Ezekiel 11:13

Now as I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I fell facedown and cried out in a loud voice, "Oh, Lord GOD, will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?"

Study Bible

Now as I was prophesying
This phrase indicates the immediacy and divine timing of the events. The Hebrew root for "prophesying" is "נָבָא" (naba), which means to speak or sing by inspiration. Ezekiel, as a prophet, is a mouthpiece for God, delivering messages that are not his own but divinely inspired. This highlights the seriousness and authenticity of the prophetic message, emphasizing that the events unfolding are under God's sovereign control.

Pelatiah son of Benaiah died
Pelatiah, whose name means "Yahweh delivers," ironically meets his end during the prophecy. This serves as a stark reminder of the judgment upon those who oppose God's will. Historically, Pelatiah was a leader among the people, and his death symbolizes the fall of corrupt leadership. The mention of his father, Benaiah, adds a personal dimension, underscoring the familial and communal impact of divine judgment.

Then I fell facedown
Ezekiel's physical reaction of falling facedown is a posture of humility, submission, and deep distress. In the Hebrew tradition, this act signifies reverence and an acknowledgment of God's overwhelming presence and authority. It reflects Ezekiel's role as an intercessor, deeply moved by the vision and the fate of his people.

and cried out with a loud voice
The act of crying out "with a loud voice" conveys urgency and desperation. The Hebrew word for "cried out" is "זָעַק" (za'aq), which often denotes a cry for help or a plea for intervention. This expression of raw emotion highlights the prophet's deep concern for Israel and his desire for God's mercy.

Alas, Lord GOD!
The exclamation "Alas" is a lament, expressing sorrow and fear. The Hebrew "אֲהָהּ" (ahhah) is a cry of woe, often used in contexts of mourning or impending doom. "Lord GOD" is a translation of "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's supreme authority and covenant relationship with Israel. This invocation underscores the prophet's recognition of God's power and his appeal to God's covenantal faithfulness.

Will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?
The term "remnant" refers to the faithful few who survive judgment. In Hebrew, "שְׁאֵרִית" (she'erit) signifies those preserved by God's grace. Ezekiel's question reflects a deep theological concern: the survival of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises. Historically, the concept of a remnant is central to Israel's hope, as it assures continuity and future restoration. The phrase "to a complete end" raises the tension between divine justice and mercy, prompting reflection on God's redemptive plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Pelatiah son of Benaiah
A leader among the people, whose sudden death during Ezekiel's prophecy serves as a divine sign and a catalyst for Ezekiel's intercession.

3. The Remnant of Israel
Refers to the remaining Israelites who have survived previous judgments and are in exile, representing hope for future restoration.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a significant context for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. Jerusalem
The city central to Ezekiel's prophecies, representing both the physical location and the spiritual state of the people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are not only messengers but also intercessors. Ezekiel's reaction shows the deep compassion and responsibility he feels for his people.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
God's judgments are severe, yet they are always accompanied by the possibility of mercy and restoration for those who repent.

The Importance of Intercession
Ezekiel's prayer for the remnant highlights the power and necessity of intercessory prayer in seeking God's mercy and intervention.

Understanding God's Sovereignty
The sudden death of Pelatiah serves as a reminder of God's control over life and death, urging believers to trust in His sovereign plans.

Hope for Restoration
Despite the immediate judgment, the concept of a remnant assures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises and the hope of future restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's reaction to Pelatiah's death reflect the heart of a true prophet, and how can we apply this attitude in our own prayer lives?

2. In what ways does the concept of a remnant provide hope for believers today, especially in times of widespread moral decline?

3. How can we balance the understanding of God's judgment with His mercy in our personal lives and in our interactions with others?

4. What role does intercessory prayer play in your spiritual life, and how can you be more intentional about praying for others?

5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 11:13 encourage you to trust Him in uncertain circumstances? Consider other biblical examples of God's sovereignty in your response.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 24
This chapter discusses the vision of the good and bad figs, symbolizing the fate of those in exile and those remaining in Jerusalem, paralleling the themes of judgment and hope in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision and his intercession for the people echo Ezekiel's response to God's judgment, highlighting the role of prophets as intercessors.

Romans 11
Paul speaks of the remnant of Israel, connecting the Old Testament concept of a faithful remnant to the New Testament understanding of God's ongoing plan for Israel.