Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
All Commentaries on Ezekiel 1:1 Go To Ezekiel 1
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
And is either superfluous, as at the beginning of most of the sacred books, (Calmet) or shows the connection of what is written with what the prophet saw or heard internally. (St. Augustine, in Psalm iv.; St. Gregory) (Worthington)
Year: either of the age of Ezechiel, or (as others will have it) from the solemn covenant made in the eighteenth year of Josias; (4 Kings xxiii.; Challoner; Worthington; Calmet) or he alludes to the era of Nabopolassur, used at Babylon, (Menochius) or to the last jubilee. See Sanctius. The thirtieth year, from the prediction of Holda to Josias, (Haydock) concurs with the fifth of the prophet's captivity, chap. xvii. 12. (Usher, the year of the world 3410.)
Fourth of the sacred year, (Calmet) on Friday, 24th July, (Usher) or in January. (St. Jerome)
Chobar, or Aboras, which runs westward into the Euphrates, above Thapsacus. (Strabo)
The captives were in those parts, though not present. (Calmet)
Opened, in spirit, (Haydock) by faith. (St. Jerome)
The prophet fell prostrate, chap. ii. 1. (Haydock)
