Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, The word of the LORD came to me, sayingThe word of the LORD This phrase signifies divine communication, emphasizing the authority and sacredness of the message. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just spoken words but also actions and events. The "LORD" is rendered from "YHWH," the covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase assures us that the message is not of human origin but from the sovereign Creator, who is actively involved in the affairs of His people. came to me saying Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's messages and visions. His role is to communicate God's warnings and promises to the Israelites. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who speaks to Ezekiel, providing him with divine messages to deliver to the people of Israel. 3. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, having been exiled from their homeland due to their disobedience to God. 4. Israelites The people of God who are in exile. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, which include warnings of judgment and promises of restoration. 5. Prophetic Message The specific message or vision that God communicates to Ezekiel, which often includes symbolic actions or parables to illustrate God's point. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceEzekiel's role as a prophet underscores the necessity of listening to and obeying God's word. Disobedience leads to consequences, as seen in the exile. God's Sovereignty The phrase "the word of the LORD came to me" highlights God's control and authority over history and His ability to communicate His will to His people. Hope in Exile Even in judgment, God provides hope. Ezekiel's messages often include promises of restoration, reminding us that God's discipline is not without purpose or end. The Role of a Prophet Ezekiel's life demonstrates the challenges and responsibilities of being a messenger of God. It calls us to consider how we can faithfully communicate God's truth in our own contexts. Symbolic Actions Ezekiel often uses symbolic actions to convey God's messages. This teaches us the power of visual and practical demonstrations in communicating spiritual truths. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet during the Babylonian exile inform our understanding of God's communication with His people today?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty in the events surrounding the Babylonian exile, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances? 3. How do the messages of hope and restoration in Ezekiel's prophecies apply to our lives, especially when we face difficult situations? 4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's call, and how can we apply this to our own callings and responsibilities? 5. How do the symbolic actions in Ezekiel's prophecies enhance our understanding of God's messages, and how can we use creative methods to share the gospel in our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 29Jeremiah, a contemporary of Ezekiel, also prophesied during the Babylonian exile, offering messages of both judgment and hope, similar to Ezekiel's role. Isaiah 6 Isaiah's calling as a prophet parallels Ezekiel's, as both are given divine messages to deliver to a rebellious people. 2 Kings 25 The historical account of the fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian exile provides context for Ezekiel's prophecies. Daniel 1 Daniel, another prophet during the Babylonian exile, offers a perspective on living faithfully in a foreign land, complementing Ezekiel's messages.
People EzekielPlaces Babylon, Chaldea, JerusalemTopics Moreover, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 12:16Library A Common Mistake and Lame Excuse'... He prophesieth of the times that are far off.'--EZEKIEL xii. 27. Human nature was very much the same in the exiles that listened to Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar and in Manchester to-day. The same neglect of God's message was grounded then on the same misapprehension of its bearings which profoundly operates in the case of many people now. Ezekiel had been proclaiming the fall of Jerusalem to the exiles whose captivity preceded it by a few years; and he was confronted by the incredulity … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The End The Last Agony The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus. 'As Sodom' A Believer's Privilege at Death Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 12:17 NIVEzekiel 12:17 NLT Ezekiel 12:17 ESV Ezekiel 12:17 NASB Ezekiel 12:17 KJV Ezekiel 12:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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