Ezekiel 6:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And 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

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

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 6:1 serves as a foundational introductory verse within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, marking the commencement of a new divine oracle from the LORD to the prophet. It establishes the unimpeachable authority and divine origin of the subsequent message, emphasizing that what follows is not Ezekiel's personal insight but a direct, authoritative communication from God, preparing the audience for a significant prophecy of judgment against the idolatrous land of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial transition point within the book of Ezekiel. It immediately follows a series of vivid symbolic actions and pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem in chapters 4 and 5, which graphically depicted the impending siege, famine, and dispersion of its inhabitants. Chapter 6, introduced by this verse, shifts the focus from Jerusalem itself to the broader land of Israel, specifically targeting its "mountains" as sites of pervasive idolatry. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a recurring prophetic formula throughout Ezekiel, signaling a new, distinct revelation and underscoring the divine impetus behind each message. This particular oracle sets the stage for a detailed denunciation of Israel's spiritual infidelity and the inevitable judgment that will befall the land due to its persistent worship of false gods on high places, a theme that resonates throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel, a priest, was among the Judean exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, living by the Chebar River. His ministry took place during a period of profound national crisis for Judah, as the nation faced the final stages of God's judgment through the Babylonian Empire. Despite the previous deportations and dire warnings, many in Judah, both in exile and still in Jerusalem, harbored false hopes of a swift return and believed that God would not allow Jerusalem and its Temple to be destroyed. Culturally, the worship of foreign deities, often involving abhorrent practices, had deeply infiltrated Israelite society, particularly on "high places" (elevated shrines). These practices were a direct violation of the Mosaic Covenant, especially the first two commandments against idolatry, as seen in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"). Ezekiel's prophecies directly confront this spiritual apostasy, explaining the theological rationale for the impending destruction as divine justice for covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 6:1 introduces and reinforces several key themes central to the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, asserting that the subsequent message is a direct, infallible word from the sovereign LORD, not a human opinion. This establishes the prophetic message's binding nature. Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Commission**, reaffirming Ezekiel's role as God's chosen messenger, tasked with delivering uncomfortable truths to a rebellious people. His personal experiences and visions, as detailed in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Call of Ezekiel"), prepare him for this weighty responsibility. Finally, this verse serves as a preamble to the overarching theme of **God's Judgment on Idolatry**. The specific focus on the "mountains of Israel" in the following verses immediately signals that the impending judgment is a direct consequence of the widespread and persistent idolatry practiced throughout the land, which had defiled God's covenant and provoked His holy wrath. This judgment is a demonstration of God's justice and His commitment to His covenant, even when it means punishing His own people for their unfaithfulness, echoing warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a "matter" or "thing," an "act," "affair," or "decree." In a prophetic context, _dâbâr_ emphasizes the substantive and active nature of God's communication. It is not merely information but carries inherent power and intention, signifying a divine decree that will inevitably come to pass. When "the word of the LORD" comes, it implies a definitive message that shapes reality and reveals God's will concerning specific events or judgments.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies the "self-Existent" or "Eternal One." The use of YHWH (Jehovah) here is crucial, as it identifies the source of the message as the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who made promises to Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and established the Law. This emphasizes that the judgment about to be declared is not arbitrary but flows from the character and covenant faithfulness of the one true God, who holds His people accountable to the terms of their relationship with Him.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, including "appoint," "command," "declare," or "utter." In this context, it underscores the directness and intentionality of God's communication. It's not a mere suggestion but a declaration, indicating that the following message is a precise, deliberate, and authoritative statement from God to Ezekiel, intended for immediate proclamation and fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD came unto me":** This phrase is a standard prophetic formula, signifying a direct, divine revelation. It highlights that the message originates solely from God (the "LORD," YHWH, the covenant God of Israel) and is imparted directly to Ezekiel. This emphasizes the divine authority and infallibility of the prophecy that follows, establishing it as God's own utterance rather than human wisdom or speculation.
