31:18 31:18

Ezekiel 32:1

32:2 32:2

Bible Versions

¶ 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,
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},
On the first day of the twelfth month of the twelfth year, the word of ADONAI came to me:
In the twelfth year, on the first day of the twelfth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
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,

Ezekiel 32:1 marks a precise chronological beginning for a new prophetic oracle, continuing the pronouncements of judgment against the powerful nation of Egypt. This verse, like many in the book of Ezekiel, highlights the meticulous nature of God's communication with His prophet.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, having been carried away during the Babylonian captivity. The dating in this verse—"the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month"—is exceptionally specific. Scholars generally place this date around March 585 BC. This timing is significant as it comes after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, indicating that the immediate judgment on Judah has passed, and God's focus shifts to the surrounding nations, particularly Egypt, which had often been a deceptive ally or a source of false hope for Judah. This oracle follows a series of prophecies against Egypt in Ezekiel 29-31.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Authority: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a standard prophetic formula, emphasizing that the message is not Ezekiel's own opinion but a direct, authoritative communication from God. This highlights God's active involvement in human history and His chosen method of revealing His will through His prophets.
  • Precision of Prophetic Timing: The exact date underscores God's sovereignty over time and events. It demonstrates 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.
  • Continuation of Judgment on Nations: This verse introduces a new chapter in God's judgment against Egypt, illustrating that God's justice extends beyond His covenant people to all nations. Egypt, a symbol of worldly power and pride, is brought under divine scrutiny.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "the word of the LORD" is davar YHWH (דְּבַר יְהוָה). Davar means "word," "matter," or "thing," indicating the substantial and authoritative nature of God's communication. YHWH is the sacred, covenant name of God, often translated as "LORD" in KJV, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:1 reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over all of history. Just as He precisely timed His messages to Ezekiel, He orchestrates events in our lives and in the world according to His divine purpose. It encourages us to pay attention to God's revealed word, knowing that it is authoritative and purposeful. This verse also implicitly teaches that God's justice is universal, holding all nations and leaders accountable for their actions, offering a powerful message of hope for those who trust in His ultimate reign.

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 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,
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