Ezekiel 33:22
Now the hand of the Lord was vpon mee in the euening, afore hee that was escaped came, and had opened my mouth vntill hee came to mee in the morning, and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumbe. Ezekiel 33:22 (KJV)
The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and the prophet Ezekiel was called by God to be a watchman for the house of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance. Ezekiel 33 emphasizes the responsibility of the watchman to deliver God’s message faithfully, and verse 33:22 records the hand of the Lord being upon Ezekiel.
The hand of the Lord signifies God’s empowering presence and guidance upon His chosen servants. It represents His authority, direction, and the enabling power needed to fulfill the task at hand. In this verse the Spirit of the Lord entered Ezekiel, giving him strength, setting him upon his feet, and restoring his ability to speak after a period of muteness (Ezekiel 3:26‑27). The quoted words, “And the spirit entered into me in the same day, and set me upon my feet; and I heard him that gave the warning,” echo this divine empowerment.
The timing of the event is significant. An escaped messenger from Jerusalem arrived to report the city’s fall. The Lord’s hand was upon Ezekiel in the evening before the messenger came, and his mouth was opened when the messenger arrived in the morning. This demonstrates God’s foreknowledge and control, ensuring that the prophetic word would be delivered at the precise moment required.
The passage underscores Ezekiel’s faithfulness as a watchman. Though previously silenced, he remained obedient to God’s call. When God’s appointed time came, the Spirit empowered him to proclaim the warning, highlighting the importance of readiness and obedience.
Overall, Ezekiel 33:22 highlights divine empowerment, precise timing, and the steadfast faithfulness of the prophet as God’s chosen watchman. It reminds readers to be obedient to God’s call, to wait on His timing, and to faithfully deliver His message to those around us.
