediate fate to the broader scope of God's judgment upon the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct section of prophecy within the book of Ezekiel, specifically a lamentation over Pharaoh and Egypt. It follows a series of oracles against Egypt found in [Ezekiel 29-31](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-31 - Prophecies Against Egypt"), which detail the nation's impending downfall due to its pride and its unreliable alliance with Israel. The previous chapters had already established Egypt as a broken reed (cf. [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")), and this new oracle intensifies the pronouncement of judgment, often using vivid, symbolic language, such as the metaphor of Pharaoh as a great sea monster (leviathan) in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise dating—"the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month"—places this oracle around March 585 BC. This period is crucial, as it comes shortly after the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). With Judah's fate sealed and the exiles now fully aware of the catastrophe, God's prophetic attention shifts to the surrounding nations, particularly those who had either oppressed Israel or offered false hope. Egypt, a long-standing regional power and often a deceptive ally to Judah, represents worldly strength and pride that ultimately cannot stand against the sovereign will of Yahweh. The oracle's timing underscores that God's plan extends beyond His covenant people to encompass the entire geopolitical landscape.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:1 introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, as the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" underscores that the message is not Ezekiel's own but a direct, authoritative communication from God, emphasizing God's active involvement in human history and His chosen method of revealing His will through His prophets (cf. [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call")). Secondly, the **Precision of Prophetic Timing** is a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophecies, demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty over time and events, signifying that divine judgment and revelation are not random but occur according to God's perfect plan and timetable. This precision also lends credibility to the prophecy itself. Finally, this verse signals the **Continuation of Judgment on Nations**, illustrating that God's justice extends beyond His covenant people to all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and pride, as seen in the broader context of [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term signifies more than just spoken sound; it denotes a "matter," "thing," "affair," or "decree." When used in the context of "the word of the LORD," it carries the weight of divine authority, indicating a substantial, effective, and often performative communication from God. It is not merely information but a potent declaration that shapes reality and brings about God's purposes.
* **Month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** (H2320) Derived from a root meaning "to be new," this word literally refers to the "new moon" and, by implication, a "month." Its inclusion here, alongside "year" and "day," emphasizes the precise calendrical dating. The new moon marked the beginning of each lunar month in the Hebrew calendar, signifying a fresh cycle and, in this prophetic context, the commencement of a new phase of divine revelation and judgment.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It derives from the Hebrew verb "to be" (H1961, _hâyâ_), signifying God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "the word of the LORD" thus underscores that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging, and covenant-keeping God who is actively involved in history and whose pronouncements are utterly reliable and true.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first [day] of the month":** This opening clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker for the prophetic oracle that follows. The specificity of "the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day" (likely of Ezekiel's exile, placing it around March 585 BC) highlights God's meticulous control over time and history. This detailed dating is a characteristic feature of Ezekiel's prophecy, serving to ground the divine message in historical reality and underscore the exact timing of God's unfolding plans and judgments. It lends an air of authenticity and divine orchestration to the subsequent pronouncements.
* **"[that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying":** This formulaic phrase unequivocally identifies the source and nature of the message. It asserts that the following words are not Ezekiel's own thoughts or interpretations but a direct, divine communication from Yahweh himself. The "word of the LORD" is inherently authoritative, carrying the power and will of the Almighty. The phrase "came unto me" signifies the prophet's reception of this divine revelation, marking him as the chosen conduit for God's message to His people and to the nations. The concluding "saying" introduces the direct speech of God that will follow, setting the stage for the specific oracle against Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:1 primarily employs **Formulaic Language** and **Chronological Precision**. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a standard prophetic formula, found repeatedly throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")), serving to authenticate the divine origin of the message and establish the prophet's role as a mere messenger. This **Formulaic Language** underscores the authority and reliability of the revelation. Furthermore, the meticulous dating ("the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month") exemplifies **Chronological Precision**. This device grounds the prophecy in a specific historical context, emphasizing God's sovereign control over time and events. It also serves to enhance the credibility of the prophecy, allowing future generations to verify the timing of its fulfillment. The precision contrasts with the general nature of some prophecies, highlighting the specific, unfolding nature of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:1 powerfully reiterates the foundational truth that God is sovereign over all time and history, and that His word is the ultimate source of truth and authority. The meticulous dating of the oracle underscores divine intentionality, demonstrating that God's judgments and revelations are not arbitrary but unfold according to His perfect, predetermined plan. This verse serves as a reminder that even amidst the chaos of exile and the shifting geopolitical landscape, the LORD remains in control, actively communicating His will and holding all nations accountable. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His prophetic word, ensuring that what He declares will indeed come to pass, whether in judgment or salvation.

