Ezekiel 20:2

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Study Bible

Then
The word "Then" indicates a continuation or a sequence of events. In the context of Ezekiel, this word signifies a moment in the ongoing narrative of God's communication with His prophet. It suggests a divine timing, where God chooses specific moments to reveal His will and guidance. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God's timing in our own lives, recognizing that He speaks to us in His perfect time.

the word
In Hebrew, the term for "word" is "dabar," which encompasses not just spoken words but also actions and events. This reflects the power and authority of God's word, which is not merely informative but transformative. The "word" of God is living and active, as seen throughout Scripture, where God's declarations bring about creation, judgment, and redemption. It is a reminder of the potency and reliability of God's promises and commands.

of the LORD
The phrase "of the LORD" uses the sacred name of God, often represented as YHWH or Yahweh. This name is deeply significant, denoting God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unchanging character. The use of "LORD" underscores the divine authority and the personal nature of the message being delivered to Ezekiel.

came
The word "came" suggests movement and initiative from God towards humanity. It indicates that God is not distant or passive but actively engages with His creation. This divine approachability is a central theme in the Bible, where God continually reaches out to guide, correct, and comfort His people. It is an encouragement to believers that God is always near and willing to communicate with those who seek Him.

to me
The phrase "to me" personalizes the message, emphasizing that God speaks to individuals. In this context, "me" refers to Ezekiel, a prophet chosen by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites. This personal address highlights the intimate relationship between God and His servants. It serves as a reminder that God knows each of us personally and desires to communicate His will to us individually.

saying
The word "saying" introduces the content of God's message. It prepares the reader for the divine revelation that follows. This term underscores the clarity and intentionality of God's communication. God does not speak in riddles or ambiguities but provides clear guidance and instruction. It is a call for us to listen attentively and respond obediently to God's voice in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the central figure in this passage. He is called by God to deliver messages to the Israelites.

2. Elders of Israel
These are the leaders of the Israelite community in exile. They come to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, seeking guidance or a word from God.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites during Ezekiel's time. It serves as the backdrop for many of Ezekiel's prophecies and interactions with the people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Sincere Inquiry
When seeking God's guidance, it is crucial to approach with sincerity and a heart willing to obey. The elders' inquiry was not genuine, as their hearts were still entangled with idolatry.

God's Omniscience
God knows the true intentions of our hearts. We cannot hide our motives from Him, as seen in His response to the elders through Ezekiel.

Repentance as a Prerequisite for Guidance
Before seeking God's direction, we must first repent of any known sin. The elders' failure to do so hindered their ability to receive a favorable response from God.

The Role of a Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a mediator between God and the people highlights the importance of having spiritual leaders who are faithful to God's word and willing to speak the truth, even when it is difficult.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The elders' idolatry serves as a warning of the spiritual blindness and separation from God that results from placing anything above Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the elders' approach to seeking God's guidance in Ezekiel 20:2, and how can we apply this to our own prayer life?

2. How does the context of the Babylonian exile influence the interactions between Ezekiel and the elders of Israel?

3. In what ways does Ezekiel 20:2 challenge us to examine our own hearts for hidden idols or insincere motives?

4. How does the role of a prophet in the Old Testament compare to the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance. How did your heart's condition affect the clarity or outcome of His response? How does this relate to the situation in Ezekiel 20:2?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 14:1-3
This passage also involves the elders of Israel coming to Ezekiel, highlighting a pattern of seeking God's counsel through the prophet. It underscores the recurring theme of Israel's leaders seeking divine guidance while still holding onto idolatrous practices.

Jeremiah 29:13
This verse emphasizes seeking God with all one's heart, contrasting with the half-hearted inquiries of the elders in Ezekiel 20:2.

Isaiah 1:15
This passage speaks to the futility of seeking God while harboring sin, paralleling the situation in Ezekiel 20:2 where the elders seek God without true repentance.