Ezekiel 14:10
They will bear their punishment--the punishment of the inquirer will be the same as that of the prophet--
They will bear their punishment
This phrase underscores the principle of personal responsibility and accountability before God. The Hebrew root for "bear" is "נָשָׂא" (nasa), which conveys the idea of carrying or enduring a burden. In the context of Ezekiel, this reflects the divine justice system where each individual is responsible for their own actions. Historically, the Israelites were familiar with the concept of bearing consequences for their sins, as seen in the wilderness wanderings and the Babylonian exile. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's justice is impartial and that each person must face the repercussions of their own choices.

the punishment of the inquirer
The "inquirer" refers to those who seek guidance or prophecy from false prophets. The Hebrew word "דּוֹרֵשׁ" (doresh) implies seeking or inquiring, often with a sense of earnestness or desperation. In the historical context of Ezekiel, many Israelites turned to false prophets for reassurance during times of crisis, rather than seeking the true counsel of God. This phrase highlights the danger of seeking spiritual guidance from sources that do not align with God's truth, emphasizing the importance of discernment and fidelity to God's word.

will be the same as that of the prophet
This phrase indicates that both the false prophet and the one who seeks their counsel will face the same judgment. The Hebrew word for "prophet" is "נָבִיא" (navi), which traditionally refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God. However, in this context, it refers to those who falsely claim divine inspiration. The equal punishment reflects the biblical principle that misleading others spiritually is a grave offense, as it leads people away from the truth of God. This serves as a sobering warning to both leaders and followers within the faith community to adhere strictly to God's revealed word and to avoid the deception of false teachings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts. He served as a watchman for the house of Israel, warning them of God's impending judgment due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

2. False Prophets
Individuals who claimed to speak for God but led the people astray with false visions and messages. They were prevalent in Israel during Ezekiel's time, contributing to the nation's spiritual decline.

3. Inquirers
These are the people who sought guidance from false prophets instead of turning to God. Their actions demonstrated a lack of faith and trust in the true God.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon. This was a time of judgment and reflection for the nation, as they faced the consequences of their disobedience.

5. Judgment
A central theme in Ezekiel, where God holds both the false prophets and those who seek them accountable for their actions, emphasizing the seriousness of leading and following falsehood.
Teaching Points
Accountability for Actions
Both leaders and followers are accountable for their actions. Just as the false prophets and inquirers in Ezekiel's time faced judgment, we too must be discerning and responsible for whom we follow and what we believe.

The Danger of False Teachings
False teachings can lead us away from God. It's crucial to test everything against Scripture and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from falsehood.

The Importance of Seeking God Directly
Instead of relying on others to mediate our relationship with God, we should seek Him directly through prayer and Scripture, ensuring our faith is grounded in truth.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God, whether through idolatry or following false prophets, leads to judgment. We must strive to live in obedience to God's Word.

The Role of True Prophets and Teachers
True prophets and teachers lead people closer to God. We should support and listen to those who faithfully teach God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ezekiel 14:10 illustrate the principle of accountability for both leaders and followers in spiritual matters?

2. In what ways can we discern false teachings today, and how does this relate to the warnings given in Ezekiel and other scriptures?

3. Reflect on a time when you sought guidance from sources other than God. What were the outcomes, and how can Ezekiel's message guide you in future decisions?

4. How do the consequences faced by the false prophets and inquirers in Ezekiel's time serve as a warning for us today?

5. How can we ensure that our relationship with God is direct and personal, rather than mediated through potentially unreliable sources?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 18:20-22
This passage outlines the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's true messengers.

Jeremiah 14:14-16
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah warns against false prophets who speak lies in God's name, highlighting the consequences for both the prophets and those who listen to them.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits, which ties back to the accountability theme in Ezekiel.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns that people will turn away from the truth and gather teachers who say what they want to hear, reflecting the behavior of the inquirers in Ezekiel.
The Misleader and the MisledJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 14:10
Disastrous Answers to PrayerJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 14:1-11
Heart Disease the Worst DiseaseEzekiel 14:1-11
Heart IdolsJ. Parker, D. D.Ezekiel 14:1-11
Hypocritical Inquirers of GodW. Jones Ezekiel 14:1-11
Idolaters Inquiring of GodR. Einlayson, B. A.Ezekiel 14:1-11
Idolatry in the HeartJohn Bate.Ezekiel 14:1-11
Idols in the HeartJ. Ogle.Ezekiel 14:1-11
Mental IdolatryS. Leathes, D. D.Ezekiel 14:1-11
The Idols in the Heart a Barrier to the TruthEvangelical PreacherEzekiel 14:1-11
People
Daniel, Ezekiel, Job, Noah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Alike, Bear, Borne, Consults, Directions, Goes, Guilt, Guilty, Iniquity, Inquirer, Inquireth, Prophet, Punishment, Seeketh, Seeks, Sin
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 14:1-11

     8648   enquiring of God

Library
Education of Jesus.
This aspect of Nature, at once smiling and grand, was the whole education of Jesus. He learned to read and to write,[1] doubtless, according to the Eastern method, which consisted in putting in the hands of the child a book, which he repeated in cadence with his little comrades, until he knew it by heart.[2] It is doubtful, however, if he understood the Hebrew writings in their original tongue. His biographers make him quote them according to the translations in the Aramean tongue;[3] his principles
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
From this Commandment we learn that after the excellent works of the first three Commandments there are no better works than to obey and serve all those who are set over us as superiors. For this reason also disobedience is a greater sin than murder, unchastity, theft and dishonesty, and all that these may include. For we can in no better way learn how to distinguish between greater and lesser sins than by noting the order of the Commandments of God, although there are distinctions also within the
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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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