Ezekiel 3:16
And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֕י
H1961
וַיְהִ֕י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
of seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
of seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 9
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יָמִ֑ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֑ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
that the word
H1697
דְבַר
that the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
After absorbing the exiles' trauma (593 BC), Ezekiel received specific ministry direction. The seven-day delay wasn't divine neglect but providential preparation. God shapes ministers through experience before commissioning them for service. This principle appears in Moses' wilderness training, Paul's Arabian sojourn, and Jesus' preparation period. Hasty ministry without understanding produces ineffective, insensitive proclamation. God prepares thoroughly before deploying His servants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the seven-day delay before renewed commission teach about preparation preceding ministry?
- What is the relationship between understanding circumstances and delivering appropriate messages?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying..." After seven days of silent identification, God speaks. The timing demonstrates that understanding precedes proclamation. Ministers must first grasp people's contexts before delivering messages. The pattern appears throughout Scripture: observation, then revelation, then proclamation. This guards against hasty speech divorced from pastoral sensitivity. The Reformed emphasis on calling includes both divine commission and human preparation—understanding both God's Word and people's circumstances.