Ezekiel 8:1

Sixth year. That is, of Jehoiachin’s captivity (see on ch. 1:2), 592/591 B.C. (see p. 572). A new series of prophecies begins here and extends to the end of ch. 19. The date shows that the series began a little over a year after Ezekiel’s call to the prophetic office (see ch. 1:2). Since his first vision Ezekiel’s time had been divided into 7 days (ch. 3:15), 390 days (ch. 4:5), and 40 days (ch. 4:6), in all, unless concurrent, at least 437 days. It has been urged that this time period cannot be fitted in between the dates of the two visions, a period, apparently, of 14 lunar months, or approximately 413 days. There is, of course, considerable difference of opinion as to the application of these periods, and furthermore, there is no necessity that a fresh revelation wait till the expiration of these periods (see on ch. 4:5). On the other hand, in order to adjust their lunar year with the solar, the Jews added an extra month every two or three years. If the 5th year under consideration was an intercalary year (as it very probably was, according to the 19-year cycle), the extra month would increase the total to about 442 days.

Sixth month. September, 592 or 591 (see p. 572).

Elders. These may have represented a degree of civil organization preserved in captivity and not suppressed by the Babylonians. It is possible that they, together with the exiled priests, frequently consulted one another about public affairs. The fact that the elders came to inquire of the Lord concerning their present state of affairs (see chs. 14:1; 33:31) makes it plain that Ezekiel was already known as a prophet and held in respect among the captives.