And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, "Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you." The hand of the LORDThis phrase signifies the power and authority of God actively working in the life of the prophet Ezekiel. In Hebrew, "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes strength and control. The "hand of the LORD" indicates divine intervention and guidance, suggesting that Ezekiel is under God's direct influence and command. Historically, this expression is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God's mighty acts and presence, as seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the empowerment of prophets and leaders. It reassures believers of God's sovereign control over their lives and His ability to guide and protect them. was upon me there and He said to me Get up go out to the plain and there I will speak to you Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who directly communicates with Ezekiel. 3. The Plain A specific location where God instructs Ezekiel to go, symbolizing a place of solitude and divine encounter. 4. The Hand of the LORD A phrase indicating God's power, presence, and guidance upon Ezekiel. 5. Divine Communication The event where God speaks directly to Ezekiel, emphasizing the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's voice. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CallJust as Ezekiel was instructed to go to the plain, we must be willing to follow God's directions, even when they lead us to unfamiliar or uncomfortable places. The Importance of Solitude God often speaks to us in moments of solitude, away from distractions. We should seek quiet times to listen for His voice. God's Presence Empowers The "hand of the LORD" upon Ezekiel signifies empowerment and guidance. We can trust that God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. Expect Divine Encounters Be open to the unexpected ways and places God may choose to communicate with us. Preparation for Service Like Ezekiel, we may be called to a period of preparation before being sent out to fulfill God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's experience of being called to the plain challenge your understanding of where and how God communicates with His people?2. In what ways can you create space for solitude in your life to better hear God's voice? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt the "hand of the LORD" upon you. How did it empower or guide you in that situation? 4. How do the experiences of other biblical figures, like Moses or Elijah, inform your understanding of divine encounters? 5. What steps can you take to ensure you are obedient to God's call, even when it leads you to unexpected places? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3Similar to Moses' encounter with God, Ezekiel is called to a specific place for divine communication, highlighting the importance of location in God's revelations. 1 Kings 19 Elijah's experience of hearing God's voice in a gentle whisper on Mount Horeb parallels Ezekiel's call to the plain, emphasizing the need for solitude to hear God. Acts 9 Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus shows how God uses specific locations to reveal His will and purpose. Isaiah 6 Isaiah's vision and commissioning by God reflect the pattern of divine calling and sending seen in Ezekiel's experience. Matthew 4 Jesus' time in the wilderness before beginning His ministry underscores the theme of preparation and divine encounter in solitude.
People EzekielPlaces Chebar, Tel-abibTopics Arise, Forth, Plain, Rise, Speak, Talk, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 3:22 1265 hand of God Library Cæsarius of Arles. He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety … Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . The Greatness of the Soul, The Servant's Inflexible Resolve The Iranian Conquest The Prophet Jonah. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 3:22 NIVEzekiel 3:22 NLT Ezekiel 3:22 ESV Ezekiel 3:22 NASB Ezekiel 3:22 KJV Ezekiel 3:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |