What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:12? And Ezekiel begins with a simple conjunction, reminding us that God’s revelation is always connected to what He has already spoken. • The message in 14:12 is tied to the earlier confrontation with elders who cherished idols in their hearts (14:1-11). • Scripture often uses “and” to show a seamless progression of God’s unfolding plan (Genesis 1:1-3; Acts 9:1-6). • The verse teaches us to read God’s Word as a continuous narrative rather than isolated sound bites, much like Jesus linking the Law, Prophets, and Psalms as one testimony about Himself (Luke 24:44). the word of the LORD This phrase signals divine authorship, absolute authority, and flawless truth. • What follows is not Ezekiel’s opinion but God’s infallible decree, echoing the certainty of Numbers 23:19 and Isaiah 55:11. • The same phrase marks turning points throughout Scripture—Abram’s call (Genesis 15:1), Jonah’s second chance (Jonah 3:1), and Jeremiah’s commissioning (Jeremiah 1:4). • Because it is “the word of the LORD,” it carries power to create, convict, and comfort (Hebrews 4:12). came to me, God initiates; the prophet receives. • Ezekiel did not seek out this word—God pursued him, as He did Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) and Paul on the Damascus road (Galatians 1:15-16). • Personal encounter highlights accountability: once God’s word “comes,” we must respond (James 1:22-25). • The Spirit makes the message living and personal, just as He still does for every believer when we open Scripture (John 16:13). saying, God intends His word to be heard, understood, and delivered. • The content that follows (vv. 13-20) details national judgment so severe that even Noah, Daniel, and Job could only save themselves—underscoring human responsibility and divine righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14; cf. Genesis 6:8; Daniel 6:23; Job 1:1). • “Saying” implies clarity, not cryptic mysticism: God speaks plainly enough for obedience (Deuteronomy 30:11-14; Revelation 2:7). • The prophet’s task is to pass on exactly what God says, nothing more or less (Jeremiah 26:2). summary Ezekiel 14:12 is more than an introduction; it is a four-word doorway into God’s living message. The conjunction “And” ties this oracle to God’s ongoing conversation with His people. “The word of the LORD” underscores divine origin and absolute reliability. “Came to me” reveals God’s gracious initiative and the prophet’s responsibility. “Saying” declares that the Lord speaks with clarity and expects His words to be heeded. Taken together, the verse reminds us that every passage of Scripture is God’s authoritative, personal, actionable communication, calling us to listen, trust, and obey. |
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