Ezekiel 38:1
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Now
The use of "Now" signifies a transition or a new phase in the prophetic narrative. It indicates immediacy and urgency, drawing the reader's attention to the importance of the message that follows. In the Hebrew text, the word is often used to introduce a new section or a significant revelation, emphasizing the continuity of God's communication with His prophet.

the word
In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just a spoken message but a powerful, active force. The "word" of God is dynamic and creative, as seen in Genesis where God speaks creation into existence. This underscores the authority and effectiveness of God's communication, which is not merely informative but transformative.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God. It reflects His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase assures the reader that the message is divine in origin, carrying the weight and authority of the Creator Himself.

came to me
This phrase indicates the personal nature of God's communication with Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb "hayah" suggests an encounter or a coming into being, highlighting the intimate and direct manner in which God reveals His will to His prophets. It emphasizes the role of Ezekiel as a chosen vessel through whom God speaks to His people.

saying
The word "saying" introduces the content of the divine message. In Hebrew, it is "amar," which is often used to denote a declaration or proclamation. This sets the stage for the prophetic message that follows, inviting the reader to listen attentively to the words of God. It underscores the importance of the message and the expectation of a response from the audience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's word. His prophecies often include vivid imagery and symbolic actions.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates directly with Ezekiel. This emphasizes the divine authority and origin of the message.

3. The Word of the LORD
This phrase indicates a divine revelation or message given to a prophet. It underscores the importance and authenticity of the prophecy.
Teaching Points
Divine Communication
Recognize that God speaks to His people through His chosen messengers. This calls for attentiveness to God's word in Scripture today.

Prophetic Authority
Understand that the words of the prophets carry divine authority. This should inspire reverence and obedience to biblical teachings.

God's Sovereignty
Acknowledge that God initiates communication with humanity, demonstrating His active role in guiding and directing His people.

Role of the Prophet
Reflect on the responsibility of those who are called to speak God's truth, whether in ancient times or today, and the importance of faithfulness to that calling.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the phrase "the word of the LORD came to me" shape our understanding of the authority of Ezekiel's message?

2. In what ways can we discern and respond to God's communication in our lives today, similar to how Ezekiel received God's word?

3. How does understanding the role of a prophet in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation for the messages they delivered?

4. What are some modern-day applications of recognizing God's sovereignty in initiating communication with His people?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel's prophetic calling to our own lives, particularly in terms of obedience and faithfulness to God's word?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:4
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah receives the word of the LORD, highlighting the common prophetic experience of receiving divine messages.

Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah's calling and response to God's word parallels Ezekiel's role as a prophet, emphasizing the theme of divine commissioning.

Hebrews 1:1-2
This passage speaks of God speaking through the prophets in the past, connecting to the idea of divine communication in Ezekiel.
The Supreme ContestW. Clarkson Ezekiel 38:1, 2
The Invasion of Those Who Dwell SecureJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 38:1-13
The Stability of God's KingdomJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 38:1-13
People
Dedan, Ezekiel, Gog, Gomer, Magog, Meshech, Phut, Rosh, Tarshish, Togarmah, Tubal
Places
Cush, Dedan, Jerusalem, Meshech, Persia, Put, Sheba, Tarshish, Tubal
Topics
Saying
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 38:1

     1690   word of God

Ezekiel 38:1-4

     9155   millennium

Ezekiel 38:1-6

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Library
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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