Ezekiel 6:1

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

Study Bible

And the word
The phrase "the word" in Hebrew is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which signifies not just a spoken word but a matter or thing. In the context of the prophetic literature, "the word" is a divine communication, a message from God that carries authority and power. It is not merely a suggestion or a casual conversation but a directive that demands attention and obedience. The "word" of God is living and active, as seen throughout Scripture, and it is through His word that God reveals His will and purposes to His people.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unchanging nature. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes that the message Ezekiel is about to receive is not from a distant or impersonal deity but from the covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved with His people.

came to me
The phrase "came to me" indicates a direct and personal communication from God to the prophet Ezekiel. This is a common expression in the prophetic books, highlighting the role of the prophet as a recipient of divine revelation. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) suggests movement or arrival, indicating that the word of the LORD actively seeks out the prophet. This underscores the initiative of God in revealing His will and the responsibility of the prophet to faithfully convey that message to the people.

saying
The word "saying" in Hebrew is "לֵאמֹר" (le'mor), which introduces direct speech. It is a marker that what follows is a specific message or command from God. This word sets the stage for the content of the divine revelation, preparing the listener or reader to pay close attention to the words that follow. In the context of Ezekiel, it signals the beginning of a prophetic oracle, a message that carries weight and significance for the intended audience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's message. His role is to convey God's warnings and promises to the Israelites.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgment through His prophets. Yahweh is central to the message, emphasizing His sovereignty and holiness.

3. Israel
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Israel is the implied audience of the prophecy. The nation is in exile due to its disobedience and idolatry.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesies. The exile is a result of Israel's persistent sin and rebellion against God.

5. Prophetic Revelation
The event of God speaking to Ezekiel, which is a common occurrence in the prophetic books, signifying divine communication and authority.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word is authoritative and demands our attention and obedience. Just as Ezekiel received God's word, we must be attentive to Scripture today.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's mouthpiece, delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope. We should respect and heed the messages of the prophets as recorded in the Bible.

God's Sovereignty and Holiness
The LORD's communication with Ezekiel underscores His sovereignty and holiness. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and awe.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Israel's situation serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. We must examine our lives for areas of disobedience and seek repentance.

The Importance of Listening to God
Just as Ezekiel listened to God, we are called to listen to God's voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

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 can we ensure that we are attentive to God's word in our daily lives?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from God, similar to the idolatry that led to Israel's exile?

4. How can we apply the lessons of Israel's disobedience and exile to our personal and communal spiritual journeys?

5. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of Ezekiel's prophecies?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:4-5
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah receives the word of the LORD, highlighting the role of prophets as God's chosen messengers.

2 Kings 17:13-15
This passage describes Israel's disobedience and the sending of prophets to warn them, paralleling the context of Ezekiel's message.

Hebrews 1:1-2
This New Testament passage speaks of God speaking through prophets in the past, connecting to the way God communicates in Ezekiel.