Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 30 - Verse 2
Meaning
The verse "Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!" is a command from God to the prophet Ezekiel to deliver a message of impending doom and judgment. In this verse, God is instructing Ezekiel to warn the people about the dire consequences of their actions and the severity of the judgment that is to come. The phrase "Howl ye, Woe worth the day!" expresses the deep sorrow and lamentation that will accompany the judgment. It serves as a warning to the people to repent and turn back to God before it is too late. As a prophet, Ezekiel is called to speak on behalf of God and to deliver messages of both judgment and hope. This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning back to Him in times of trouble. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance in order to avoid the coming judgment.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from the book of Ezekiel, we see the phrase "Son of man" used to address Ezekiel himself as a mortal being. This title is a common way in the Old Testament for God to address prophets, emphasizing their humanity and vulnerability. The word "prophesy" here indicates that Ezekiel is called to speak forth the message given to him by God. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a declaration that the message being delivered is not from Ezekiel but directly from God. The words "Howl ye, Woe worth the day!" convey a sense of impending judgment and calamity. The word "howl" reflects a sense of mourning and distress, while "woe" expresses deep sorrow and trouble. The mention of the day indicates a specific time when this judgment will come to pass. Overall, this verse serves as a solemn warning about the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's judgment.