God summons Ezekiel out to deeper revelation so that the prophet might return with words of truth for His people.
Ezekiel, a prophet who ministered to the exiled Israelites in Babylon around 593-571 BC, describes a moment of divine directive in Ezekiel 3:22. He states, “The hand of the LORD was on me there, and He said to me, ‘Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you’” (v.22). By saying “the hand of the LORD was on me there,” Ezekiel emphasizes God’s empowering presence resting upon him, reminiscent of other passages in his book where the LORD’s strong guidance compelled him to see divine visions or receive prophetic messages. Living among his fellow exiles near the Chebar Canal in ancient Babylon, Ezekiel occupied a role that called him to warn, instruct, and comfort a people uprooted from their homeland, helping them to know that God was with them even amid dire circumstances.
The phrase “Get up, go out to the plain” (v.22) underscores God’s pattern of directing His prophets to specific locations to receive revelation (similar divine instructions appear throughout Scripture when a prophet is called for a special message). This instruction provided Ezekiel with an environment of solitude, away from the disruptions of the exilic settlement. In Babylon’s geography, plains could refer to broad, open expanses outside of the built-up communities, giving Ezekiel space to encounter the LORD afresh, free from daily noise and routine. God often uses such secluded settings to underscore the seriousness of His revelations and to prepare His messenger’s heart.
Finally, “and there I will speak to you” (v.22) is a powerful statement of God’s intent to share more of His divine counsel with Ezekiel. It promises an intimate encounter, highlighting the relational nature of the prophetic calling. In many of Ezekiel’s visions—seen throughout the book—the prophet experiences God’s presence forcefully, yet personally. Like other servants of the LORD, Ezekiel is shown that genuine ministry stems from listening and responding faithfully to God’s voice, even while living in foreign captivity.
Set to dark mode
Ezekiel 3:22 meaning
Ezekiel, a prophet who ministered to the exiled Israelites in Babylon around 593-571 BC, describes a moment of divine directive in Ezekiel 3:22. He states, “The hand of the LORD was on me there, and He said to me, ‘Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you’” (v.22). By saying “the hand of the LORD was on me there,” Ezekiel emphasizes God’s empowering presence resting upon him, reminiscent of other passages in his book where the LORD’s strong guidance compelled him to see divine visions or receive prophetic messages. Living among his fellow exiles near the Chebar Canal in ancient Babylon, Ezekiel occupied a role that called him to warn, instruct, and comfort a people uprooted from their homeland, helping them to know that God was with them even amid dire circumstances.
The phrase “Get up, go out to the plain” (v.22) underscores God’s pattern of directing His prophets to specific locations to receive revelation (similar divine instructions appear throughout Scripture when a prophet is called for a special message). This instruction provided Ezekiel with an environment of solitude, away from the disruptions of the exilic settlement. In Babylon’s geography, plains could refer to broad, open expanses outside of the built-up communities, giving Ezekiel space to encounter the LORD afresh, free from daily noise and routine. God often uses such secluded settings to underscore the seriousness of His revelations and to prepare His messenger’s heart.
Finally, “and there I will speak to you” (v.22) is a powerful statement of God’s intent to share more of His divine counsel with Ezekiel. It promises an intimate encounter, highlighting the relational nature of the prophetic calling. In many of Ezekiel’s visions—seen throughout the book—the prophet experiences God’s presence forcefully, yet personally. Like other servants of the LORD, Ezekiel is shown that genuine ministry stems from listening and responding faithfully to God’s voice, even while living in foreign captivity.