Ezekiel 5:5

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the words are not Ezekiel's own but are directly from God. This establishes the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy, as seen throughout the Old Testament when prophets convey God's messages (e.g., Isaiah 1:10, Jeremiah 2:2).

‘This is Jerusalem,
Jerusalem is central to biblical history and theology. It is the city chosen by God for His temple (1 Kings 11:36) and the spiritual heart of Israel. Historically, Jerusalem was the political and religious center of the Jewish people, symbolizing God's presence among them. It is also significant in prophecy, as it is often depicted as the focal point of God's plans for redemption and judgment (Zechariah 12:2-3).

which I have set in the center of the nations,
This phrase highlights Jerusalem's geographical and theological centrality. Geographically, ancient maps often placed Jerusalem at the center of the known world. Theologically, it signifies God's intention for Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6), a place from which His truth and law would emanate. This centrality also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would bring salvation to all nations from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47).

with countries all around her.
This indicates the surrounding nations that historically interacted with Israel, such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and others. These nations often influenced or threatened Israel, leading to various conflicts and alliances. The phrase also suggests the idea of Israel being a witness to these nations, reflecting God's holiness and justice. In a prophetic sense, it points to the eschatological vision where Jerusalem becomes a place of gathering for all nations in the Messianic age (Isaiah 2:2-3).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one through whom God delivers His messages.

2. Jerusalem
The central city in this passage, representing the spiritual and political heart of Israel, chosen by God to be a light to the nations.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His authority and the gravity of His message.

4. Nations
The surrounding countries and peoples that God has placed around Jerusalem, highlighting its central role and influence.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of judgment and reflection for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Centrality of God's Plan
Jerusalem's placement at the center of the nations signifies God's intentional design for His people to be a focal point of His redemptive work.

Responsibility of Being Chosen
With the privilege of being set apart comes the responsibility to live according to God's standards and to be a witness to the surrounding nations.

Consequences of Disobedience
The context of Ezekiel's prophecy includes warnings of judgment due to Israel's failure to fulfill its role, reminding us of the importance of obedience.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose
God's placement of Jerusalem reflects His sovereign control over history and His purposeful design for His people to influence the world.

Call to Reflect God's Light
As believers, we are called to be a light in our communities, much like Jerusalem was meant to be, reflecting God's truth and love to those around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the central role of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 5:5 reflect God's purpose for His people, and how can we apply this to our lives today?

2. In what ways does the responsibility of being chosen by God manifest in our daily actions and decisions?

3. How can we ensure that we are living as a light to those around us, similar to the intended role of Jerusalem?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by Jerusalem due to disobedience, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and purpose in placing Jerusalem at the center of the nations encourage us in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:6-8
This passage highlights Israel's intended role as a wise and understanding nation, set apart by God's laws, similar to Jerusalem's central role in Ezekiel 5:5.

Isaiah 2:2-3
These verses speak of Jerusalem as a place where nations will come to learn God's ways, reinforcing its central position among the nations.

Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus' teaching about being the light of the world connects to Jerusalem's role as a beacon to the nations.

Acts 1:8
The call for the disciples to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" echoes the centrality of Jerusalem in God's plan.