Ezekiel 7:1

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

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

American Standard Version

Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:1 serves as a pivotal prophetic introduction, signaling the commencement of a new, urgent divine oracle delivered to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse is far more than a mere literary transition; it is a profound declaration of God's direct, authoritative communication, establishing the absolute certainty and divine origin of the message that follows. It sets the stage for a stark and comprehensive prophecy of impending judgment upon the land of Israel, underscoring that the coming destruction is a direct consequence of God's sovereign will and righteous decree, not a random misfortune.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7:1 introduces a distinct and self-contained prophetic oracle, marking an abrupt shift from the preceding chapters. Chapters 4-6 detailed various symbolic acts and pronouncements concerning the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, while chapters 8-11 vividly described Jerusalem's pervasive idolatry and the progressive departure of the Lord's glory from the temple. This verse, however, launches into an unmitigated declaration of "the end" for the land of Israel, serving as a formal, emphatic introduction to the detailed pronouncements of judgment that unfold throughout the remainder of [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come"). Its abruptness and declarative nature underscore the immediacy and finality of the impending judgment, functioning as a powerful, self-contained unit of prophecy that intensifies the themes of divine wrath and inescapable doom, setting a somber tone for the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel was ministering during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically among the Jewish captives settled by the Chebar Canal in Tel Abib (cf. [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Location")). The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had been deported in 597 BC, following Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem had not yet been completely destroyed, and many of its inhabitants, both in exile and still residing in Judah, clung to false hopes of a swift return or a miraculous divine intervention that would prevent the city's ultimate fall. Ezekiel's prophecies, including this dire message, were designed to dismantle these dangerous illusions, confronting the people with the harsh reality of God's righteous judgment for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and flagrant rebellion against the Mosaic covenant. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" was a standard and culturally understood prophetic formula, conveying direct, authoritative divine communication, thereby distinguishing a true prophet from the many false prophets who spoke from their own imaginations or for popular approval.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse, though brief, is pregnant with several key themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, asserting that the subsequent words are not human conjecture or political analysis but God's own authoritative message, a foundational principle of biblical prophecy (cf. [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")). Secondly, it explicitly establishes **Prophetic Commission**, affirming Ezekiel's indispensable role as God's chosen mouthpiece, tasked with delivering uncomfortable and often unpopular truths to a rebellious and unrepentant people. This echoes the divine calls of other major prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, who were similarly commissioned to speak God's word regardless of its reception or the personal cost. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated within the verse itself, its immediate placement before a prophecy of doom unmistakably signals the overarching theme of **Impending Judgment and Divine Sovereignty**. The "word of the LORD" here is one of decisive action, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to covenant justice, a theme powerfully articulated in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and throughout the prophetic literature concerning Israel's unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, this term signifies far more than a mere spoken utterance; it encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or an "active utterance." In the context of "the word of the LORD," _dâbâr_ carries immense theological weight, implying a divine decree that is effective, powerful, and will certainly come to pass. It denotes a message that is not merely informative but performative, possessing the inherent power to bring about what it declares, whether it be judgment, creation, or salvation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Derived from the verb "to be" (הָיָה), it conveys the profound meaning of "the Self-Existent One," "the Eternal," or "He who causes to be." Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging, and faithful God who is in covenant relationship with Israel, lending ultimate authority, reliability, and inevitability to the prophecy. It is the God who revealed Himself to Moses (cf. [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) who now speaks to Ezekiel.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include "appoint," "command," "declare," or "utter." In this context, it highlights the direct, explicit, and articulate nature of God's communication to Ezekiel. It signifies that the divine _dâbâr_ is not merely a vague impression or a general concept, but a clearly articulated message, conveyed through spoken words, demanding to be heard, understood, and acted upon by the prophet and, through him, by the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the word":** This phrase, "Moreover the word" (וַיְהִי דְבַר), acts as a formal and emphatic introduction, signaling a new, distinct, and authoritative divine communication. The Hebrew conjunction "waw" (וַיְהִי), often translated as "and," "now," or "moreover," connects this new oracle to the ongoing prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, yet simultaneously marks it as a fresh, independent revelation. The immediate use of "the word" (דְבַר, _dâbâr_) points directly to the divine origin and substantial, weighty nature of the message about to be delivered.
* **"of the LORD":** This crucial phrase explicitly specifies the source of the "word" as Yahweh (יְהוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), the personal, covenant God of Israel. This attribution is paramount, as it imbues the subsequent prophecy with absolute authority, truthfulness, and inevitability. It unequivocally distinguishes Ezekiel's message from human opinion, speculation, or the pronouncements of false prophets, grounding it firmly and exclusively in the divine will of the sovereign Creator and covenant-keeping God.
* **"came unto me":** This phrase confirms the direct, personal, and active reception of the divine message by the prophet Ezekiel. It underscores his unique role as God's chosen intermediary, a human vessel through whom God's will and truth are revealed to humanity. The verb "came" (הָיָה, _hayah_) suggests a dynamic, deliberate act of divine transmission, emphasizing that this was not a passive reception or an internal thought, but a tangible, external communication from God to His prophet.
* **"saying,":** This final word (לֵאמֹר, _lēʼmōr_) serves as an immediate and direct precursor to the content of the prophecy itself. It indicates that the "word of the LORD" was not just a general impression or a vague concept, but a specific, articulated message that God then proceeded to speak through Ezekiel. It signals that the direct discourse of God is about to follow, preparing the audience for the precise words of the divine oracle.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:1 primarily employs the **Prophetic Formula** as its central literary device. This standardized opening, "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is a hallmark of Old Testament prophetic literature, immediately establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It functions as a powerful **Framing Device**, setting the entire chapter within the context of direct divine revelation rather than human commentary or political analysis. The consistent use of this formula throughout prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Call") or [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Hosea's Prophecy")) creates a sense of **Continuity** in God's communication with His people across generations of prophets, reinforcing the timeless nature of His truth. Furthermore, the very act of "the word of the LORD" *coming* to the prophet can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, suggesting an active, dynamic entity that moves and interacts, rather than a static concept. This emphasizes the living, active, and powerful nature of God's communication, which is not merely spoken but performs what it declares.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:1 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and the absolute authority of God's Word. It asserts that the prophecies delivered by Ezekiel are not products of human wisdom, political insight, or imaginative speculation, but direct, authoritative utterances from Yahweh, the sovereign Lord of history and the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This emphatic emphasis on the divine origin of the message elevates its significance, demanding reverent attention and obedient response from its hearers. The "word of the LORD" is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as active, powerful, and effective, capable of bringing about precisely what it declares, whether it be judgment, restoration, or the very act of creation. This concept is foundational to biblical theology, highlighting God's active involvement in human affairs, His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and warnings, and His personal nature as a God who desires to communicate His will and character to humanity. The very act of God speaking underscores His relational nature and His desire to be known and obeyed.

