1 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gate of the house of the Lord, which faces east. And behold, at the entrance of the gateway there were twenty-five men. And I saw among them Jaazaniah the son of Azzur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.
2 And he said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and who give wicked counsel in this city,
3 who say, ‘Is not the time near to build houses? This city is the cauldron, and we are the meat.’”
4 Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man.”
5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says the Lord: So you think, O house of Israel. For I know the things that come into your mind.
6 You have multiplied your slain in this city and have filled its streets with the slain.
7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Your slain whom you have laid in the midst of it, they are the meat, and this city is the cauldron, but you shall be brought out of the midst of it.
8 You have feared the sword, and I will bring the sword upon you, declares the Lord God.
9 And I will bring you out of the midst of it and give you into the hands of foreigners, and execute judgments against you.
10 You shall fall by the sword. I will judge you at the border of Israel, and you shall know that I am the Lord.
11 This city shall not be your cauldron, nor shall you be the meat in the midst of it. I will judge you at the border of Israel,
12 And you shall know that I am the Lord. For you have not walked in my statutes, nor obeyed my rules, but have acted according to the rules of the nations that are around you.
13 And it came to pass, while I was prophesying, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then I fell down on my face and cried out with a loud voice and said, “Ah, Lord God! Will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel?”
14 Again the word of the Lord came to me:
15 Son of man, your brothers, even your brothers, your kinsmen, the whole house of Israel, all of them, are those of whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Go far from the Lord; to us this land is given for a possession.’
16 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.’
17 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’
18 And when they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations.
19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,
20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
21 But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord God.
22 Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.
23 And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city.
24 And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to the exiles. Then the vision that I had seen went up from me.
25 Then I told the exiles all the things that the Lord had shown me.
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 11
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, and he received his prophetic visions while living in exile. Ezekiel continues to deliver God’s messages to the people of Israel in this chapter, warning them of the impending judgment and destruction of Jerusalem. He speaks of the corrupt leaders who have led the people astray, and he foretells the restoration and renewal that will come after the judgment. This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold as Ezekiel’s prophecies are fulfilled. Ezekiel echoes the warnings and promises found throughout the Scriptures as we delve into this chapter, such as the call to repentance in Ezekiel 18 and the promise of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31. These themes remind us of the importance of heeding God’s voice and trusting in His plan for His people, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Ezekiel 11:1-4
Ezekiel sees twenty-five men at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord in Ezekiel 11:1-4. These men were identified as leaders among the people, including Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were plotting evil and giving wicked advice to the city. The significance of this setting is that the east gate was an important entrance to the temple, symbolizing access to God. However, instead of righteousness and reverence, the leaders were engaging in corrupt and deceitful behavior.
The presence of these leaders symbolizes the perversion of authority and the corruption that had taken root within the city of Jerusalem. This scene highlights the hypocrisy and moral decay that had infected the highest echelons of society. Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, as mentioned in the passage, were actively engaging in planning evil, a stark contrast to what was expected from leaders within the community. This betrayal of trust and perversion of power reflects a common theme seen throughout the Bible, where leaders fall into sin and lead others astray.
The lesson we can derive from this passage is the importance of true leadership rooted in righteousness and obedience to God. Leaders hold a tremendous influence over those under their care, and when they stray from the path of righteousness, it can have devastating consequences for the entire community. We, as Christians, are called to be discerning when it comes to the leaders we follow and to hold them accountable to the standards set forth by God. Proverbs 14:34 reinforces this message, stating, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Furthermore, Ezekiel 11:2 mentions that these leaders were giving wicked advice to the city. This highlights the destructive nature of both the actions and words of the leaders. Their counsel was leading the people further away from God and into deeper sin. This serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with using them wisely. Proverbs 16:28 cautions, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down, and as Christians, we are called to speak truth and encouragement rather than wickedness and deceit. Ezekiel 11:1-4 provides a sobering depiction of the consequences of corrupt leadership and emphasizes the importance of upholding righteousness and integrity in positions of authority. It serves as a warning to both leaders and followers about the impact of moral decay and the necessity of aligning our actions and words with God’s principles. This passage prompts self-reflection on how we exercise influence in our own spheres of life and emphasizes the need for accountability and discernment in choosing our leaders.
