Ezekiel 33:22

Now the evening before the fugitive arrived, the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer mute.

Study Bible

Now the evening before the fugitive arrived
This phrase sets the scene for a significant prophetic moment. The "fugitive" refers to a survivor from Jerusalem, bringing news of the city's fall to the Babylonians. This event fulfills earlier prophecies given by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 24:26-27). The timing, "the evening before," highlights God's precise orchestration in revealing His word to Ezekiel. The arrival of the fugitive marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, confirming the judgment that had been prophesied.

the hand of the LORD was upon me
This expression indicates a divine encounter or empowerment. Throughout Ezekiel, the "hand of the LORD" signifies God's direct influence or control over the prophet (Ezekiel 1:3, 3:14, 8:1). It underscores the authority and authenticity of Ezekiel's message, as he is not speaking on his own but under divine inspiration. This phrase also connects to other biblical instances where God's hand signifies power and guidance (1 Kings 18:46, Acts 11:21).

and He opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning
Ezekiel had been rendered mute as a sign to the people, only speaking when God gave him a message (Ezekiel 3:26-27). The opening of his mouth signifies the end of this period of silence, allowing him to communicate freely once more. This act of God "opening" Ezekiel's mouth symbolizes the restoration of his prophetic voice, aligning with the arrival of the fugitive and the confirmation of Jerusalem's fall.

So my mouth was opened and I was no longer mute
This final phrase emphasizes the restoration of Ezekiel's ability to speak. It marks a transition in his ministry, from one of warning to one of explanation and hope. The lifting of his muteness signifies a new phase in God's communication with His people, as Ezekiel is now able to deliver messages of both judgment and future restoration. This change also prefigures the ultimate liberation and restoration found in Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), bringing God's message of salvation to all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his visions and symbolic acts.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, who communicates with Ezekiel and empowers him to speak.

3. The Fugitive
A messenger who arrives with news of Jerusalem's fall, marking a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's ministry.

4. Jerusalem
The city whose destruction is a central theme in Ezekiel's prophecies, symbolizing judgment and the need for repentance.

5. Babylonian Exile
The context in which Ezekiel prophesies, a period of punishment and reflection for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Divine Timing
God's timing is perfect. He prepares and equips His servants at the right moment to fulfill His purposes.

Empowerment by God
Just as God opened Ezekiel's mouth, He empowers believers today to speak His truth when needed.

Faithfulness in Waiting
Ezekiel's period of muteness teaches us the importance of patience and readiness to act when God calls.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are God's mouthpieces, tasked with delivering His messages, often in challenging circumstances.

The Importance of Listening
Just as Ezekiel had to wait for God's timing, we must be attentive to God's voice and direction in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's experience of being made mute and then having his mouth opened relate to times when we feel unable to speak or act? How can we prepare for when God calls us to action?

2. In what ways does the fall of Jerusalem serve as a warning and a lesson for us today? How can we apply this understanding to our personal and communal lives?

3. How does the concept of divine timing in Ezekiel 33:22 encourage us in our own spiritual journeys? Can you think of a time when God's timing was evident in your life?

4. Compare Ezekiel's role as a prophet with the role of believers today in sharing God's message. What responsibilities do we have, and how can we fulfill them?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God empowering you to speak or act. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's work in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 3:26-27
Earlier in Ezekiel's ministry, God makes him mute, except when delivering specific messages. This connects to the lifting of his muteness in 33:22.

Jeremiah 39:1-10
Describes the fall of Jerusalem, the event that the fugitive reports to Ezekiel.

Isaiah 6:5-8
Isaiah's commissioning parallels Ezekiel's experience of being empowered to speak God's words.

Acts 2:1-4
The opening of mouths to speak God's truth is mirrored in the New Testament with the apostles at Pentecost.