In the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though this verse is just a date marker, it highlights that God's word wasn't delivered haphazardly, but came with specific timing, about three and a half months before Jerusalem's final destruction. This emphasizes that even in the midst of impending doom, God was actively speaking and revealing His purposes.
In the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Ezekiel receives a new message from the Lord, specifically targeting Egypt. This prophecy comes just a few months before Jerusalem's final destruction, at a time when Egypt's king, Pharaoh Hophra, had attempted to relieve the besieged city but was ultimately repelled. The word of the Lord announces a severe blow to Egypt's power, signifying the impending downfall of their might.
Ever feel like life's events are out of sync? It turns out, God's Word sometimes is too, not for confusion, but for emphasis.
The date given in Ezekiel 30:20 – the eleventh year, first month, seventh day – is a bit of a puzzle. Scholars note this prophecy was delivered before some earlier prophecies in the book. It was also given a few months before Jerusalem fell.
Why isn't it in strict chronological order? The prophets, guided by the Holy Spirit, often arranged their messages thematically rather than strictly by date. This allows them to group prophecies about the same nation or subject, making the message clearer and more impactful for the people hearing it. Think of it like a compilation album rather than a daily diary – all the songs about a certain theme are put together for maximum effect.
God uses powerful imagery to describe judgment. What does it mean when He declares He's 'broken the arm' of a nation's leader?
The prophecy that follows this date (Ezekiel 30:21-26) speaks of God breaking the 'arm of Pharaoh.' In biblical language, an arm often symbolizes strength, power, and ability – particularly military might. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, represented the powerful empire that often interfered with God's people.
This prophecy indicates a decisive blow to Egypt's power and influence. It wasn't just a minor setback; it was a crippling injury. The commentaries highlight that this refers to the military defeat Egypt suffered, preventing them from aiding Jerusalem and signaling the decline of their once-great power. God was demonstrating that even the mightiest empires are subject to His sovereign hand.
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Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
The prophetic message or utterance received from God, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the prophet's declaration.
This prophecy comes just months before Jerusalem's final destruction, underscoring God's judgment not only on His own people but also on the nations that oppose His will or rely on broken power like Egypt's.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Early Victories
Nebuchadnezzar establishes Babylonian dominance, including conquering territories formerly held by Egypt up to the Euphrates River.
c. 589 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army lay siege to Jerusalem, a pivotal event in the destruction of the kingdom of Judah.
c. early 588 BC
Pharaoh Hophra's Failed Relief Attempt
The Egyptian army under Pharaoh Hophra marches to relieve Jerusalem but is forced to retreat by the Babylonians, disheartening the Judeans.
April 26, 588 BC— this verse
Word of the Lord to Ezekiel
God speaks to the prophet Ezekiel, delivering a prophecy against Egypt, emphasizing the imminent downfall of Pharaoh's power.
July 18, 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians breach Jerusalem's walls, leading to the destruction of the Temple and the city, and the final exile of the Judeans.
c. 585-570 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar carries out God's judgment against Egypt, shattering Pharaoh Hophra's power and scattering the Egyptians.
This passage highlights the same historical context, showing Pharaoh's army marching out to relieve Jerusalem, which is directly relevant to why God is addressing Ezekiel about Egypt's failing strength.
Ezekiel 29:1-3This earlier prophecy also confronts Egypt and Pharaoh's pride, setting the stage for this later, more detailed judgment and showing a consistent theme of divine reckoning against Egypt's power.
Ezekiel 29:12-13This passage describes the scattering of the Egyptians among the nations, a consequence directly related to the 'broken arm' imagery used in Ezekiel 30, illustrating the completeness of their downfall.
2 Kings 24:7This verse provides historical background on the previous weakening of Egypt's power by Babylon, which the prophecy in Ezekiel 30 builds upon by threatening the remainder of Pharaoh's strength.
Isaiah 19:1-15This earlier prophetic oracle also deals with judgment upon Egypt, showing the long-standing pattern of God's judgment against nations that rely on their own might rather than Him.
barnesEzekiel 30:20: "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Fourth prophecy against Egypt spoken three months before the capture of Jerusalem Ezekiel 26:1 , and three months after the prophecy of Ezekiel 29:1 . Meantime, Pharaoh-Hophra's attempt on Jerusalem had been foiled, and the Egyptians driven back into their own country ( Jeremiah 37:5 note).
bensonEzekiel 30:20: "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 30:20-26. It came to pass in the eleventh year, &c. — It seems this prophecy was delivered soon after the Egyptian army had marched out of Egypt to relieve Jerusalem when besieged by Nebuchadnezzar, but had returned without effecting any thing, (see notes on Jeremiah 37:5 ; Jeremiah 37:7 ,) and some months before that city was ta…
Even though this verse is just a date marker, it highlights that God's word wasn't delivered haphazardly, but came with specific timing, about three and a half months before Jerusalem's final destruction. This emphasizes that even in the midst of impending doom, God was actively speaking and revealing His purposes.
The prophet Ezekiel receives a new message from the Lord, specifically targeting Egypt. This prophecy comes just a few months before Jerusalem's final destruction, at a time when Egypt's king, Pharaoh Hophra, had attempted to relieve the besieged city but was ultimately repelled. The word of the Lord announces a severe blow to Egypt's power, signifying the impending downfall of their might.
The prophet Ezekiel receives a new message from the Lord, specifically targeting Egypt. This prophecy comes just a few months before Jerusalem's final destruction, at a time when Egypt's king, Pharaoh Hophra, had attempted to relieve the besieged city but was ultimately repelled. The word of the Lord announces a severe blow to Egypt's power, signifying the impending downfall of their might.
"In the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:" — Even though this verse is just a date marker, it highlights that God's word wasn't delivered haphazardly, but came with specific timing, about three and a half months before Jerusalem's final destruc…
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Last reviewed October 2026