What is the meaning of Ezekiel 38:1? And • This small conjunction links the prophecy that follows to the flow of God’s ongoing revelation. Just as Ezekiel had just seen the vision of dry bones in chapter 37, the narrative simply continues—showing that God’s communication is steady and purposeful (cf. Acts 7:2 “The God of glory appeared…”). • Scripture often uses “and” to stitch together divine acts, underscoring that every part of God’s plan fits cohesively (Genesis 1:1–3). the word • What arrives is not a vague impression but an identifiable, articulate message. “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), assuring us that what Ezekiel is about to hear carries power and life. • Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, “so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty,” highlighting that divine utterance accomplishes exactly what God intends. of the LORD • The source is Yahweh Himself, guaranteeing truth without mixture of error (2 Samuel 22:31: “The word of the LORD is flawless”). • Because the word is of the LORD, it holds ultimate authority over nations and history, a theme that will dominate chapters 38–39 (Psalm 33:9: “For He spoke, and it came to be”). • 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that “All Scripture is God-breathed,” undergirding the literal trustworthiness of what follows. came to me • God personally delivers His message to Ezekiel, showing that revelation is both communal (for Israel) and personal (to the prophet). Similar phrasing appears in Jeremiah 1:4 and Jonah 1:1, marking genuine prophetic encounters. • This phrase reinforces that Ezekiel was not speculating; he was receiving an objective communication, just as Moses did on Sinai (Exodus 34:27–28). saying • The word “saying” signals that specific content is about to be delivered, inviting the reader to lean in expectantly—“The LORD spoke with you face to face” (Deuteronomy 5:4). • God’s messages always have a declarative purpose: He speaks so His people might know, heed, and act (John 15:15: “I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father”). summary Ezekiel 38:1 assures us that what follows is a direct, flawless message from God Himself, purposefully linked to His unfolding plan. The simple sentence “And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” grounds chapters 38–39 in divine authority, reminds us that Scripture is living and intentional, and calls us to receive the forthcoming prophecy with absolute confidence and readiness to obey. |
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