Ezekiel 22:1
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 22 likely dates to 591-586 BC, during Jerusalem's final years before Babylonian destruction. The prophet, exiled since 597 BC, received these oracles in Babylon while addressing both exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem (through messengers). This chapter forms part of Ezekiel's sustained explanation for why judgment was inevitable and just.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Scripture as 'the word of the LORD' rather than human opinion change how you read challenging passages?
- What responsibility comes with claiming divine authority for a message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, This standard prophetic formula (vayehi debar-YHWH elai lemor, וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר) introduces Ezekiel's most comprehensive indictment of Jerusalem. The phrase emphasizes divine origin—this is not Ezekiel's opinion but debar-YHWH (דְּבַר־יְהוָה), 'the word of Yahweh,' carrying covenant authority.
The repetition of this formula throughout Ezekiel (50+ times) underscores prophetic authentication. Each accusation in the chapter that follows comes with divine warrant, making the catalog of sins (verses 2-12) not merely social critique but covenant lawsuit (rib, רִיב).