Ezekiel 30:2
"Son of man, prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Wail, 'Alas for that day!'
Son of man
The phrase "Son of man" is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which literally means "son of Adam" or "son of humanity." This term emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the prophet's connection to the human condition, highlighting his role as a mediator between God and Israel. The use of this phrase also foreshadows the New Testament usage where Jesus often refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," linking the prophetic mission of Ezekiel to the ultimate mission of Christ.

prophesy
The Hebrew word for "prophesy" is "naba," which means to speak or sing by inspiration, often with the implication of divine influence. In the context of Ezekiel, prophesying involves delivering messages from God to the people, often concerning judgment and redemption. This act of prophesying is not merely about predicting the future but is a call to repentance and a declaration of God's sovereign plans. It is a reminder of the power and authority of God's word, which is active and transformative.

and declare
The word "declare" in Hebrew is "amar," which means to say, speak, or utter. This term emphasizes the act of making known or proclaiming a message. In the prophetic context, it involves the clear and authoritative communication of God's will. The use of "declare" alongside "prophesy" reinforces the urgency and importance of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. It is a call to attention, urging the audience to listen and respond to God's word.

that this is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. "The Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "Adonai Yahweh," combining the titles of Lord (Adonai) and the personal name of God (Yahweh). This combination emphasizes both the sovereignty and the covenantal relationship God has with His people. The phrase "this is what the Lord GOD says" is a prophetic formula that assures the audience that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but is a direct revelation from God. It underscores the seriousness and reliability of the prophecy.

Wail
The Hebrew word for "wail" is "yalal," which means to howl or lament. This term is often used in the context of mourning or expressing deep sorrow. In Ezekiel's prophecy, the call to wail is a response to impending judgment and disaster. It is an invitation to recognize the gravity of the situation and to express genuine grief over sin and its consequences. The act of wailing is both a personal and communal expression of repentance and a plea for mercy.

Alas for that day!
The phrase "Alas for that day!" conveys a sense of impending doom and urgency. "Alas" is an expression of lamentation and distress, while "that day" refers to a specific time of judgment. In the prophetic literature, "the day" often signifies the "Day of the Lord," a time when God intervenes in history to execute judgment and bring about His purposes. This phrase serves as a warning and a call to prepare for the coming judgment, urging the people to turn back to God in repentance and faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites and surrounding nations.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to declare His will and purposes.

3. The Day of the LORD
A prophetic term often used to describe a time of divine judgment and intervention in human history, characterized by both destruction and eventual restoration.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophetic Lamentation
The call to "wail" signifies the seriousness of the impending judgment. It is a call to recognize the gravity of sin and the certainty of God's righteous judgment.

The Certainty of God's Word
When God declares something through His prophets, it is certain to come to pass. This should instill a sense of urgency and reverence for His Word.

The Day of the LORD as a Call to Repentance
The mention of the "Day of the LORD" serves as a warning and an invitation to turn back to God in repentance before judgment comes.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy underscores God's control over all nations, not just Israel. His judgments are universal, and His sovereignty extends to all peoples.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the immediate context is one of judgment, the broader biblical account assures us of restoration and hope for those who turn to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call to "wail" in Ezekiel 30:2 reflect the seriousness of God's impending judgment, and how should this influence our view of sin today?

2. In what ways does the concept of the "Day of the LORD" challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities?

3. How can we reconcile the themes of judgment and hope in the prophetic books, and what does this teach us about God's character?

4. Considering God's sovereignty over nations, how should Christians today respond to global events and political changes?

5. How can the warnings in Ezekiel 30:2 and similar passages motivate us to share the message of repentance and hope with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joel 2:1-2
This passage also speaks of the "Day of the LORD," emphasizing a time of darkness and judgment, similar to the warning in Ezekiel 30:2.

Zephaniah 1:14-15
Describes the "great day of the LORD" as a day of wrath and distress, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment found in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 13:6
Calls for wailing because the "Day of the LORD" is near, echoing the lamentation in Ezekiel 30:2.
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
Aha, Alas, Cry, Ha, Hast, Howl, Prophesy, Prophet, Says, Sovereign, Thus, Wail, Woe, Worth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:2-4

     5899   lament

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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