Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Now the word of the LORDThis phrase signifies a divine communication, a hallmark of prophetic literature. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic force. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful, creative, and authoritative expression of God's will. It is reminiscent of the creation narrative in Genesis, where God's word brings forth life and order. This underscores the authority and reliability of the message Ezekiel is about to deliver. In a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase reaffirms the belief in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Scripture, emphasizing that what follows is not merely human opinion but a revelation from God Himself. came to me saying Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's word and is tasked with delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets. 3. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, where the Israelites were in captivity due to their disobedience to God. Teaching Points The Role of ProphetsProphets are chosen by God to deliver His messages, often in times of crisis or judgment. Understanding their role helps us appreciate the gravity and authority of their words. God's Communication God speaks to His people through various means, including direct revelation to prophets. This underscores the importance of being attentive to God's word in our lives. Judgment and Hope While Ezekiel often speaks of judgment, his messages also contain hope for restoration. This duality reminds us of God's justice and mercy. Obedience to God's Word The Israelites' exile was a result of disobedience. This serves as a warning to us about the consequences of straying from God's commands. Faithfulness in Adversity Ezekiel's faithfulness in delivering God's message despite difficult circumstances encourages us to remain steadfast in our own trials. 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?2. In what ways can we discern God's voice in our lives today, similar to how Ezekiel received the word of the LORD? 3. How do the themes of judgment and hope in Ezekiel's prophecies apply to our current spiritual journey? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' disobedience and subsequent exile that are relevant to our walk with God? 5. How can we remain faithful and obedient to God's word in the face of adversity, as exemplified by Ezekiel's ministry? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 1:4-10Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah receives the word of the LORD, highlighting the role of prophets as God's messengers. Isaiah 6:8-10 Isaiah's calling parallels Ezekiel's, emphasizing the theme of divine commissioning and the responsibility of delivering God's message. 2 Kings 24:10-16 Provides historical context for the Babylonian exile, explaining why the Israelites were in captivity.
People Ezekiel, Israelites, Jacob, TemanPlaces Babylon, Bamah, Egypt, NegebTopics Moreover, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 20:44Library Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. 1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown, … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Manner of Covenanting. Tithing Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath. Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Covenant of Works Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 20:45 NIVEzekiel 20:45 NLT Ezekiel 20:45 ESV Ezekiel 20:45 NASB Ezekiel 20:45 KJV Ezekiel 20:45 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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