Ezekiel 14:7

For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself.

Study Bible

For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel
This phrase highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant community, extending beyond ethnic Israelites to include foreigners living among them. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for all nations, as seen in the Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3) and the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Testament (Acts 10:34-35). The presence of foreigners in Israel was common due to trade and migration, and they were expected to adhere to certain aspects of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:22).

separates himself from Me
Separation from God indicates a deliberate turning away or apostasy. In the context of Ezekiel, this often involved idolatry and breaking the covenant. The historical backdrop includes Israel's repeated cycles of rebellion and repentance, as seen in the books of Judges and Kings. This separation is not just physical but spiritual, reflecting a heart that has turned away from God, similar to the warnings in Deuteronomy 28 about the consequences of disobedience.

sets up idols in his heart
Idolatry in the heart suggests an internal, spiritual rebellion rather than just external practices. This internalization of idolatry is significant because it shows that sin begins in the heart (Matthew 15:19). The prophets frequently condemned idolatry, which was prevalent in the ancient Near East, where various deities were worshipped. This phrase underscores the seriousness of idolatry as a heart issue, not merely a ritualistic one.

and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face
A stumbling block refers to anything that leads one into sin or causes spiritual downfall. In biblical terms, it often denotes actions or beliefs that lead others away from God (Romans 14:13). The imagery suggests an obstacle deliberately placed in one's path, indicating intentional sin. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned not to cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).

and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me
This action reveals hypocrisy, as the individual seeks divine guidance while harboring idolatry. Prophets in Israel served as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people. The historical context includes false prophets who misled the people, contrasting with true prophets like Ezekiel who called for repentance. This scenario reflects the tension between genuine and false spirituality.

I the LORD will answer him Myself
God's direct response indicates His sovereignty and the seriousness of the offense. In the Old Testament, God often communicated through prophets, but here He promises a personal response, emphasizing accountability. This divine intervention is consistent with God's character as just and righteous, as seen throughout Scripture (Isaiah 45:21). It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that God knows the hearts of all people (Hebrews 4:13).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The covenant people of God, chosen to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.

2. Foreigners residing in Israel
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who were expected to adhere to certain aspects of the covenant community.

3. Idols in the heart
Represents internal idolatry, where individuals prioritize anything above God in their hearts.

4. Prophet
A messenger of God, through whom God communicates His will to the people.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.

Teaching Points

Guard Your Heart
The heart is the seat of our affections and priorities. We must vigilantly guard against allowing anything to take precedence over our devotion to God.

Internal Idolatry
Idolatry is not just external but can be internal, where desires, ambitions, or relationships become more important than God.

Sincerity in Seeking God
When approaching God, we must do so with sincerity and a pure heart, free from hidden idols or ulterior motives.

God's Omniscience
God knows the true state of our hearts and will respond accordingly. We cannot deceive Him with outward appearances.

Repentance and Restoration
God desires repentance and is willing to restore those who turn away from idols and seek Him wholeheartedly.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols of the heart" that can distract us from our relationship with God?

2. How can we identify and remove stumbling blocks in our spiritual walk that hinder our relationship with God?

3. In what ways does the concept of internal idolatry challenge our understanding of sin and repentance?

4. How does the warning in Ezekiel 14:7 about insincere inquiry relate to Jesus' teaching on serving two masters?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance. How did you ensure your heart was fully devoted to Him during that process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:5
This verse emphasizes the command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, contrasting with the divided heart that sets up idols.

Jeremiah 17:9-10
These verses discuss the deceitfulness of the heart and God's ability to search and know the heart, similar to how God addresses the heart's idolatry in Ezekiel.

Matthew 6:24
Jesus teaches that one cannot serve two masters, highlighting the impossibility of serving both God and idols.

1 John 5:21
John warns believers to keep themselves from idols, echoing the call to avoid idolatry in Ezekiel.

James 1:5-8
James speaks about asking God for wisdom without doubting, which relates to the sincerity required when seeking God, unlike those who inquire with idolatrous hearts.