What is the meaning of Ezekiel 17:1? Now • Ezekiel signals a fresh moment in his prophetic timeline. After the previous visions (Ezekiel 16), this “now” alerts us that God is about to reveal something new and urgent, much as “Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1) or “Now the word of the LORD came to Haggai” (Haggai 1:1) introduced decisive messages in their day. • The adverb reminds us that God speaks into real moments of history; His timing is precise and purposeful (Galatians 4:4). the word of the LORD • The phrase underlines that what follows is not Ezekiel’s meditation but divine revelation. Scripture repeatedly affirms this source: “The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah” (Jeremiah 1:2) and “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). • Because it is the LORD’s word, it carries absolute authority (Psalm 19:7–9) and unfailing efficacy (Isaiah 55:11). • The Bible itself equates God’s word with truth (John 17:17); therefore every part of Ezekiel 17 can be trusted, including its prophetic symbolism and future fulfillment. came to me • God personally selects Ezekiel as His messenger. Like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) and Isaiah in the temple (Isaiah 6:8), Ezekiel experiences God’s direct approach. • This underscores the prophet’s role as a conduit, not the originator, of revelation. Amos 3:7 notes, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” • The personal reception also implies accountability: Ezekiel must relay the message faithfully (Ezekiel 3:17–21). saying • The term introduces the content that follows—the parable of the two eagles and the vine (Ezekiel 17:3–10). God does not leave His servants guessing; He speaks in clear, intelligible words (Exodus 20:1). • Throughout Scripture, when God speaks, creation responds (Genesis 1:3) and history shifts (Matthew 8:8–13). The upcoming oracle will explain Judah’s political alliances, Babylon’s dominion, and ultimately foreshadow Messiah’s reign (Ezekiel 17:22–24). • “The voice of the LORD is powerful” (Psalm 29:4); therefore the “saying” that follows will surely come to pass. summary Ezekiel 17:1 is more than a narrative transition; it testifies that at a specific moment God delivered His authoritative, unerring word directly to His prophet, ensuring that what follows carries divine power, historical certainty, and enduring relevance for God’s people. |
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