Ezekiel 33:23

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Then the word ^{H1697} of the LORD ^{H3068} came unto me, saying ^{H559},

Then the word of ADONAI came to me:

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 33:23 serves as a brief but significant introductory statement, marking a fresh divine revelation to the prophet Ezekiel. Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall (as conveyed in Ezekiel 33:21), this verse signals a new phase in God's communication with His people through His chosen messenger.

Context

The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, with the prophet ministering to the Jewish captives. Chapter 33 is pivotal, as it reiterates Ezekiel's role as a spiritual watchman (verses 1-9) and then transitions from prophecies of impending judgment to messages addressing the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction. Verse 23 specifically introduces the Lord's response to the situation in the desolate land of Israel, setting the stage for the warnings against those who remained there (starting from verse 24).

Key Themes

Divine Authority and Revelation: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a recurring formula throughout the prophetic books, underscoring that the message is not Ezekiel's own opinion or wisdom, but a direct, authoritative communication from God Himself. It emphasizes the divine origin of all true prophecy.
Prophetic Continuity: Even after the major prophecies of judgment against Jerusalem have been fulfilled, God continues to speak to His people. This demonstrates God's ongoing engagement with His covenant people, providing guidance and addressing new circumstances.
Transition and New Focus: This verse acts as a literary bridge, shifting the thematic focus of Ezekiel's prophecies from the threat and execution of judgment to the implications of that judgment and the future prospects for Israel. It introduces a section that will address the false security and spiritual state of those left in the land of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר, vayhi d'var-YHWH elay lemor) is a standard prophetic introduction. The term d'var (דְּבַר) means "word" or "matter," signifying a direct, spoken message. Its frequent use highlights the direct and personal nature of God's communication with His prophets, ensuring that the audience understood the divine mandate behind Ezekiel's pronouncements.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:23, though brief, reminds us of the constant and active nature of God's communication. Even in times of great change, loss, or uncertainty, God continues to speak. For believers today, this verse encourages us to remain attentive to God's Word (the Bible) and to seek His guidance, understanding that His communication is always relevant and purposeful. Just as God spoke to Ezekiel concerning the new realities facing Israel, He continues to speak into our present circumstances, guiding us through His unchanging truth (compare Isaiah 55:11, where God's word does not return to Him void).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.