Ezekiel 11:3

They are saying, 'Is not the time near to build houses? The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat.'

Study Bible

They are saying,
This phrase introduces the false prophets and leaders in Jerusalem who are misleading the people. In the context of Ezekiel, these individuals are spreading deceptive messages, claiming peace and security when destruction is imminent. This reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament where false prophets contradict God's true messengers (Jeremiah 6:14, 1 Kings 22:13-23).

‘Is not the time near to build houses?
This rhetorical question suggests a false sense of security and prosperity. The leaders are encouraging the people to settle and build, implying that there is no immediate threat. This is in stark contrast to the warnings given by true prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who foretold the impending judgment and exile (Jeremiah 29:5-7). The phrase also echoes the false optimism seen in other parts of scripture, where people ignore prophetic warnings (Isaiah 56:12).

The city is the cooking pot,
This metaphor suggests a sense of protection and containment. The leaders believe that Jerusalem, like a pot, will keep them safe from harm. However, God uses this imagery to convey the opposite message: the city will be a place of judgment where the people will be "cooked" or punished for their sins (Ezekiel 24:3-5). This metaphor is a vivid illustration of the coming siege and destruction.

and we are the meat.’
In this context, the "meat" represents the people of Jerusalem who are complacent and unaware of the impending danger. The leaders' claim that they are the "meat" suggests a sense of privilege and importance, believing they are the choice parts protected within the pot. However, this is a false assurance, as God reveals that they will face judgment. This imagery is later expanded in Ezekiel 24, where the boiling pot signifies the city's destruction. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the need for true repentance and reliance on God, rather than false security.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the one receiving and conveying God's messages to the Israelites.

2. The Elders of Israel
Leaders among the exiles who are being addressed in this passage. They are part of the group that Ezekiel is prophesying against.

3. Jerusalem
The city referred to as "the pot," symbolizing a place of supposed safety and security for its inhabitants.

4. The Exile
The context of this prophecy is during the Babylonian exile, a period of great turmoil and judgment for the Israelites.

5. The False Prophets
Those who are misleading the people with false assurances of peace and security.

Teaching Points

False Security
The Israelites believed they were safe within Jerusalem, much like meat in a pot. This false sense of security can lead to complacency and ignoring God's warnings.

Discernment Against False Prophets
Believers must be vigilant against teachings that promise peace and prosperity without repentance and obedience to God.

Understanding God's Timing
The phrase "Is not the time near to build houses?" reflects a misunderstanding of God's timing. Trusting in God's plan requires patience and faith, even when circumstances are difficult.

Judgment and Hope
While this passage speaks of judgment, it also serves as a reminder of the hope and restoration that God promises to those who remain faithful.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the pot and meat in Ezekiel 11:3 challenge the Israelites' perception of safety and security?

2. In what ways can we discern between true and false teachings in our own lives, similar to the false prophets in Ezekiel's time?

3. How does understanding God's timing, as seen in this passage, affect our approach to life's challenges and decisions?

4. What parallels can you draw between the situation in Ezekiel 11:3 and the messages in Jeremiah 29 regarding the exile?

5. How can we apply the lessons of judgment and hope from Ezekiel 11:3 to our personal spiritual journey today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 29
Jeremiah's letter to the exiles, which includes God's instructions to build houses and settle in Babylon, contrasts with the false hope of immediate return to Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 24
The imagery of the pot is revisited, where God uses it to symbolize judgment rather than safety.

Isaiah 30
The theme of false security and reliance on human wisdom rather than God's guidance is echoed.