Ezekiel 11:6
You have multiplied those you killed in this city and filled its streets with the dead.
You have multiplied
The Hebrew root for "multiplied" is "רָבָה" (ravah), which means to increase or become many. This word indicates not just a simple addition but an exponential growth. In the context of Ezekiel, it reflects the rampant and unchecked violence and sin that have overtaken Jerusalem. Historically, this period was marked by social and moral decay, where the leaders and people of Jerusalem had turned away from God's commandments, leading to widespread injustice and bloodshed.

those you killed
The phrase "those you killed" uses the Hebrew word "הָרַג" (harag), meaning to slay or murder. This is a direct accusation against the leaders and inhabitants of Jerusalem, highlighting their culpability in the shedding of innocent blood. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the violation of the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The gravity of this sin is underscored by its direct opposition to God's law and the sanctity of life that He upholds.

in this city
The term "this city" refers specifically to Jerusalem, the holy city chosen by God as His dwelling place among His people. Jerusalem was meant to be a beacon of righteousness and a center of worship for the nations. However, during Ezekiel's time, it had become a place of corruption and idolatry. Archaeological findings from this period reveal a city in turmoil, with evidence of social unrest and foreign influence that contributed to its spiritual decline.

and filled its streets
The imagery of "filled its streets" conveys a sense of overwhelming and pervasive death. The streets, which should have been bustling with life and commerce, were instead scenes of carnage and despair. This phrase evokes a powerful visual of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a stark reminder of the physical and spiritual desolation that results when a society turns away from divine principles.

with the dead
The word "dead" in Hebrew is "מֵת" (met), signifying not only physical death but also spiritual death. The presence of the dead in the streets symbolizes the complete moral and spiritual decay of the city. In a theological sense, this reflects the wages of sin, as described in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate consequence of living in defiance of God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. Jerusalem
The city in focus, representing the spiritual and political center of Israel, which is under judgment for its sins.

3. Israelite Leaders
The elders and leaders of Israel who are being condemned for their actions that have led to violence and death in Jerusalem.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesies, a period of great turmoil and reflection for the Israelites.

5. God's Judgment
The event of divine retribution against the sins of the people, particularly the leaders, for their idolatry and injustice.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin, especially when perpetuated by leaders, leads to destruction and death. We must be vigilant in our personal and communal lives to avoid the paths that lead to spiritual and physical ruin.

Leadership Accountability
Leaders bear a significant responsibility for the spiritual and moral direction of their communities. This passage challenges us to pray for and hold our leaders accountable to God's standards.

The Call to Repentance
Despite the harsh judgment, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. We are called to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and seek God's mercy.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and serves as a warning to turn from wickedness. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for a Savior.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader account of Ezekiel includes promises of restoration and hope, pointing us to the ultimate redemption found in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the context of the Babylonian exile influence the message of Ezekiel 11:6, and what can we learn from it about God's faithfulness in times of judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of sin in our own communities, and how can we address these issues biblically?

3. How does the accountability of leaders in Ezekiel 11:6 challenge us in our roles within our families, churches, and workplaces?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living lives of repentance and seeking God's mercy daily?

5. How does the theme of hope and restoration in the book of Ezekiel encourage us in our walk with Christ, especially when facing personal or communal challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 7
This chapter also addresses the sins of Jerusalem and the impending judgment, emphasizing the people's false sense of security in the temple.

Isaiah 1
Isaiah speaks of the moral and spiritual decay of Jerusalem, similar to Ezekiel's message, calling for repentance and justice.

Matthew 23
Jesus condemns the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and leading people astray, echoing the themes of leadership failure in Ezekiel.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the judgment on Jerusalem, symbolizing the fall of corrupt systems opposed to God.
A Vision of PriesthoodsUrijah R. Thomas.Ezekiel 11:1-12
Evil in High PlacesJ. Parker, D. D.Ezekiel 11:1-12
The Presumptuous Security of Sinners Exhibited and CondemnedW. Jones Ezekiel 11:1-13
The Summary Punishment of Official GuiltJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 11:1-13
People
Azur, Azzur, Benaiah, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, Pelatiah
Places
Chaldea, Chebar, Jerusalem
Topics
Dead, Filled, Filling, Full, Multiplied, Out-places, Slain, Streets, Thereof, Town, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 11:6

     5040   murder

Ezekiel 11:1-12

     4478   meat

Ezekiel 11:5-6

     5812   concealment

Library
A Little Sanctuary
The Lord hears the unkind speeches of the prosperous when they speak bitterly of those who are plunged in adversity. Read the context--"Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the Lord: unto us is this land given in possession." This unbrotherly language moved the Lord to send the prophet Ezekiel with good and profitable words to the children of the captivity.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
Jesus is talking of the death of His friend, let us listen to His words; perhaps we may find the key to His actions in the words of His lips. How surprising! He does not say, "I regret that I have tarried so long." He does not say, "I ought to have hastened, but even now it is not too late." Hear, and marvel! Wonder of wonders, He says, "I am glad that I was not there." Glad! the word is out of place? Lazarus, by this time, stinketh in his tomb,and here is the Saviour glad! Martha and Mary are weeping
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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