Ezekiel 3:20

Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.

Study Bible

Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness
The phrase "righteous man" in Hebrew is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which denotes someone who is just, lawful, and morally upright. In the context of ancient Israel, righteousness was closely tied to adherence to the Law of Moses. The idea of turning from righteousness suggests a deliberate choice to abandon a path of obedience to God. This highlights the biblical theme of free will and personal responsibility, emphasizing that even those who are considered righteous are not immune to falling away if they choose to turn from God's ways.

and commits iniquity
The Hebrew word for "iniquity" is "עָוֹן" (avon), which implies a perversion or moral evil. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are contrary to God's commands. The transition from righteousness to iniquity underscores the seriousness of sin and its capacity to corrupt and lead one away from God. It serves as a warning that no one is beyond the reach of sin's temptation and the need for constant vigilance in one's spiritual walk.

I will place a stumbling block before him
The "stumbling block" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol) is a metaphor for an obstacle or hindrance that causes one to fall. In biblical times, this could refer to physical obstacles on a path, but spiritually, it represents divine judgment or consequences that result from turning away from God. This phrase indicates God's active role in allowing consequences for sin, serving as both a judgment and a means to bring the sinner to repentance.

and he will die
Death here is both physical and spiritual, reflecting the ultimate consequence of sin. In the Old Testament, death is often seen as separation from God, the source of life. This serves as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

Since you have not warned him
The responsibility of the prophet, or any believer, is highlighted here. The Hebrew word for "warn" is "הִזְהִיר" (hizhir), which means to enlighten or admonish. This emphasizes the duty of God's people to speak truth and guide others away from sin. It underscores the communal aspect of faith, where believers are accountable not only for themselves but also for their brothers and sisters in faith.

he will die in his sin
This phrase reiterates the consequence of unrepented sin. The Hebrew word for "sin" is "חֵטְא" (chet), which means to miss the mark. It conveys the idea of falling short of God's standards. The emphasis is on the personal nature of sin and its consequences, reinforcing the need for personal repentance and accountability.

and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered
This highlights the biblical principle that past righteousness does not excuse present sin. The Hebrew concept of "remembering" (זָכַר, zakar) often implies acting upon what is remembered. In this context, it means that past good deeds cannot outweigh current disobedience. It serves as a call to perseverance in faith and righteousness.

and I will hold you responsible for his blood
The phrase "responsible for his blood" (דָּם, dam) is a legal term indicating accountability for another's life. In ancient Israel, blood was symbolic of life, and to be responsible for someone's blood meant bearing the guilt for their death. This underscores the serious responsibility of spiritual leaders and believers to guide others in truth and righteousness, as failing to do so can have eternal consequences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is tasked with being a watchman for the house of Israel.

2. Righteous Man
Represents individuals who have been living according to God's laws but choose to turn away and commit sin.

3. Stumbling Block
A metaphorical obstacle that God places, which can lead to the downfall of those who turn from righteousness.

4. God
The sovereign Lord who holds individuals accountable for their actions and the actions of others they fail to warn.

5. Israelites
The primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, who are in exile and need guidance and warning from God.

Teaching Points

Responsibility of the Watchman
As believers, we are called to be watchmen, warning others of the spiritual dangers of turning away from righteousness.

Accountability Before God
God holds us accountable not only for our actions but also for our inaction in warning others.

The Danger of Complacency
Even those who are righteous can fall into sin if they become complacent. Continuous vigilance and adherence to God's word are necessary.

The Irrelevance of Past Righteousness
Past righteous deeds do not exempt one from the consequences of current sin. Continuous faithfulness is required.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is just in His judgments, and His placement of stumbling blocks serves as a test of faithfulness and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of a watchman in Ezekiel 3:20 apply to modern-day Christians in their communities and churches?

2. What are some practical ways we can warn others who are turning away from righteousness, and how can we do so with love and grace?

3. In what ways can we guard against becoming complacent in our own spiritual walk, ensuring we do not turn from righteousness?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice in placing stumbling blocks affect our view of trials and temptations in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you failed to warn someone of spiritual danger. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply Ezekiel 3:20 to future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 18:24
This verse also discusses the consequences of a righteous person turning to sin, emphasizing personal responsibility and the loss of previous righteousness.

James 5:19-20
Highlights the importance of turning a sinner from the error of their ways, which aligns with the responsibility of warning others.

Hebrews 6:4-6
Discusses the peril of falling away after having received the knowledge of the truth, similar to the righteous man turning to iniquity.