God’s word calls His people to heed His instructions and remain faithful despite external oppression.
Ezekiel begins this chapter with the simple statement, “Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying,” (v.1), which serves as an introduction to a fresh prophetic message that the prophet is about to deliver. Though this verse appears brief, its significance lies in the reminder that God directly communicates with His chosen servant. In the larger narrative, Ezekiel 35 transitions to a prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom), continuing the theme of divine pronouncement upon nations hostile to Israel (see Ezekiel 25:12-14). Here, “the word of the LORD” (v.1) underscores the fact that Ezekiel speaks forth the message with the authority of God Himself.
Historically, the prophet Ezekiel lived during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). His ministry took place while many Israelites were uprooted from their homeland and found themselves struggling to discern God’s purposes in the midst of hardship (2 Kings 24-25). When he writes, “Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying,” (v.1), the phrase indicates the direct revelation from God, affirming Ezekiel’s divine calling. This introduction is often used throughout the Book of Ezekiel to announce new oracles—messages of comfort, judgment, or future restoration.
By highlighting God as the source of the message, verse 1 lays the foundation for everything to follow in the rest of the chapter, and it also reinforces the prophet’s role as a spokesperson for the Almighty. This sets the stage for judgements upon Edom, and reminds Israel and all subsequent readers that no power or kingdom stands beyond divine scrutiny. In the New Testament, Jesus also came proclaiming the message directly from God (John 12:49), echoing the theme of a God-ordained messenger who brings truth to people in need.
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Ezekiel 35:1 meaning
Ezekiel begins this chapter with the simple statement, “Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying,” (v.1), which serves as an introduction to a fresh prophetic message that the prophet is about to deliver. Though this verse appears brief, its significance lies in the reminder that God directly communicates with His chosen servant. In the larger narrative, Ezekiel 35 transitions to a prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom), continuing the theme of divine pronouncement upon nations hostile to Israel (see Ezekiel 25:12-14). Here, “the word of the LORD” (v.1) underscores the fact that Ezekiel speaks forth the message with the authority of God Himself.
Historically, the prophet Ezekiel lived during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). His ministry took place while many Israelites were uprooted from their homeland and found themselves struggling to discern God’s purposes in the midst of hardship (2 Kings 24-25). When he writes, “Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying,” (v.1), the phrase indicates the direct revelation from God, affirming Ezekiel’s divine calling. This introduction is often used throughout the Book of Ezekiel to announce new oracles—messages of comfort, judgment, or future restoration.
By highlighting God as the source of the message, verse 1 lays the foundation for everything to follow in the rest of the chapter, and it also reinforces the prophet’s role as a spokesperson for the Almighty. This sets the stage for judgements upon Edom, and reminds Israel and all subsequent readers that no power or kingdom stands beyond divine scrutiny. In the New Testament, Jesus also came proclaiming the message directly from God (John 12:49), echoing the theme of a God-ordained messenger who brings truth to people in need.