Lexical Summary hashmauth: Report, Announcement, Message Original Word: הַשְׁמָעוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to cause to hear From shama'; announcement -- to cause to hear. see HEBREW shama' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shama Definition a causing to hear NASB Translation information (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs הַשְׁמָעוּת noun feminine a causing to hear (properly Aramaizing Infinitive Hiph`il; Ges§ 53l Sta§ 304 a); — אָזֳנ֑יִם ׳לְהַשׁ Ezekiel 24:26 to cause ears to hear, i.e. bring tidings in person (? read דָממ֫לַת#NAME?ZMG 1viii (1903), 416). Topical Lexicon Context of UsageThe term appears a single time, in Ezekiel 24:26: “On that day a fugitive will come to you to report the news” (Berean Standard Bible). The proclamation arrives as Jerusalem falls under Babylonian siege, completing years of prophetic warning. The word designates the authoritative announcement that shifts the exiles from anticipation to realization—God’s word spoken through Ezekiel moves from future tense to historic fact. Prophetic Significance 1. Validation of the Messenger Ezekiel has repeatedly foretold judgment (Ezekiel 4–23). The arrival of the “news” fulfills those oracles, vindicating the prophet before a skeptical audience (compare Ezekiel 33:33). 2. Transition in Ezekiel’s Ministry Chapters 1–24 center on judgment. With the “news” confirmed, Ezekiel’s focus turns to consolation and restoration (Ezekiel 34–48). The single occurrence therefore marks the hinge of the book. 3. Assurance of Divine Sovereignty Babylon’s victory is not mere geo-politics; it is the outworking of God’s covenant warnings (Leviticus 26:33). By singling out the moment of hearing, Scripture underscores that the Lord rules both the event and its report. Historical Background • Siege Timeline: Nebuchadnezzar’s forces surrounded Jerusalem in 588 B.C. (Ezekiel 24:1–2). The city fell in 586 B.C.; a survivor reached the exiles in Babylon in 585 B.C. (Ezekiel 33:21). Theological Themes 1. Hearing and Accountability Scripture often pairs “hearing” with obedience (Deuteronomy 6:4; Romans 10:17). The “news” eliminates excuses; the people can no longer claim ignorance. 2. Messenger Motif From Joseph’s brothers bringing Jacob bad news (Genesis 37:32) to the angel announcing Christ’s birth (Luke 2:10–11), redemptive history advances by heralds. Ezekiel 24:26 stands in that continuum, foreshadowing the Gospel proclamation. 3. Judgment Leading to Hope The grim announcement is necessary groundwork for promises of a new heart and restored temple (Ezekiel 36:26; 40–48). Divine judgment is never an end in itself. Applications for Ministry • Faithful Reporting Pastors and evangelists are called to deliver God’s message without dilution, whether it concerns sin, judgment, or grace (Acts 20:27). • Patience in Vindication Like Ezekiel, servants of God may labor long before results are visible. The eventual “news” affirms steadfast obedience in the interim (Galatians 6:9). • Cultivating Readiness to Hear Congregations must be trained to respond to Scripture with faith and repentance when the “news” comes (Hebrews 3:15). Analogous New Testament Concepts • “Good news” (euangelion) of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1) parallels the Old Testament “news” by heralding decisive divine action. Summary Though occurring only once, the word marks a turning point in Israel’s story: the moment prophecy meets history. It highlights the necessity of faithful proclamation, the responsibility of hearers, and the unstoppable reliability of God’s word—truths that continue to direct contemporary witness and discipleship. Forms and Transliterations לְהַשְׁמָע֖וּת להשמעות lə·haš·mā·‘ūṯ lehashmaUt ləhašmā‘ūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 24:26 HEB: הַפָּלִ֖יט אֵלֶ֑יךָ לְהַשְׁמָע֖וּת אָזְנָֽיִם׃ NAS: will come to you with information for [your] ears? KJV: shall come unto thee, to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears? INT: who to you information that 1 Occurrence |
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