Ezekiel 29:17
In the twenty-seventh year, on the first day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
In the twenty-seventh year
This phrase marks a specific point in time, providing a chronological anchor for the prophecy. The twenty-seventh year refers to the period of the Babylonian exile, which began in 597 BC. This dating is significant as it situates the prophecy within the historical context of Israel's captivity, a time of great upheaval and reflection for the Jewish people. The precision of the date underscores the reliability and historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, reminding us that God's messages are rooted in real-world events and timelines.

in the first month on the first day
The first month in the Hebrew calendar is Nisan, which corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant as Nisan is the month of Passover, a festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The mention of the "first day" suggests a new beginning or a fresh revelation from God. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and history, and His ability to bring about new beginnings even in the midst of exile and despair.

the word of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic force. The "word of the LORD" is powerful and creative, capable of bringing about change and fulfilling God's purposes. It is a reminder that God's word is living and active, and that His promises are sure and steadfast.

came to me
The personal nature of this phrase highlights the intimate relationship between God and His prophet, Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb "came" (hayah) suggests an encounter or a meeting, indicating that Ezekiel is not merely a passive recipient but an active participant in receiving God's revelation. This underscores the role of the prophet as a mediator between God and His people, entrusted with the responsibility of conveying God's message faithfully.

saying
This word introduces the content of the divine message. It is a signal that what follows is not Ezekiel's own thoughts or ideas, but the very words of God. The use of "saying" (Hebrew "amar") indicates a direct communication from God, underscoring the authority and importance of the message. It serves as a reminder that God's words are to be heeded and obeyed, as they carry the weight of divine authority and truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's word. He is known for his visions and prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His divine will and plans through His prophets.

3. Egypt
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, the context of Ezekiel 29 involves prophecies against Egypt, a nation that had been a significant power and often an adversary or unreliable ally to Israel.

4. Babylon
The rising power during Ezekiel's time, which God uses as an instrument of judgment against other nations, including Egypt.

5. The Twenty-Seventh Year
This date marks a specific time in Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, providing historical context for the prophecy.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and uses them to fulfill His purposes. This should remind us of His ultimate authority and our need to trust in His plans.

The Importance of Prophetic Timing
The specific timing of prophecies highlights God's precision and faithfulness. We can trust that God's timing in our lives is perfect, even when we do not understand it.

Judgment and Restoration
God's messages often include both judgment and hope. We should be aware of our actions and their consequences, but also hold onto the hope of restoration through repentance.

Reliance on God, Not Human Alliances
Israel's history with Egypt shows the danger of relying on human strength rather than God. We should evaluate where we place our trust and ensure it is in God alone.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were vital in communicating God's word. We should value and seek out God's word in our lives, understanding its relevance and authority.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the specific timing of this prophecy (the twenty-seventh year) enhance our understanding of God's control over history?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty over nations in today's world, and how should this influence our prayers and actions?

3. Reflect on a time when you relied on human strength or alliances instead of God. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can we discern and apply the messages of judgment and hope found in the Bible to our personal lives and communities?

5. Considering the role of prophets in the Bible, how can we ensure we are listening to and valuing God's word in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezekiel 29:1-16
Provides the context for the prophecy against Egypt, detailing God's judgment on Pharaoh and Egypt for their pride and false reliance.

Jeremiah 46
Another prophecy against Egypt, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment.

Isaiah 19
Offers a broader perspective on Egypt's future, including both judgment and eventual blessing, showing God's ultimate plan for redemption.
A New Year's Gift to a KingJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 29:17-20
Service Done for God RewardedW. Jay.Ezekiel 29:17-20
Service for God Always RewardedJ. Summerfield, M. A.Ezekiel 29:17-20
The King of KingsJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 29:17-20
People
Egyptians, Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh
Places
Babylon, Cush, Egypt, Migdol, Nile River, Pathros, Sidon, Syene, Tyre
Topics
Month, Pass, Saying, Seven, Seventh, Twentieth, Twenty, Twenty-seventh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 29:16

     5914   optimism
     8467   reminders

Library
But Perhaps Some one is Alarmed at Hearing us Discourse of the Death of Him
16. But perhaps some one is alarmed at hearing us discourse of the death of Him of Whom, a short while since, we said that He is everlasting with God the Father, and that He was begotten of the Father's substance, and is one with God the Father, in dominion, majesty, and eternity. But be not alarmed, O faithful hearer. Presently thou wilt see Him of Whose death thou hearest once more immortal; for the death to which He submits is about to spoil death. For the object of that mystery of the Incarnation
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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