“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)
God commanded Ezekiel to "write down the name of this day" not just to record a date, but to emphasize the immediacy of the news. This detail highlights how the Lord, who is everywhere at once, revealed to the distant prophet the exact moment the siege began, underscoring the divine knowledge behind this judgment.
“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)
God commands Ezekiel, who is in exile in Babylon, to meticulously record the exact date. This day marks the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege against Jerusalem, an event unfolding hundreds of miles away. The prophet's precise record is crucial, serving as irrefutable proof that God's word came to him immediately as events transpired, underscoring the divine origin of his message and the impending judgment.
How could Ezekiel, miles away in Babylon, know the exact moment Jerusalem was besieged?
This verse highlights the incredible immediacy of God's communication with His prophets. The instruction to 'write down the name of this day, this very day' emphasizes that Ezekiel received this news as it happened. This wasn't a delayed report; it was real-time revelation from the Almighty.
God's Omniscience and Presence
The Lord, who is everywhere and knows all things, brought this news to Ezekiel instantly. It underscores that God is intimately involved in the events of history, even those involving judgment. He ensures His prophets are informed precisely when and how He intends.
Why would God command Ezekiel to record the specific date of the siege?
The command to 'write thee the name of the day' isn't just about noting the time; it's about establishing a concrete, undeniable marker. This precise recording serves several purposes:
Proof of Prophetic Authority
By noting the exact day, Ezekiel provided a verifiable detail. When the predicted outcome of the siege eventually came to pass, this specific record would stand as irrefutable evidence that God had spoken through him. It’s a divine timestamp.
Underscoring Judgment's Inevitability
Pinpointing the exact start date amplifies the gravity of the situation. It signals that the judgment God foretold has officially begun, and there is no turning back from the appointed path of destruction.
Ask a follow-up
What does it mean that the 'king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem'?
The phrase 'set himself against' (or 'fallen upon' in some translations) vividly portrays the determined and aggressive action of the Babylonian army. This wasn't a casual encounter; it was a deliberate, strategic assault.
A Deliberate Offensive
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, didn't just stumble upon Jerusalem. He personally 'set himself against' it, indicating a committed effort to conquer the city. This action marks the beginning of the end for Jerusalem's independence and safety.
The Start of a Grim Clock
This moment signals the commencement of a brutal and prolonged siege, a period of intense suffering that would culminate in Jerusalem's destruction. It’s the definitive start of God's judgment being executed.
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.
This verse highlights a critical, prophesied moment: the very day Jerusalem began its final, devastating siege. Ezekiel's command to record the date underscores God's intimate knowledge and sovereign control over historical events, even those leading to judgment.
605 BC
First Deportation of Nobles
Nebuchadnezzar defeats the Egyptians at Carchemish and then besieges Jerusalem, leading to the first deportation of Jewish nobles, including Daniel.
597 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem again, capturing King Jehoiachin and deporting thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel.
January 15, 589 BC— this verse
Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II initiates a siege against Jerusalem. This specific date is emphasized by Ezekiel as the moment the city officially came under attack.
c. January 10, 589 BC
False Hope of Egyptian Relief
Egyptian forces march to relieve Jerusalem, raising hopes among the besieged. However, these hopes would soon be dashed when the Egyptians retreated.
July 18, 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After a prolonged siege of over two years, the Babylonians breach Jerusalem's walls, destroy the Temple, and deport the remaining population.
c. 582 BC
Final Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar conducts a final deportation of Judeans from the land, bringing the total number of exiles to over 4,600.
Just as Ezekiel is commanded to write down the specific day of Jerusalem's siege, Jeremiah is shown visions of almond trees and boiling pots, signifying God's word and judgment that would swiftly come to pass.
2 Kings 25:1This passage provides the historical account of the Babylonian siege beginning, directly fulfilling the prophetic declaration made to Ezekiel on that very day.
Lamentations 1:14While Ezekiel records the *beginning* of the siege, Lamentations reflects on the consequences, describing how Jerusalem's sins became a 'yoke' that weighed her down, leading to utter ruin.
Ezekiel 33:1-6Ezekiel is later called a watchman, responsible for warning the people. This passage highlights the gravity of his role, showing that when the watchman sees the sword coming (like the siege of Jerusalem), he must sound the alarm, just as God brought the news to Ezekiel.
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,…
God commanded Ezekiel to "write down the name of this day" not just to record a date, but to emphasize the immediacy of the news. This detail highlights how the Lord, who is everywhere at once, revealed to the distant prophet the exact moment the siege began, underscoring the divine knowledge behind this judgment.
God commands Ezekiel, who is in exile in Babylon, to meticulously record the exact date. This day marks the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege against Jerusalem, an event unfolding hundreds of miles away. The prophet's precise record is crucial, serving as irrefutable proof that God's word came to him immediately as events transpired, underscoring the divine origin of his message and the impending judgment.
God commands Ezekiel, who is in exile in Babylon, to meticulously record the exact date. This day marks the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege against Jerusalem, an event unfolding hundreds of miles away. The prophet's precise record is crucial, serving as irrefutable proof that God's word came to him immediately as events transpired, underscoring the divine origin of his message and the impending judgment.
"“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." — God commanded Ezekiel to "write down the name of this day" not just to record a date, but to emphasize the immediacy of the news. This detail highlights how the Lord, who is everywhere at once, rev…
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Last reviewed October 2026