In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, In the twelfth year,This phrase refers to the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, which helps to date the prophecy around 585 BC. This period is significant as it follows the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The twelfth year marks a time of reflection and understanding of the consequences of Israel's disobedience. on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the recipient of God's messages and visions. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets. 3. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, having been exiled from their homeland due to their disobedience to God. 4. Twelfth Year This refers to the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, which helps to date the prophecy. 5. Fifteenth Day of the Month A specific time marker that indicates when this particular word of the LORD came to Ezekiel, emphasizing the precision and historical context of the prophecy. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe specific dating of prophecies underscores God's control over historical events. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over the timelines of their lives. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Ezekiel were chosen to deliver God's messages. Today, believers are called to be messengers of God's truth in their own contexts. The Importance of Obedience The exile was a result of Israel's disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Precision in God's Word The detailed recording of dates and events in Scripture highlights the reliability and accuracy of God's word. Believers can have confidence in the Bible's truth. God's Communication God speaks to His people in specific ways and times. Believers should be attentive to how God might be speaking to them through His word and circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's prophecies enhance our comprehension of his messages?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty in the specific timing of events in our own lives? 3. How can we, like Ezekiel, be faithful messengers of God's truth in our current cultural context? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' disobedience that led to their exile, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls? 5. How does the precision and reliability of God's word in Ezekiel encourage us to trust in the Bible's authority and truth in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 30:20Another instance where a specific date is given for a prophecy, showing the importance of historical context in Ezekiel's messages. Jeremiah 1:4-5 Highlights the calling of a prophet, similar to Ezekiel's role as a messenger of God's word. 2 Kings 24:12-16 Provides background on the Babylonian exile, explaining why the Israelites were in Babylon during Ezekiel's time.
People Elam, Ezekiel, Meshech, Pharaoh, Sidonians, TubalPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Edom, Egypt, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Tigris-Euphrates RegionTopics Fifteenth, Month, Pass, Saying, TwelfthDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 32:17-32Library How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should Return to Himself, Lest Either his Life or his Preaching Lift Him Up. But since often, when preaching is abundantly poured forth in fitting ways, the mind of the speaker is elevated in itself by a hidden delight in self-display, great care is needed that he may gnaw himself with the laceration of fear, lest he who recalls the diseases of others to health by remedies should himself swell through neglect of his own health; lest in helping others he desert himself, lest in lifting up others he fall. For to some the greatness of their virtue has often been the occasion … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Second Coming of Christ. Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths . Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 32:17 NIVEzekiel 32:17 NLT Ezekiel 32:17 ESV Ezekiel 32:17 NASB Ezekiel 32:17 KJV Ezekiel 32:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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