Ezekiel 33:21

In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and reported, "The city has been taken!"

Study Bible

In the twelfth year
This phrase marks a significant point in time, indicating the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, which is around 586 BC. This was a period of great turmoil and transition for the Israelites, as they were living in Babylonian captivity. The number twelve often symbolizes completeness or governmental perfection in the Bible, suggesting that this was a divinely appointed time for the message Ezekiel was about to receive.

of our exile
The term "exile" refers to the forced displacement of the Israelites from their homeland to Babylon. This was a pivotal event in Jewish history, serving as both a punishment for their disobedience and a period of purification and reflection. The exile was a time when the Israelites were called to remember their covenant with God and to turn back to Him with renewed faith and obedience.

in the tenth month
The tenth month in the Hebrew calendar is Tevet, which corresponds to December-January in the Gregorian calendar. This detail provides a precise historical context, emphasizing the accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative. The mention of the tenth month also aligns with the Jewish tradition of fasting and mourning during this time, particularly in remembrance of the siege of Jerusalem.

on the fifth day of the month
The specificity of the date underscores the importance of the event being described. It highlights the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping and the significance of the message that follows. This exact date serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and history, orchestrating events according to His divine plan.

a fugitive from Jerusalem
The term "fugitive" indicates someone who has escaped from danger or captivity. In this context, it refers to a survivor of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This individual would have been a firsthand witness to the destruction and devastation that had befallen the city, bringing a message of both sorrow and urgency to the exiles in Babylon.

came to me
This phrase signifies the arrival of the fugitive to Ezekiel, the prophet. It highlights the role of Ezekiel as a recipient of divine messages and a conduit for God's communication to His people. The arrival of the fugitive marks a turning point in Ezekiel's ministry, as he receives confirmation of the fulfillment of his prophecies regarding Jerusalem's fall.

and reported
The act of reporting implies the delivery of important news or information. In this case, the fugitive brings a firsthand account of the fall of Jerusalem, confirming the prophecies that Ezekiel had previously delivered. This report serves as a validation of Ezekiel's role as a true prophet of God and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

The city has been taken
This statement is a stark and sobering confirmation of the destruction of Jerusalem. It marks the fulfillment of God's warnings through the prophets and serves as a call to repentance and reflection for the exiles. The fall of the city is a pivotal moment in biblical history, symbolizing both judgment and the hope of eventual restoration. It reminds the Israelites of the seriousness of their covenant with God and the need for faithfulness and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who was among the exiles in Babylon. He received visions and messages from God to deliver to the Israelites.

2. Fugitive from Jerusalem
An unnamed individual who escaped the destruction of Jerusalem and brought the news to Ezekiel in exile.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was besieged and ultimately destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

4. Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive and lived in Babylon, away from their homeland.

5. Babylon
The empire that conquered Jerusalem and took the Israelites into exile.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Word
God's prophecies, as delivered through His prophets, are certain and will come to pass. The fall of Jerusalem was foretold, and its fulfillment underscores the reliability of God's word.

The Role of a Watchman
Ezekiel was called to be a watchman for Israel, responsible for warning the people. Believers today are also called to be watchmen, sharing God's truth and warning others of spiritual danger.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives and remain faithful to God's commands.

Hope in Exile
Even in the midst of judgment and exile, God provided hope and a future for His people. Believers can find hope in God's promises, even during difficult times.

The Importance of Delivering God's Message
The fugitive's role in delivering the news to Ezekiel highlights the importance of sharing God's messages, even when they are difficult or bring bad news.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fulfillment of God's prophecy about Jerusalem's fall impact your view of the reliability of Scripture?

2. In what ways can you act as a "watchman" in your community, warning others of spiritual dangers?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your relationship with God?

4. How can you find hope and encouragement in God's promises during challenging times in your life?

5. What steps can you take to ensure you are faithfully delivering God's messages to those around you, even when they are difficult to share?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem, offering context to the news brought by the fugitive.

Jeremiah 39
Describes the siege and capture of Jerusalem, aligning with the report received by Ezekiel.

Lamentations 1
Expresses the sorrow and desolation felt over the destruction of Jerusalem, reflecting the gravity of the news Ezekiel received.

Ezekiel 24
Earlier in Ezekiel, God foretold the fall of Jerusalem, which is now confirmed by the fugitive's report.