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,

And it came to pass in the eleventh {H259}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the third {H7992} month, in the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

On the first day of the third month of the eleventh year, the word of ADONAI came to me:

In the eleventh year, on the first day of the third month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the thirdmonth, in the firstdayof the month, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

Ezekiel 31:1 serves as a precise chronological marker for a significant prophecy given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This verse introduces a powerful message from God, primarily directed against the nation of Egypt.

Context

This verse opens a new prophetic oracle, meticulously dated to the "eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month." This dating places the prophecy around June 586 BC, a critical time in Judah's history, as it was shortly after the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Ezekiel, a prophet in exile in Babylon, frequently received and delivered messages concerning both the judgment of Judah and surrounding nations. The preceding chapters, particularly Ezekiel 29-32, contain a series of prophecies specifically directed at Egypt, highlighting its pride and impending downfall.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a foundational prophetic formula, underscoring that the message originates directly from God, not from human insight. This emphasizes the divine authority behind Ezekiel's pronouncements and the certainty of God's unfailing word.
  • Precision of God's Timing: The meticulous dating—down to the year, month, and day—highlights God's sovereign control over historical events and the precise unfolding of His prophetic plans. It assures the reader of the certainty and reliability of the divine message, demonstrating that God's actions are never random but perfectly orchestrated.
  • Introduction to Judgment: This verse sets the stage for a detailed prophecy in Ezekiel 31:2-18, where Egypt is compared to a majestic cedar in Lebanon that will be cut down, symbolizing its pride and ultimate destruction. This serves as a warning against national arrogance and reliance on worldly power rather than on God.

Linguistic Insights

The recurring phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: davar Yahweh) is a hallmark of prophetic literature, establishing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It signifies that the prophet is merely a messenger, relaying God's exact words to His people and the nations, underscoring the absolute truth and power inherent in God's declarations.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in human history and that His plans unfold according to His perfect timing. It encourages believers to pay attention to God's revealed word, understanding that He speaks with purpose and authority through His chosen servants. Just as He delivered messages of warning and judgment in ancient times, His principles of justice and sovereignty remain true today, urging humility and reliance on Him rather than on fleeting worldly power or human wisdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 30:20 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [month], in the seventh [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • Jeremiah 52:5 (3 votes)

    So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

  • Jeremiah 52:6 (3 votes)

    And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

  • Ezekiel 1:2 (2 votes)

    In the fifth [day] of the month, which [was] the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,