Ezekiel 30:1
Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
The word of the LORD
This phrase signifies divine communication, a hallmark of prophetic literature. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just spoken words but also actions and events. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful, creative force, as seen in Genesis where God speaks creation into existence. This underscores the authority and reliability of the message Ezekiel is about to deliver. It is not merely human opinion but a divine revelation, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in guiding His people.

came to me
The phrase "came to me" indicates a personal and direct encounter with the divine. In Hebrew, the verb "came" is "hayah," which can also mean "to happen" or "to become." This suggests that the word of the LORD is not static but dynamic, actively engaging with the prophet. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, where God chooses specific individuals to convey His messages. This personal aspect assures the audience of the authenticity and urgency of the prophecy.

saying
The word "saying" introduces the content of the divine message. In Hebrew, "amar" is used, which means to speak, declare, or command. This indicates that what follows is not a suggestion but a declaration from God. It sets the stage for the prophetic message, demanding attention and response. The use of "saying" also implies continuity, as God's communication with His people is ongoing, reflecting His unchanging nature and His desire to guide, correct, and comfort His people throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, Ezekiel was among the exiles in Babylon. His prophetic ministry was marked by vivid visions and symbolic actions, conveying God's messages to the Israelites.

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

3. Babylonian Exile
The context of Ezekiel's prophecies, where the Israelites were in captivity due to their disobedience to God.

4. Prophetic Revelation
The event of God speaking to Ezekiel, which is a common occurrence in the book, emphasizing the divine origin of the message.

5. Judgment
The broader theme of Ezekiel 30, where God pronounces judgment on Egypt and its allies, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations.
Teaching Points
The Authority of God's Word
God's word is authoritative and comes with the power to fulfill what it declares. As believers, we should approach Scripture with reverence and obedience.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are chosen vessels through whom God communicates His will. We should value the prophetic books of the Bible as they reveal God's character and plans.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The judgment against Egypt in Ezekiel 30 reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations. We can trust in His ultimate justice and righteousness.

Listening to God's Voice
Just as Ezekiel received God's word, we are called to be attentive to God's voice through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The context of exile and judgment serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to remain faithful and obedient.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Ezekiel as a prophet inform our understanding of how God communicates with His people today?

2. In what ways does the judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 30 reflect God's sovereignty over the nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

3. How can we apply the principle of listening to God's voice in our daily lives, and what practices can help us discern His guidance?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by the nations in Ezekiel's time, and how can these lessons influence our personal and communal faithfulness to God?

5. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in the prophetic books encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption and justice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah receives the word of the LORD, highlighting the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces.

Isaiah 13-23
These chapters contain oracles against the nations, paralleling Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment against Egypt and other nations.

Amos 3:7
This verse underscores the principle that God reveals His plans to His prophets, aligning with the revelation given to Ezekiel.
The Day of the LordJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 30:1-3
The Day of DesolationW. Clarkson Ezekiel 30:1-3, 7
The Lord's Day in EgyptJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:1-19
People
Cherethites, Cushites, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Ezekiel, Lud, Lydia, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Phut
Places
Arabia, Babylon, Cush, Egypt, Libya, Lud, Memphis, Migdol, Nile River, On, Pathros, Pelusium, Pi-beseth, Put, Syene, Tehaphnehes, Thebes, Zoan
Topics
Saying
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 29:21

     4654   horn

Library
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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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