The Bible verse Ezekiel 26:1 from the King James Version reads, "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,"

This verse marks the beginning of a prophecy given to the prophet Ezekiel by the Lord. To understand the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to provide some context. Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. He was called by God to bring messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the exiled people of Israel. The book of Ezekiel contains a collection of his prophecies and visions, and it is within this context that we must explore the meaning of Ezekiel 26:1.

The verse begins by setting a specific time and date for when the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel - the eleventh year, the first day of the month. This attention to detail serves to emphasize the divine origin of the message Ezekiel is about to receive. It is not the product of human wisdom or intuition, but a direct revelation from God.

The use of the phrase "the word of the Lord came unto me" is significant because it emphasizes that Ezekiel's prophecies are not of his own making, but are divinely inspired. This phrase is repeated throughout the book of Ezekiel to denote the authority and authenticity of Ezekiel's message as being of divine origin.

In terms of context, Ezekiel was called to prophesy against the nations and specifically to warn the people of Israel of the consequences of their disobedience to God. In the surrounding verses and chapters, Ezekiel delivers prophecies of judgment against the nations surrounding Israel, including Tyre, which is the focus of chapter 26. Tyre was a prominent and wealthy Phoenician city known for its commerce and trade, but it had also become a symbol of pride, worldly wealth, and idolatry.

In the verses following Ezekiel 26:1, God reveals to the prophet Ezekiel the judgment that will come upon Tyre for their arrogance and wickedness. The city of Tyre will be attacked, destroyed, and become a place for fishermen to spread their nets. This prophecy against Tyre serves as a warning to the Israelites and all nations that trust in their own strength and wealth rather than in the Lord.

Symbolism plays a significant role in the book of Ezekiel, and Ezekiel 26:1 is no exception. The timing of the prophecy is notable, as the first day of the month was often a day of significance in Jewish religious observance, marking the beginning of a new lunar month. This may symbolize a new beginning or a fresh start for the people of Tyre if they were to repent and turn back to God. However, their refusal to do so ultimately leads to their downfall.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 26:1 marks the beginning of a specific prophecy given to Ezekiel by the Lord concerning the judgment of the city of Tyre. The verse emphasizes the divine origin of the message and sets the stage for the severe judgment that will come upon the proud and idolatrous city. The context, themes, and symbolism within this verse all point to the overarching message of the book of Ezekiel - the consequences of disobedience and the hope of restoration through repentance and turning back to God.