Ezekiel 11:19

And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh,

Study Bible

And I will give them
This phrase signifies God's sovereign initiative and grace. The Hebrew root for "give" is "nathan," which implies a bestowal or gift. In the context of Ezekiel, God is promising a transformation that only He can initiate. This reflects the biblical theme of divine intervention where God acts to restore and renew His people, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of spiritual renewal.

singleness of heart
The Hebrew term here is "leb echad," which can be translated as "one heart" or "united heart." This phrase suggests a unified purpose and devotion to God, contrasting with the divided loyalties that led to Israel's downfall. Historically, Israel struggled with idolatry and a divided allegiance between God and foreign deities. This promise of a unified heart indicates a future where God's people will be wholly devoted to Him, reflecting the Shema's call in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love God with all one's heart.

and put a new spirit within them
The "new spirit" refers to an inner transformation, a renewal of the human spirit that aligns with God's will. The Hebrew word for "spirit" is "ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. This indicates a revitalization that is both life-giving and dynamic. In the broader biblical narrative, this points to the New Covenant promise of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, as seen in the New Testament, where believers are transformed by the Spirit's power.

I will remove their heart of stone
The "heart of stone" symbolizes stubbornness, insensitivity, and resistance to God's will. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the heart was seen as the center of will and emotion. A "heart of stone" suggests a spiritual condition that is unresponsive to God. This imagery is powerful, indicating a need for divine intervention to overcome human obstinacy and rebellion.

and give them a heart of flesh
In contrast to a heart of stone, a "heart of flesh" is soft, responsive, and alive. The Hebrew word for "flesh" is "basar," which implies something living and sensitive. This transformation signifies a heart that is open to God's influence, capable of love, compassion, and obedience. It reflects the biblical promise of regeneration, where God not only forgives but also transforms the believer's inner nature, enabling them to live in accordance with His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and restoration to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the recipients of God's promise of transformation.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both judgment and the context for God's promise of renewal.

4. Jerusalem
The city that has been judged for its sins, yet is also the focal point of God's future restoration plans.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who promises to transform His people by giving them a new heart and spirit.

Teaching Points

The Promise of Transformation
God promises to change the very nature of His people, indicating that true change comes from Him. This transformation is not superficial but a deep, internal renewal.

Heart of Stone vs. Heart of Flesh
The heart of stone represents stubbornness and resistance to God, while the heart of flesh signifies responsiveness and sensitivity to His will. Believers are called to examine their own hearts and seek God's transformative power.

Unity in Spirit
The "one heart" suggests unity among God's people, a collective transformation that leads to a community living in harmony with God's purposes.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The new spirit within them points to the work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, guiding, convicting, and empowering them to live according to God's will.

Hope for Restoration
This promise was given to a people in exile, offering hope and assurance that God has not abandoned them. It reminds believers today that no situation is beyond God's power to redeem and restore.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have a "heart of stone," and how can we identify areas in our lives where we might be resistant to God?

2. How does the promise of a "new spirit" within us relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we foster unity and a "one heart" mentality within our church communities?

4. How does the transformation described in Ezekiel 11:19 give us hope in times of personal or communal exile?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change in your heart or spirit. How did this align with the promise of transformation in Ezekiel 11:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:31-34
This passage speaks of the New Covenant, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, similar to the transformation described in Ezekiel 11:19.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Paul speaks of believers being a new creation in Christ, which echoes the idea of receiving a new heart and spirit.

Psalm 51:10
David's plea for a clean heart and a right spirit aligns with the transformation God promises in Ezekiel.

Hebrews 8:10
The writer of Hebrews references the New Covenant, emphasizing the internal change God brings about in His people.

Romans 2:29
Paul discusses the true circumcision of the heart by the Spirit, which connects to the heart transformation in Ezekiel.