Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 34 - Verse 1
Meaning
When the phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is mentioned in the Bible, it signifies that the prophet is about to receive a divine message directly from God. In the context of the scriptures, this phrase introduces a direct communication between God and the prophet, where the prophet becomes a vessel for delivering God's message to the people. It is a powerful reminder of the authority and sovereignty of God, as well as the prophet's role as a spokesperson for God. The phrase emphasizes the importance of listening and obeying the word of the Lord, as it carries divine wisdom, guidance, and instructions for His people. This phrase serves as a prelude to the prophetic utterances that follow, highlighting the sacred nature of the message being delivered and the prophet's responsibility to faithfully convey it to the intended audience.
Theological Overview
When the phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is used in the Bible, it signifies the divine revelation being conveyed to a specific prophet. This phrase is commonly found in the Old Testament, particularly in books like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. The phrase indicates that the prophet is about to receive a message directly from God. The use of the word "word" here is significant as it emphasizes the importance and authority of the message being delivered. In theological interpretation, this phrase highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and humanity. It demonstrates the divine initiative in communicating with His people and the responsibility of the prophet to faithfully relay the message. Word studies of this verse typically focus on the Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, davar) and its implications in conveying God's will and purpose. Overall, this phrase serves as a reminder of the ongoing relationship between God and His chosen messengers throughout history.