Ezekiel 24:2
“Son of man, write down the name of this day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The command to "write down the name of the day" isn't just about recording a date; it emphasizes the immediacy of the news. Ezekiel, far from Jerusalem, receives word of the siege the very same day it begins, highlighting God's constant awareness and the prophet's unique connection to Him. This is God showing Ezekiel that He knows exactly when and how judgment is falling.
God commands Ezekiel to mark this specific day, the very day Nebuchadnezzar's army laid siege to Jerusalem. This event, happening hundreds of miles away, is revealed to Ezekiel in Chaldea as it unfolds, emphasizing the immediacy of God's knowledge and judgment. The prophet is to record this date precisely so the people will later recognize the divine confirmation of Ezekiel's message.
Imagine getting a text message about a world-changing event the moment it happens. Ezekiel receives divine confirmation of a devastating siege, and God's command is immediate: 'Write it down.'
The instruction to 'write down the name of the day' isn't just about recording a date. It's about witnessing. God wants Ezekiel to meticulously document this day, marking it with absolute certainty. This isn't hearsay; it's direct revelation. The phrase 'this very day' is repeated for emphasis, highlighting the immediacy and precision of God's knowledge and Ezekiel's role as a prophet. It underscores that God is in control, even when disaster strikes.
From thousands of miles away, Ezekiel receives news as it happens. This isn't just history; it's God's perspective on a pivotal moment of judgment.
The commentary highlights that Ezekiel, in Chaldea, received this news on the same day the siege began in Jerusalem. This is a powerful demonstration of God's omnipresence and omniscience. He is not distant or unaware of suffering. He sees the king of Babylon 'set himself against' Jerusalem, using vivid language that suggests a determined and relentless advance. This 'setting against' is not a random event but a divinely observed and recorded moment of judgment unfolding.
Understand the original words
ben-adam · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title frequently used for the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and frailty in contrast to the majesty and holiness of God. It highlights his role as a representative of mankind before the Almighty.
samak · Hebrew Verb
A military blockade surrounding a city to prevent supplies from entering and to force surrender. In Scripture, it often symbolizes divine judgment upon a disobedient or wicked nation.
The command for Ezekiel to 'write down the name of this day' emphasizes the severe gravity of Jerusalem's impending doom. This wasn't just a distant threat; it was a specific, historical moment, highlighting God's precise judgment and the prophet's role as a divine witness to unfolding events.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II deports a portion of the Jewish elite, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon after conquering Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of Judah's decline.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and many more citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. Zedekiah is installed as a puppet king.
January 5, 588 BC— this verse
Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II begins the siege of Jerusalem. This is the specific day Ezekiel is commanded to record, signifying the beginning of the end for the city.
588 BC
Egyptian Intervention
Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt attempts to relieve Jerusalem, causing Nebuchadnezzar to temporarily lift the siege. This provides a brief respite but ultimately fails to save the city.
This passage shows the beginning of Jeremiah's prophetic call, which also occurred at a specific, significant time, marking the start of his difficult message to Judah about impending judgment, much like Ezekiel's message beginning with a specific date of siege.
2 Kings 25:1This verse directly states that in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against Jerusalem and laid siege to it, confirming the historical event Ezekiel is commanded to mark.
Lamentations 1:1This verse expresses the deep sorrow and desolation felt when Jerusalem was brought low, mirroring the catastrophic consequences of the siege that Ezekiel's prophecy foreshadows.
Ezekiel 4:1-3Ezekiel is commanded to perform symbolic actions, including inscribing a date, to represent the siege of Jerusalem, demonstrating a pattern of God using precise historical moments and symbolic acts to convey His judgment.
gillEzekiel 24:2: "Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day."
Son of man, write thee the name of the day,.... That is, what day of the week it was, as well as what day of the month; as whether the first, or second, or third, &c.: for the Jews had no other names for their days, as we have: even of this same day; according to Bishop Usher (r), it was the 30th of January, and the fifth day of the week (Thursday);…
ellicottEzekiel 24:2: "Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day."
(2) Write thee the name. —It is evident that especial attention was to be called to the exact date, and a note made of it at the time. The words “has set himself against” would be more accurately rendered has fallen upon. The supposition that the reference is to some point on his march from which Nebuchadnezzar advanced to the attack upon Jerusalem,…
The command to "write down the name of the day" isn't just about recording a date; it emphasizes the immediacy of the news. Ezekiel, far from Jerusalem, receives word of the siege the very same day it begins, highlighting God's constant awareness and the prophet's unique connection to Him. This is God showing Ezekiel that He knows exactly when and how judgment is falling.
God commands Ezekiel to mark this specific day, the very day Nebuchadnezzar's army laid siege to Jerusalem. This event, happening hundreds of miles away, is revealed to Ezekiel in Chaldea as it unfolds, emphasizing the immediacy of God's knowledge and judgment. The prophet is to record this date precisely so the people will later recognize the divine confirmation of Ezekiel's message.
God commands Ezekiel to mark this specific day, the very day Nebuchadnezzar's army laid siege to Jerusalem. This event, happening hundreds of miles away, is revealed to Ezekiel in Chaldea as it unfolds, emphasizing the immediacy of God's knowledge and judgment. The prophet is to record this date precisely so the people will later recognize the divine confirmation of Ezekiel's message.
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July 18, 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After a prolonged siege, the Babylonian army breaches Jerusalem's walls. The Temple is destroyed, and the remaining population is exiled.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Last Prophecy Recorded
The latest dated prophecy from Ezekiel is recorded, indicating his ministry continued for some time after the fall of Jerusalem.
"“Son of man, write down the name of this day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day." — The command to "write down the name of the day" isn't just about recording a date; it emphasizes the immediacy of the news. Ezekiel, far from Jerusalem, receives word of the siege *the very same da…