Ezekiel 11:5-12
The text in Ezekiel 11:5-12 reveals a conversation where the Spirit of the Lord spoke to Ezekiel about the people of Jerusalem. The verse reads, “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and He told me to say, ‘This is what the Lord says to the people of Israel: I know what is going through your minds.’” The Lord is acknowledging that He knows the thoughts of the people of Israel, and He is addressing their rebellious behavior and disobedience.
This section of Ezekiel highlights the omniscience of God – His ability to see and know everything, including the deepest thoughts and intentions of the heart. This timeless message reminds readers that God is aware of our innermost thoughts and motives, urging us to be honest and genuine in our relationship with Him. It serves as a warning against hypocrisy and encourages us to align our hearts and minds with His will.
Furthermore, the mention of the people of Israel’s rebellious behavior underscores the consequences of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of how disobedience led to downfall and destruction, while obedience brought blessings and favor. This theme is consistent in the Old Testament, with stories like the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, where their disobedience resulted in prolonged wandering and missed opportunities to enter the Promised Land. Ezekiel delivers this message from the Lord to the people, becoming a conduit for God’s words and illustrating the role of prophets in conveying divine messages to the people. Prophets played a crucial role in the Old Testament, serving as mouthpieces for God and calling the people to repentance and obedience. Ezekiel’s obedience to God’s instructions despite the difficult nature of his messages serves as a model for believers to faithfully proclaim the truth, even in challenging circumstances. This passage is part of the prophet’s larger vision and message regarding the judgment of Jerusalem in the broader context of Ezekiel. Through a series of visions and symbolic actions, Ezekiel conveys God’s impending judgment on the people of Jerusalem due to their sins and idolatry. This theme of judgment and restoration is a common thread throughout the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the importance of repentance, righteousness, and faithfulness to God. Ezekiel 11:5-12 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s omniscience, the consequences of disobedience, the role of prophets in delivering divine messages, and the overarching themes of judgment and restoration in the book of Ezekiel. It challenges readers to examine their hearts, align their thoughts and actions with God’s will, and heed the warnings of impending judgment for unrepentant sin.
Ezekiel 11:13-15
Ezekiel experiences a profound moment in his life in Ezekiel 11:13-15. Let’s break it down into sections for a more detailed analysis.
Firstly, in verse 13, it states, “Now it happened, while I was prophesying.” This sets the scene for the following events. Ezekiel was known as a prophet who received visions and messages from God, and here he is in the act of prophesying to the people of Israel. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, we see him being a faithful messenger of God, even when the messages were difficult to deliver and the people were resistant to hearing the truth.
Next, in verse 13, it continues, “that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died.” Pelatiah’s death during Ezekiel’s prophecy is significant. Pelatiah was likely a prominent figure among the leaders of the exiled community in Babylon. His death during Ezekiel’s prophecy could symbolize God’s judgment on the rebellious leaders or serve as a sign of the impending judgment that was to come upon the people due to their persistent disobedience. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings and living in sin.
Then, in verses 14-15, Ezekiel goes on to express his reaction to this event, saying, “Then I fell on my face and cried out with a loud voice, and said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?’” Ezekiel’s response here shows his deep concern for the fate of his people, even those who were in rebellion. He pleads with God to spare the remnant of Israel, showing his compassionate heart as a prophet who truly cared for his people. This demonstrates Ezekiel’s role as an intercessor, standing in the gap between the people and God, appealing for mercy and restoration.
This passage in Ezekiel 11:13-15 carries timeless messages that resonate throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God’s warnings, the consequences of disobedience, and the role of prophets as messengers of God’s truth. We are called to be bold and obedient in sharing the Gospel and standing for righteousness, just as Ezekiel was faithful in delivering God’s messages despite the challenges. Additionally, Ezekiel’s plea for the remnant of Israel reflects God’s mercy and willingness to spare even a small portion of the people for the sake of His covenant promises. This theme of remnant is seen throughout the Bible, where God preserves a faithful few as a remnant to carry on His work and fulfill His purposes (Romans 11:5).
