Ezekiel 20:2

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Study Bible

Then the word of the LORD:
This phrase indicates a divine revelation or message from God, a common occurrence in the prophetic books. It underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. In the context of Ezekiel, this often signifies a new vision or directive from God, emphasizing the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for divine communication. This phrase is frequently used throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 1:4 and Isaiah 38:4, highlighting the consistency of God's communication with His prophets.

came to me:
The personal nature of this phrase indicates that Ezekiel is the direct recipient of God's message. This personal encounter underscores the intimate relationship between God and His prophets. Ezekiel, a priest and prophet during the Babylonian exile, often received visions and messages that were specific to the circumstances of Israel's captivity. The phrase suggests a direct and unmediated communication, reinforcing the authenticity and urgency of the message.

saying:
This introduces the content of the divine message that follows. It prepares the reader for the specific instructions or revelations that God is about to impart. In the broader context of Ezekiel 20, the message that follows is a recounting of Israel's history of rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness, serving as both a warning and a reminder of God's covenant promises. This structure is typical in prophetic literature, where the introduction of a divine message is followed by detailed instructions, judgments, or promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the central figure in this passage. He is called by God to deliver messages to the Israelites.

2. Elders of Israel
These are the leaders of the Israelite community in exile. They come to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, seeking guidance or a word from God.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites during Ezekiel's time. It serves as the backdrop for many of Ezekiel's prophecies and interactions with the people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Sincere Inquiry
When seeking God's guidance, it is crucial to approach with sincerity and a heart willing to obey. The elders' inquiry was not genuine, as their hearts were still entangled with idolatry.

God's Omniscience
God knows the true intentions of our hearts. We cannot hide our motives from Him, as seen in His response to the elders through Ezekiel.

Repentance as a Prerequisite for Guidance
Before seeking God's direction, we must first repent of any known sin. The elders' failure to do so hindered their ability to receive a favorable response from God.

The Role of a Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a mediator between God and the people highlights the importance of having spiritual leaders who are faithful to God's word and willing to speak the truth, even when it is difficult.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The elders' idolatry serves as a warning of the spiritual blindness and separation from God that results from placing anything above Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the elders' approach to seeking God's guidance in Ezekiel 20:2, and how can we apply this to our own prayer life?

2. How does the context of the Babylonian exile influence the interactions between Ezekiel and the elders of Israel?

3. In what ways does Ezekiel 20:2 challenge us to examine our own hearts for hidden idols or insincere motives?

4. How does the role of a prophet in the Old Testament compare to the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance. How did your heart's condition affect the clarity or outcome of His response? How does this relate to the situation in Ezekiel 20:2?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 14:1-3
This passage also involves the elders of Israel coming to Ezekiel, highlighting a pattern of seeking God's counsel through the prophet. It underscores the recurring theme of Israel's leaders seeking divine guidance while still holding onto idolatrous practices.

Jeremiah 29:13
This verse emphasizes seeking God with all one's heart, contrasting with the half-hearted inquiries of the elders in Ezekiel 20:2.

Isaiah 1:15
This passage speaks to the futility of seeking God while harboring sin, paralleling the situation in Ezekiel 20:2 where the elders seek God without true repentance.