* **"saying,":** This participle indicates that the "word" is not merely a concept but an active, verbal communication. It introduces the precise content of the divine message that Ezekiel is about to receive and, subsequently, to deliver. It sets the stage for the specific pronouncements and instructions that constitute the subsequent prophetic oracle.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the recurring prophetic formula "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying." This phrase acts as a consistent marker throughout the prophetic books, signaling a direct divine revelation and imbuing the subsequent message with absolute authority and divine origin. It creates a sense of solemnity and importance, preparing the audience for a message that is not of human making. The use of the divine name **YHWH (LORD)** is a form of **Theonymy**, directly invoking God's covenant name to underscore His personal involvement and faithfulness, even in judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proleptic Introduction**, foreshadowing the content of the entire chapter by immediately establishing the divine source and the imperative nature of the message concerning judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:1 is profoundly significant as it reiterates the consistent biblical theme of God's active engagement with humanity through divine revelation. It underscores that God is not silent but sovereignly communicates His will, purposes, and judgments to His chosen messengers. This direct communication establishes the authority of the prophetic word, making it binding and true, a testament to God's desire to speak to His people, even in their rebellion. The verse also implicitly points to God's holiness and justice, as the subsequent message will detail His righteous judgment against idolatry, demonstrating that He will not tolerate sin within His covenant people.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Came to Hosea")
* [Zechariah 1:1](/zechariah/1-1 "Zechariah 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Came to Zechariah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:1, though brief, carries immense weight for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the God of the universe is a speaking God, who initiates communication with His creation. While we no longer expect direct prophetic utterances in the same manner as Ezekiel, God continues to speak powerfully and infallibly through His written Word, the Bible, which is "God-breathed" and authoritative. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and humility, recognizing that God's voice, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or wise counsel, carries divine authority. It calls us to respond with obedience and reverence, acknowledging that His "word" is not merely informative but transformative, shaping our understanding of His character, His will, and His expectations for our lives. Just as Ezekiel was commissioned to deliver a difficult message, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's truth in a world that often resists it, speaking His word with both conviction and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing "the word of the LORD" as the source of biblical truth impact your approach to studying Scripture?**
* **In what ways do you believe God communicates with His people today, and how can you better discern His voice amidst the noise of the world?**
* **What does this verse imply about the authority of God's word in your personal life and in the life of the church?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: This phrase is a crucial prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in books like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Hosea. It signifies that the message that follows is not the prophet's own thoughts, opinions, or political insights, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible revelation from God Himself. It establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophecy, ensuring that the audience understands they are hearing God's very own words, carrying the full weight of His power and intention. It underscores God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign communication with His chosen messengers, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah") and [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Came to Hosea").

**Why is it important that the message comes from "the LORD" (YHWH)?**

Answer: The use of "the LORD" (YHWH, or Yahweh) is highly significant. This is God's covenant name, revealing Him as the self-existent, eternal God who made promises to Israel, delivered them from slavery, and established a covenant relationship with them. By identifying the source of the word as YHWH, the verse emphasizes that the upcoming message, particularly one of judgment, is not arbitrary but flows from the character and covenant faithfulness of the one true God. It reminds Israel that the judgment is a righteous consequence of their unfaithfulness to the very God who redeemed them, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 6:1 directly concerns God's word coming to an Old Testament prophet, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is uniquely presented as the ultimate "Word of the LORD" made flesh, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). He is not merely a messenger who receives God's word, but the very embodiment and eternal expression of God's divine communication and revelation to humanity. "The word of the LORD came unto me, saying" finds its ultimate echo in the incarnation, where God's ultimate message of salvation and redemption "came unto us" in the person of Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Furthermore, Jesus's ministry was characterized by authoritative teaching, where He spoke with a divine authority that astonished His hearers, unlike the scribes ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). He is the living Word, through whom God continues to speak, redeem, and transform, making the divine word accessible and powerfully effective for all who believe ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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.