Ezekiel 11:16-21
The passage in Ezekiel 11:16-21 is filled with profound symbolism and serves as a pivotal point in the book of Ezekiel. Let’s break it down step by step:
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“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.’” – This section highlights the consequences of the disobedience of the Israelites. Due to their continuous rebellion against God, they were scattered among the nations. Despite this judgment, God reassures them that even in their exile, He remained their sanctuary. This demonstrates God’s unwavering presence and care for His people, even in times of discipline. God is addressing the exiled Israelites through Ezekiel in these verses. The Israelites had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Despite their unfaithfulness, God reminds them that He is still there for them, even in the midst of their exile. This shows that God’s love and compassion for His people endure even in times of judgment.
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“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’” – This section brings a message of hope and restoration. God promises to gather His scattered people from the nations and bring them back to their homeland, the land of Israel. This act of gathering the exiles and returning them to their land is a strong indication of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites.
The promise of restoration and gathering of the exiles is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It echoes the prophecies of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:14) where God assures the Israelites of His plan to bring them back from exile. This promise of restoration is not just physical but also spiritual, symbolizing God’s continuous desire to reconcile with His people.
- “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” – This section is a powerful depiction of God’s redemptive work in the lives of His people. God promises to transform the hearts of the Israelites. He will replace their hardened and rebellious hearts with new hearts, hearts that are receptive to His word and obedient to His commands.
The transformation of the heart from stone to flesh signifies a profound spiritual change. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel where God promises to send His Spirit to dwell within His people, enabling them to live according to His ways. This transformation is not just external but internal, signifying a deep renewal and restoration of the relationship between God and His people. Ezekiel 11:16-21 is a beautiful passage that reflects the mercy, faithfulness, and redemptive love of God towards His people. It serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence, His promises of restoration, and His transformative power in the lives of those who turn back to Him. This passage also points towards the ultimate restoration and renewal that comes through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to give His people new hearts and a new spirit.
Ezekiel 11:22-25
The cherubim spread their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them in Ezekiel 11:22-25. And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain, which is on the east side of the city. Then the Spirit took me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to those in captivity. And the vision that I had seen went up from me. So I spoke to those in captivity of all the things the Lord had shown me. Ezekiel witnesses a powerful vision of the departure of God’s glory from the city of Jerusalem in these verses. This vision is significant as it symbolizes the withdrawal of God’s presence and divine protection from the city due to the wickedness and rebellion of the people. The departure of God’s glory from the city is a striking portrayal of the consequences of sin and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God in order to maintain His favor and blessings.
The mention of cherubim with the wheels beside them is reminiscent of Ezekiel’s earlier vision in Ezekiel 1, where he sees a similar manifestation of divine beings and wheels within wheels. Cherubim are often depicted as powerful angelic beings who serve as guardians of God’s holiness, and their presence in this vision further emphasizes the divine nature of the events unfolding.
The direction in which the glory of the Lord moves, from the city to the mountain on the east side, holds symbolic significance. The Bible often associates the east with the presence and coming of God. The movement of God’s glory to the mountain could represent a shift towards judgment or a call to repentance for the people of Jerusalem.
The Spirit taking Ezekiel in a vision to Chaldea, where the Israelites were in captivity, shows Ezekiel’s role as a prophet sent to communicate God’s messages to His people, even when they were far from their homeland. Despite being physically distant from Jerusalem, Ezekiel was spiritually connected to his people and remained a faithful messenger of God’s truth.
Ezekiel’s obedience in sharing the vision with the captives in Chaldea reflects his commitment to his prophetic calling and his desire to convey God’s warnings and promises to his fellow exiles. It highlights the importance of speaking truth and sharing God’s messages with others, even in challenging circumstances.
These verses in Ezekiel 11 encapsulate themes of divine judgment, the consequences of sin, the role of prophets as messengers of God, and the importance of obedience and faithfulness. They serve as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the need for His people to heed His warnings and return to Him in repentance and obedience.
After Ezekiel 11
The Lord’s judgment on the wicked leaders of Israel had been made clear. They had turned away from Him, leading the people astray. Yet, the Lord’s promise of restoration remained. A glimmer of hope shone through the darkness as the chapter drew to a close. The reverend knew that in the next chapter, the people would be given a glimpse of the Lord’s plan for their future – a future filled with the promise of a new heart and a new spirit. Though the road ahead would not be easy, the faithful could take comfort in the Lord’s unwavering love and His desire to see His people return to Him.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.