* [Jeremiah 1:1-2](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1-2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Joel 1:1](/joel/1-1 "Joel 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Joel")
* [Daniel 10:4](/daniel/10-4 "Daniel 10:4 - Daniel's Vision and Precise Dating")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:1, with its stark precision and declaration of divine origin, calls us to a profound trust in God's sovereign control over every detail of life and history. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and rapid change, this verse assures us that God's purposes are unwavering and His timing is perfect. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the delivery of His word to Ezekiel, He orchestrates events in our personal lives and in the broader sweep of human history. This should inspire us to pay diligent attention to God's revealed word, knowing that it is not merely ancient text but a living, authoritative communication from the Creator of the universe. It challenges us to align our lives with His revealed will, understanding that His justice extends to all, and His ultimate reign is assured. We are invited to find peace in His sovereignty and to participate in His ongoing work, confident that His word will never return void.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating in this verse encourage your trust in God's sovereignty over time and circumstances in your own life?**
* **What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" teach us about the authority and reliability of Scripture?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to rely on "Egypt-like" worldly powers or false hopes instead of trusting in God's ultimate justice and plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is the dating in Ezekiel 32:1 so specific, mentioning the year, month, and day?**

Answer: The precise dating in Ezekiel 32:1, a common feature throughout the book of Ezekiel, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the prophecy, grounding it in a verifiable historical timeline, which would have been significant for the exiles who received it. Secondly, it underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over time and events; it demonstrates that divine revelation and judgment are not random occurrences but unfold according to God's exact, predetermined plan. This precision highlights God's active involvement in human history and the deliberate nature of His judgments against nations like Egypt, reinforcing the reliability and certainty of His word. It also helps scholars reconstruct the chronological sequence of Ezekiel's prophecies in relation to major historical events, such as the fall of Jerusalem in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

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

Answer: This phrase is a foundational prophetic formula, found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")), and it carries profound theological weight. It signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver originates directly from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel, and not from the prophet's own human wisdom or opinion. It establishes the divine authority and infallibility of the subsequent oracle. The phrase emphasizes God's initiative in revealing His will and His active communication with humanity through His chosen messengers. For the audience, it meant that they were hearing not just Ezekiel's words, but the very words of God Himself, demanding their attention and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:1, with its emphasis on the precise timing of God's authoritative word and its focus on judgment against a powerful nation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word of the LORD" made flesh, as declared in [John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh"). All of God's revelation, once fragmented through prophets like Ezekiel ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), now culminates and is perfectly embodied in His Son ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as God's word came to Ezekiel at a precisely appointed time, so too was the coming of Christ into the world perfectly timed, arriving "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). His birth, life, death, and resurrection were not random events but meticulously orchestrated by God's sovereign plan. Furthermore, the judgment pronounced against Egypt in Ezekiel foreshadows the universal judgment that will ultimately be executed by Christ, who has been appointed by God as the judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ Appointed Judge")). The precision of Ezekiel's dating points to the certainty of God's promises and warnings, a certainty fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in 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 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,

Ezekiel 32:17

¶ It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

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,

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 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 33:21

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [that] one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

Ezekiel 1:2

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