This verse underscores the solemn importance of God’s message as He prepares to speak through His chosen prophet.
In “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (v.1) we see the opening of a profound message directed toward the prophet Ezekiel. This phrase is a frequent marker throughout the book of Ezekiel, indicating a fresh divine revelation that the LORD, the sovereign Creator of all, is delivering a new pronouncement. This introduction sets the stage for the lengthy allegory and rebuke that will follow in the rest of Ezekiel 16, where God graphically describes Israel’s history and her spiritual unfaithfulness. Echoes of this concept can be found in other prophetic writings, reminding the faithful of the seriousness of turning away from God’s covenant (Hosea 1:2).
Ezekiel, active in the early 6th century BC (approximately 593-571 BC), prophesied to the Jewish people who were exiled to Babylon. He was among the captives taken from the kingdom of Judah to Babylon, dealing with both the heartache of exile and the responsibility of conveying God’s truth. When this verse states that the word of the LORD “came” to Ezekiel, it highlights the prophet’s role as a divinely chosen messenger. Moreover, it underscores how vital it is for God’s people to hear and heed the LORD’s directives, which are always purposeful and redemptive, even when pointing out sin and calling for repentance.
God is about to detail Israel’s condition and remind them of their origins, underscoring His steadfast love despite their repeated failures. The “word of the LORD” stands in continuity with God’s plan across the ages, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is Himself called the Word (John 1:1).
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Ezekiel 16:1 meaning
In “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (v.1) we see the opening of a profound message directed toward the prophet Ezekiel. This phrase is a frequent marker throughout the book of Ezekiel, indicating a fresh divine revelation that the LORD, the sovereign Creator of all, is delivering a new pronouncement. This introduction sets the stage for the lengthy allegory and rebuke that will follow in the rest of Ezekiel 16, where God graphically describes Israel’s history and her spiritual unfaithfulness. Echoes of this concept can be found in other prophetic writings, reminding the faithful of the seriousness of turning away from God’s covenant (Hosea 1:2).
Ezekiel, active in the early 6th century BC (approximately 593-571 BC), prophesied to the Jewish people who were exiled to Babylon. He was among the captives taken from the kingdom of Judah to Babylon, dealing with both the heartache of exile and the responsibility of conveying God’s truth. When this verse states that the word of the LORD “came” to Ezekiel, it highlights the prophet’s role as a divinely chosen messenger. Moreover, it underscores how vital it is for God’s people to hear and heed the LORD’s directives, which are always purposeful and redemptive, even when pointing out sin and calling for repentance.
God is about to detail Israel’s condition and remind them of their origins, underscoring His steadfast love despite their repeated failures. The “word of the LORD” stands in continuity with God’s plan across the ages, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is Himself called the Word (John 1:1).