Ezekiel 20:45
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
Moreover the word
H1697
דְבַר
Moreover the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied from Tel-abib in Babylon (593 BC), six years before Jerusalem's destruction. The exiles initially dismissed his warnings, believing the city and temple were inviolable. This oracle begins Ezekiel's most sustained prophecy against Jerusalem (chapters 20-24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ezekiel's consistent attribution of messages to God's word challenge modern prophetic claims?
- Why do people often reject clear warnings of coming judgment, even from God's messengers?
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Analysis & Commentary
The word of the LORD came unto me (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי, vayehi devar-YHWH elay)—Ezekiel's signature prophetic formula appears 50+ times in his book. The phrase דְבַר־יְהוָה (devar-YHWH, word of the LORD) emphasizes divine origin and authority. Ezekiel never spoke on his own initiative but only when God's word came to him.
This verse introduces the 'forest fire' oracle (20:45-49), which becomes clearer in chapter 21 where Ezekiel identifies the 'forest' as Jerusalem and Judah. The prophetic message formula saying (לֵאמֹר, lemor) signals incoming judgment. Ezekiel received visions and oracles during Babylon's exile (593-571 BC), ministering to those who refused to believe Jerusalem would fall.