Ezekiel 32:17

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

It came to pass also in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day of the month {H2320}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fifteenth day of the month in the twelfth year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:17 serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing a new and distinct prophetic oracle delivered to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse, characteristic of Ezekiel's meticulous dating, establishes the divine origin and specific timing of the subsequent message, preparing the reader for a fresh revelation from the LORD concerning judgment, specifically against the nation of Egypt. It underscores the intentionality and historical grounding of God's communication with His prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within the book of Ezekiel, specifically within the series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32). Immediately preceding it, [Ezekiel 32:1-16](/ezekiel/32-1 "Ezekiel 32:1-16 - Lamentation over Pharaoh") contains a lamentation over Pharaoh, king of Egypt, dated to the twelfth year, first day of the month. [Ezekiel 32:17](/ezekiel/32-17 "Ezekiel 32:17 - New Prophetic Oracle") introduces a new, distinct oracle, also dated in the twelfth year but on the fifteenth day of the month. This precise shift in dating, even within the same chapter and directed at the same nation, signals a new emphasis or a different facet of the divine message, preparing the audience for the subsequent pronouncements of Egypt's descent into the realm of the dead and its comparison to other fallen nations. It highlights the segmented and deliberate nature of God's revelation through His prophet.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), a period of profound national trauma for Judah, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. The exiles, including Ezekiel, were living in Babylon. Egypt, a powerful ancient civilization, had historically been a significant player in the geopolitical landscape, often serving as a potential, though ultimately unreliable, ally for Judah against dominant empires like Assyria and Babylon. Prophecies against Egypt, such as those found in [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), were crucial for disabusing the exiles of any false hopes in human alliances and for demonstrating God's sovereign control over all nations, not just Israel. The cultural context includes the widespread belief in a shadowy underworld, which forms the basis for the imagery of Egypt's descent in the following verses.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel. Firstly, **Divine Revelation** is paramount, as the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" (also seen in [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Calling")) underscores that the messages are not human conjecture but direct, authoritative communications from God. Secondly, **Prophetic Authority and Authenticity** are reinforced through the meticulous dating ("in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month"). This precision grounds Ezekiel's prophecies in specific historical moments, validating their divine origin and demonstrating God's active engagement with human history. This contrasts with false prophecies and establishes the trustworthiness of Ezekiel's ministry (compare [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). Thirdly, **God's Sovereignty** over history and nations is subtly asserted; by precisely dating His messages concerning the rise and fall of nations like Egypt, God demonstrates His ultimate control over all earthly affairs and His predetermined plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term, derived from the root meaning "to speak," signifies more than a mere utterance. It implies a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it carries the weight of divine authority, a powerful and active declaration that brings about what it proclaims. It is God's effective communication, not just information.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It refers to "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its presence here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging, and faithful God of Israel, the one who is and who was and who is to come, underscoring the absolute authority and reliability of the word delivered.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** (H559) A primitive root verb meaning "to say," used with great latitude. In this context, it denotes the direct, verbal communication from God to Ezekiel. It implies a clear, articulate message, often a command or a declaration, that the prophet is then tasked to convey. It confirms the direct speech act of God to His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month":** This opening clause provides a precise chronological marker for the new prophetic oracle. The "twelfth year" likely refers to the twelfth year of King Jehoiachin's exile (586/585 BC), placing this prophecy shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. The specificity of "the fifteenth day of the month" further emphasizes the exact timing of the divine revelation, distinguishing it from previous oracles and highlighting God's meticulous engagement with historical events.
* **"that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,":** This is the standard prophetic formula, indicating the divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent message. "The word of the LORD" (davar Yahweh) signifies that the message is not Ezekiel's own thoughts or interpretations but a direct, verbal communication from the sovereign God. "Came unto me" underscores the personal and direct nature of this revelation to Ezekiel, affirming his role as God's chosen messenger. The concluding "saying" introduces the content of the oracle that immediately follows, which in this case is a further lament and prophecy of judgment against Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:17 primarily employs **Formulaic Language** and **Precision in Dating**. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a ubiquitous prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament, especially in Ezekiel (appearing over 60 times). Its repetition serves to authenticate the divine origin of the message, establishing the prophet's authority and underscoring that the subsequent words are not human but divine. This formula acts as a clear signal to the reader that what follows is a direct revelation from God. The **Precision in Dating** ("in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month") is a hallmark of Ezekiel's writing style. This meticulous chronological detail not only grounds the prophecies in specific historical moments, enhancing their credibility, but also highlights the divine intentionality and timing behind each message. It suggests that God's word is not abstract or timeless in its delivery, but deeply interwoven with the unfolding events of human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:17, though an introductory verse, is profoundly theological in its implications. It underscores the fundamental truth that God is a God who speaks, who actively communicates His will and purposes to humanity. This divine communication is not haphazard but precise, intentional, and authoritative, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and history. The "word of the LORD" is presented as the ultimate source of truth and the driving force behind all prophetic declarations, serving as the foundation for understanding God's judgment and redemptive plans for Israel and the nations. This consistent emphasis on divine revelation ensures that the subsequent prophecies are received not as human opinions, but as infallible declarations from the Almighty.

* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:17, while seemingly a mere date stamp, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the divine origin and authority of the Scriptures we hold. Just as Ezekiel received a specific, dated word from the LORD, so too do we encounter God's living and active word in the Bible. This verse invites us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing that every passage, even an introductory one, carries the weight of divine inspiration. It challenges us to listen intently for God's voice, trusting that His word is not only historically precise but also eternally relevant, capable of speaking into our present circumstances. Furthermore, it encourages us to consider how God's timing, though often mysterious to us, is always perfect and purposeful, even in moments of national crisis or personal uncertainty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of this prophecy impact your understanding of God's engagement with human history?**
* **What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" teach us about the nature of divine revelation and the authority of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over time and nations, as implied by this verse, bring comfort or challenge to your faith today?**

### FAQ
**Why is the dating in Ezekiel so specific, down to the day of the month?**

Answer: The meticulous dating in Ezekiel, as seen in [Ezekiel 32:17](/ezekiel/32-17 "Ezekiel 32:17 - New Prophetic Oracle"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the prophecies by grounding them in specific historical moments, demonstrating that God's word is active and relevant in real time, not merely abstract pronouncements. This precision distinguishes Ezekiel's prophecies from vague, unverified claims. Secondly, it highlights the divine intentionality and timing behind each message, showing that God reveals His will and intervenes in history according to His sovereign plan. Thirdly, it provides a clear chronological framework for the book, allowing readers to track the progression of God's revelation and the unfolding events of the Babylonian exile, such as the fall of Jerusalem (compare [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall")).

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

Answer: This phrase, a hallmark of prophetic literature, is a foundational declaration of divine inspiration. It signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver originates directly from God, not from human wisdom, opinion, or imagination. It establishes the absolute authority and truthfulness of the subsequent oracle. In a broader sense, it underscores the theological truth that God is not silent but actively communicates with His creation, revealing His character, will, and plans. This phrase elevates the prophetic utterance from mere human speech to the very voice of God, demanding attentive and obedient hearing, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:17 directly introduces a specific judgment against Egypt, its underlying theme of "the word of the LORD" coming to a prophet finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the "word of the LORD" was a powerful, active force, often personified, that created, commanded, and revealed God's will. This concept culminates in the New Testament with the revelation of Jesus as the incarnate Word of God. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word, but He *is* God's living, ultimate, and perfect Word, the full and final revelation of the Father (see [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Every prophetic utterance, every "word of the LORD" that came to the prophets, pointed forward to the coming of Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills all of God's promises and purposes. Through Him, God has spoken His most complete and accessible word to humanity, making the divine accessible and knowable (compare [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - In Christ All the Fullness of God Dwells")).

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 32:1

¶ 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,

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,

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,