Ezekiel 28:1

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

Study Bible

The 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 "YHWH," the covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the stage for a message that carries the weight and authority of God Himself, reminding us of the importance of listening to and obeying God's directives.

came to me
The phrase indicates a personal and direct revelation to the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb "hayah" (came) suggests an occurrence or event, emphasizing that this is not a mere thought or idea but a significant divine encounter. Ezekiel, as a prophet, serves as a conduit for God's message, underscoring the personal relationship between God and His chosen messengers. This reminds believers of the intimate ways God communicates with His people, often through those He has called and equipped for His purposes.

saying
This word introduces the content of the divine message. In Hebrew, "amar" (saying) is used to denote speech, indicating that what follows is a direct quotation from God. It prepares the reader for the specific instructions or revelations that God is about to impart. This highlights the importance of the message that follows, urging the audience to pay close attention to the words of God, as they are not merely human opinions but divine truths meant to guide, correct, or encourage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's word. His prophecies often include vivid imagery and symbolic actions.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates directly with Ezekiel. This emphasizes the divine authority and origin of the message.

3. Tyre
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the context of Ezekiel 28 involves a prophecy against the city of Tyre, a significant Phoenician city known for its wealth and pride.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical backdrop of Ezekiel's ministry, where the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a period of judgment and reflection for the nation of Israel.

5. Prophecy
The event of God speaking to Ezekiel, which is a common occurrence in the book, indicating the ongoing communication between God and His prophet.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
Recognize the divine origin of Scripture and its authority in our lives. Just as Ezekiel received God's word, we are called to listen and respond to God's revelation in the Bible.

The Danger of Pride
Reflect on the destructive nature of pride. The prophecy against Tyre serves as a warning against self-exaltation and the illusion of self-sufficiency.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Understand that God is sovereign over nations and rulers. His judgments are just and serve as a reminder of His ultimate authority over all creation.

The Role of the Prophet
Consider the role of prophets like Ezekiel in communicating God's truth. We are encouraged to be faithful messengers of God's word in our own contexts.

Repentance and Humility
Embrace a posture of humility and repentance. The warnings in Ezekiel 28 invite us to examine our hearts and turn away from prideful attitudes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the authority of God's word in Ezekiel 28:1 challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our personal lives, and how can we guard against it using biblical principles?

3. How does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 28 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of Ezekiel as a prophet that can be applied to our own calling to share God's truth?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of humility and repentance in response to the warnings found in Ezekiel 28 and other related Scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
Similar to Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14 contains a taunt against the king of Babylon, which parallels the judgment against the ruler of Tyre, highlighting themes of pride and downfall.

Daniel 4
The account of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and subsequent humbling by God mirrors the themes in Ezekiel 28, where human arrogance is met with divine judgment.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is a central message in the prophecy against Tyre.