* [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 - The Power and Efficacy of God's Word")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:1, though concise, carries immense weight for contemporary believers, serving as a vital reminder of the nature and authority of God's communication. It calls us to approach the Scriptures with profound reverence, recognizing that every word is not merely human literature but the very breath of God, delivered through chosen instruments. Just as Ezekiel received a direct, unmistakable word from the LORD, so too do we encounter God's living and active Word in the Bible. This profound truth should compel us to listen intently, to study diligently, and to obey faithfully, understanding that God's messages, whether of comfort, correction, or prophetic warning, are always purposeful, true, and ultimately for our good and His glory. In a world saturated with competing voices, ideologies, and fleeting truths, this verse anchors us to the unchanging, authoritative voice of the Creator, urging us to prioritize His truth above all else and to allow His revealed will to fundamentally shape our lives, our perspectives, and our actions, trusting in His sovereign plan even when it brings discomfort or challenges our preconceived notions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin and authority of the Bible (as exemplified in Ezekiel 7:1) impact your approach to reading and studying Scripture?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively listen for and discern "the word of the LORD" in your daily life, beyond just reading the written Bible?**
* **Considering that God's word to Ezekiel was often one of severe judgment, how do you reconcile God's unwavering justice with His boundless love when encountering difficult or challenging truths in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" in prophetic literature?**

Answer: This phrase is a common and highly significant prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in books like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. Its primary significance lies in establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It unequivocally signals that the prophet is not speaking his own thoughts, opinions, or political analyses, but is serving as a direct mouthpiece for God Himself. This formula authenticates the prophecy, distinguishing it from human speculation, false prophecies, or personal interpretations, thereby demanding the serious attention and obedience of the audience. It underscores the profound biblical belief that God actively communicates His will, character, and plans to humanity through chosen individuals.

**Does this verse imply that all of Ezekiel's words are direct quotes from God?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 7:1 emphatically indicates that the *message* originates directly from God, it doesn't necessarily mean every single word in the subsequent chapter is a verbatim, dictated quote. Rather, it signifies that the *content*, *substance*, and *authority* of the prophecy are divinely inspired and revealed. The prophet's unique personality, vocabulary, literary style, and cultural context are often preserved, but the underlying truth, the divine intent, and the ultimate authority of the message are God's. This concept is often referred to as "plenary verbal inspiration," meaning that God inspired the very words (verbal) and all of them (plenary), while still working through the human authors' unique characteristics and experiences. The phrase "came unto me, saying" confirms that God communicated a specific, articulated message that Ezekiel was then to faithfully articulate and deliver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 7:1 stands as a classical prophetic introduction, its profound emphasis on "the word of the LORD" finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament "word of the LORD" was a dynamic, active force, often spoken through human intermediaries like Ezekiel, prophets who served as God's mouthpieces. In the New Testament, we discover that Jesus Christ is not merely a messenger of God's word, but the living, incarnate "Word of God" Himself (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the perfect, definitive revelation of the Father's character, will, and redemptive plan. What was spoken to Ezekiel in an auditory or visionary manner, God has now spoken definitively, personally, and completely through His Son (cf. [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus's life, His authoritative teachings, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection are the ultimate divine decree, the "word of the LORD" that brings both righteous judgment for sin and eternal salvation for all who believe. Thus, the inherent authority, power, and efficacy foreshadowed in Ezekiel's introductory phrase are fully realized in Christ, who is the final and complete expression of God's redemptive purpose for humanity (cf. [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ and Reconciliation")).

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.