Ezekiel 11:15

"Son of man, your brothers--your relatives, your fellow exiles, and the whole house of Israel--are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said, 'They are far away from the LORD; this land has been given to us as a possession.'

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a common title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It is used over 90 times in the book, highlighting the contrast between God’s divine nature and Ezekiel’s human nature. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," indicating His role as the representative human and the Messiah.

your brothers—your relatives, your fellow exiles, and the whole house of Israel
Ezekiel is being reminded of his connection to the exiles in Babylon, who are his literal and spiritual family. This phrase underscores the unity and shared identity of the Israelites, despite their physical separation. The mention of "the whole house of Israel" indicates that God’s concern and message are for all Israelites, not just those in Jerusalem or in exile. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s covenant with all of Israel, as seen in passages like Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:5-6.

are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said
This highlights the division and tension between the exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. The people in Jerusalem viewed themselves as the true inheritors of God’s promises, dismissing the exiles. This reflects a common human tendency to see physical proximity to religious sites or symbols as equating to spiritual favor, a theme also addressed by Jesus in John 4:21-24.

‘They are far away from the LORD
The people of Jerusalem believed that physical distance from the temple equated to spiritual distance from God. This reflects a misunderstanding of God’s omnipresence and His ability to be with His people regardless of location. Theologically, this is countered by passages like Psalm 139:7-10, which affirm God’s presence everywhere. The exile itself was a result of Israel’s disobedience, yet God’s presence and promises remained with them, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11-14.

this land has been given to us as a possession.’
The inhabitants of Jerusalem believed that they were the rightful heirs of the land, seeing the exile of others as a sign of their own favor with God. This reflects a misunderstanding of the conditional nature of God’s promises regarding the land, which were contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28). Theologically, this foreshadows the New Testament teaching that true inheritance is not about physical land but about being part of God’s kingdom through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. The Exiles
The Israelites who were taken captive and relocated to Babylon, including Ezekiel himself.

3. The People of Jerusalem
Those who remained in Jerusalem and believed they were the rightful heirs of the land.

4. The Whole House of Israel
Refers to the entire nation of Israel, both those in exile and those remaining in the land.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the misconceptions of His people.

Teaching Points

God's Presence in Exile
Despite physical distance, God remains with His people. The exiles are not abandoned but are part of His divine plan.

Misplaced Confidence
Those in Jerusalem wrongly assumed that physical proximity to the temple equated to spiritual favor. True relationship with God is not about location but obedience and faithfulness.

The Remnant Principle
God often works through a faithful remnant. The exiles, though seemingly disadvantaged, are part of God's redemptive plan.

Hope in God's Promises
Even in difficult circumstances, believers can trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan for restoration and blessing.

Community and Unity
The division between the exiles and those in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the importance of unity among God's people, regardless of circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel 11:15 challenge the notion that physical proximity to religious symbols or places equates to spiritual favor?

2. In what ways can we see the principle of the faithful remnant at work in our own lives or communities today?

3. How can the experiences of the exiles in Babylon encourage us when we feel distant from God or His promises?

4. What are some modern-day "exiles" or situations where believers might feel far from God, and how can this passage offer hope?

5. How can we foster unity among believers who may feel divided by circumstances, much like the exiles and those in Jerusalem?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 24
This chapter discusses the vision of the good and bad figs, symbolizing the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem, respectively. It highlights God's favor towards the exiles.

Psalm 137
Expresses the lament of the exiles in Babylon, longing for Jerusalem and feeling distant from God.

Isaiah 49:14-16
Addresses the feeling of abandonment by God, reassuring that He has not forgotten His people.

Romans 11:1-5
Paul speaks about the remnant of Israel, emphasizing that God has not rejected His people, even when they feel distant.