What does Ezekiel 14:2 mean?
What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:2?

And

The first word links this verse to what has just been said. Ezekiel is in the midst of a hard conversation with the elders of Israel (Ezekiel 14:1).

• Scripture’s “and” reminds us that God’s dealings are continuous—He does not speak in random fragments. Compare the seamless narrative flow of Genesis 12:1 – “Then the LORD said to Abram”—and Acts 9:1 – “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats.”

• By joining verses together, the Spirit shows how every part of the Bible fits into one unfolding story (2 Timothy 3:16).


the word

What arrives is not a feeling or an impression but “the word,” something concrete, verbal, trustworthy.

Psalm 33:4: “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is trustworthy.”

Hebrews 4:12 highlights that this word is “living and active,” cutting straight to the heart—exactly what the elders will experience in the rest of the chapter.

• God’s word never fails to accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:11), whether comfort or confrontation.


of the LORD

The source is Yahweh Himself, the covenant God of Israel.

• Because the word belongs to the LORD, it carries absolute authority (Exodus 20:1).

2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,” underscoring that Ezekiel is not offering personal opinion.

• This same LORD is the One who later takes on flesh and speaks with finality in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).


came

The verb pictures movement from heaven to earth—God initiating, Ezekiel receiving.

Jeremiah 42:7 records a parallel: “After ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah,” showing God’s timing is deliberate, not mechanical.

Genesis 15:1 adds, “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision,” reinforcing that divine revelation interrupts ordinary life with supernatural clarity.

• The fact that the word “came” affirms that God is not silent; He pursues His people even when they wander (Hosea 11:4).


to me

The message is personal. The prophet is singled out, yet what he hears is meant for the nation.

• Like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) and Samuel in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 3:10), Ezekiel stands as a mediator, hearing first so he can speak faithfully.

• Personal encounter fuels prophetic courage. Paul echoes this pattern in Acts 18:9-10 when the Lord says to him in Corinth, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.”


saying

A new, specific communication is about to unfold. God does not mumble; He articulates.

Revelation 2:1-7 repeats the formula “These are the words of Him who…” showing that the Lord still speaks distinctly to His people.

• The elders who sit before Ezekiel have questions; God answers with clarity, exposing their idols (Ezekiel 14:3-5).

• Every “saying” carries an implied call to listen and obey (James 1:22).


summary

Ezekiel 14:2 shows the stunning reality that the living God links His ongoing story (“And”) to specific moments in our world by sending His authoritative, life-giving word (“the word of the LORD”) directly into human experience (“came to me, saying”). The verse reassures us that Scripture is not a human construct but a divine message delivered with purpose, precision, and personal concern.

Why did the elders of Israel seek guidance from Ezekiel despite harboring idols in their hearts?
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