Ezekiel 35:1

KJV

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:1 serves as the solemn and authoritative introduction to a significant prophetic oracle, declaring that the subsequent message originates directly from the sovereign God to His prophet Ezekiel. This verse establishes the divine authority and unwavering truth of the pronouncement that follows, specifically a severe judgment against Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom, setting the stage for understanding God's justice and His ultimate plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the beginning of a distinct prophetic oracle against Mount Seir (Edom), which extends through the entirety of [Ezekiel 35](/ezekiel/35 "Ezekiel 35 - Prophecy Against Mount Seir"). It follows a series of prophecies against various foreign nations (e.g., Ammon, Moab, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations")). Crucially, this judgment against Edom immediately precedes the grand prophecies of Israel's restoration and renewal, beginning in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration and New Heart"). The placement suggests a theological progression: God's justice against those who oppose His people often precedes or paves the way for His redemptive work on behalf of His covenant nation. The formula "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a common prophetic introduction, signaling a new, divinely initiated message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. The nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, had a long history of animosity towards Israel, dating back to Jacob and Esau. This hostility intensified during the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when Edom not only rejoiced at Judah's destruction but actively participated in plundering the city and hindering the escape of Jewish refugees (cf. [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery")). Mount Seir is the mountainous region that constituted the primary territory of Edom, symbolizing the nation itself. God's judgment against Edom in this chapter reflects His response to their long-standing pride, vengeful spirit, and specific acts of cruelty against His people during their time of weakness.
* **Key Themes:** The opening phrase of [Ezekiel 35:1](/ezekiel/35-1 "Ezekiel 35:1 - The Word of the LORD to Ezekiel") immediately introduces the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that the ensuing message is not human wisdom but a direct communication from God. This undergirds the **Prophetic Authority** of Ezekiel, establishing him as a true messenger through whom God speaks His will. Furthermore, by introducing a prophecy of judgment against a specific nation, the verse subtly highlights God's **Sovereignty over Nations** and His unwavering **Justice**. It underscores that God sees and responds to the actions of all peoples, particularly those who act with malice against His chosen people, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is far more expansive than merely "a word." It encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "deed," or "utterance." In this context, "the word of the LORD" signifies a concrete, authoritative divine communication, a specific message or decree that is about to be delivered. It implies not just spoken sound, but the substance, power, and effect of God's declaration.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It derives from the Hebrew verb "to be" (הָיָה, _hâyâh_), conveying the idea of the "Self-Existent" or "Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the unchanging, all-powerful, and covenant-keeping God of Israel, lending ultimate weight and certainty to the prophecy.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include "appoint," "declare," "command," "intend," or "utter." In this verse, it indicates the direct, verbal nature of God's communication to Ezekiel, signifying that the following content is the precise utterance of the LORD. It highlights the direct and intentional nature of God's revelation to His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me":** This clause serves as a standard prophetic formula, indicating the divine origin and authority of the subsequent message. It asserts that the message is not Ezekiel's own thought or interpretation, but a direct, supernatural impartation from God Himself. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes the covenant God of Israel as the source, highlighting His active involvement in human history and His commitment to revealing His will.
* **"saying,":** This single word clarifies the mode of the divine communication: it was a verbal, articulate message. It introduces the specific content of the prophecy that immediately follows, signaling that the ensuing verses are the direct utterance of God. It underscores the clarity and intentionality of God's revelation to His chosen messenger.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:1 primarily employs the literary device of **Prophetic Formula**. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a recurring and highly significant convention throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Its consistent use serves to immediately establish the divine authority and origin of the message, distinguishing it from human opinion or wisdom. This formula also functions as a **Framing Device**, marking the beginning of a new prophetic unit or oracle. By explicitly stating that God is the speaker, the text elevates the status of the prophet from a mere individual to a divinely appointed messenger, imbuing his words with absolute truth and certainty. This direct **Divine Address** to Ezekiel underscores the personal nature of God's communication with His chosen servants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse powerfully asserts the absolute authority and divine origin of God's revelation. It reminds us that God is not silent but actively communicates His will, His judgments, and His redemptive plans to humanity. The "word of the LORD" is presented as dynamic and potent, capable of bringing about what it declares. This divine communication is the basis for all true prophecy and the bedrock of our understanding of God's character—His justice, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness to His covenant. The very act of God speaking to a prophet during a time of national crisis underscores His continued engagement with His people and His ultimate control over the affairs of nations.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")
* [1 Samuel 3:21](/1_samuel/3-21 "1 Samuel 3:21 - The LORD Reveals Himself Through His Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:1, though brief, carries profound weight for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that the God we worship is a God who speaks. Just as His "word came" to Ezekiel, so too has His authoritative and living Word come to us through the Scriptures. This should cultivate in us a deep reverence for the Bible, recognizing that its pages contain not merely human wisdom, but the very utterances of the Self-Existent LORD. Our approach to Scripture should therefore be one of attentive listening and humble submission, trusting that what God has revealed is true, purposeful, and eternally relevant. Furthermore, understanding that God's word often precedes His actions of justice and restoration should instill confidence in His ultimate control over all circumstances, even when faced with seemingly overwhelming opposition or chaos in the world. We are called to align our lives with this divine word, allowing it to shape our understanding of justice, our hope for the future, and our response to both personal and global challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "the word of the LORD came unto me" impact your understanding of the authority of Scripture?**
* **In what ways do you actively listen for and seek to understand "the word of the LORD" in your daily life?**
* **How does knowing that God's word precedes His actions of judgment and restoration affect your trust in His sovereignty during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that the verse specifies "the word of the LORD came unto me" rather than just "Ezekiel said"?**

Answer: This phrasing is crucial because it establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It differentiates the prophet's words from his own opinions or human wisdom, asserting that what follows is a direct, infallible revelation from God Himself. This formula, common in prophetic literature, validates Ezekiel's role as a true messenger and ensures the audience understands the gravity and certainty of the prophecy. It underscores that God is actively involved in human history and communicates His will to His chosen servants.

**What is the broader purpose of this introductory verse in the Book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: This verse serves as a formal introduction to a new prophetic oracle, specifically against Mount Seir (Edom). In the broader context of Ezekiel, it signals a shift in focus from prophecies against other foreign nations to a specific, intense condemnation of Edom, which immediately precedes the extensive prophecies of Israel's restoration. It sets a serious tone, emphasizing that God's justice will be meted out against those who oppose His people, thereby preparing the way for the subsequent messages of hope and renewal for Israel, as detailed in chapters like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:1, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets received the "word of the LORD" in spoken or visionary form, but in the New Testament, we discover that God's definitive and final "word" is His Son. [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son") declares, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the living Word, the _Logos_ ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), who perfectly embodies and reveals the Father. All the pronouncements of judgment and promises of restoration, initiated by the "word of the LORD" to prophets like Ezekiel, ultimately find their culmination in Christ. His first coming brought salvation and inaugurated the new covenant, fulfilling promises of a new heart and spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), while His second coming will bring about the final judgment of all nations and the ultimate restoration of all things, establishing His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the authoritative divine word that came to Ezekiel points forward to the supreme revelation of God's will and power in Jesus Christ, who is both the righteous Judge and the faithful Savior.

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 34:1

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 22:1

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 21:1

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.