Ezekiel 33:25

Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land?

Study Bible

Therefore tell them
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew word for "tell" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to speak or declare. This highlights the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God, emphasizing the importance of delivering God's message accurately and faithfully. In the historical context, prophets were often tasked with delivering difficult truths to the people, calling them to repentance and obedience.

this is what the Lord GOD says
The phrase underscores the authority of the message. "Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (Adonai Yahweh), combining the sovereign title "Adonai" with the personal name of God, "Yahweh." This combination emphasizes both God's supreme authority and His covenant relationship with Israel. It serves as a reminder that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from the Almighty, who has the ultimate authority over the land and its people.

You eat meat with blood
This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 17:10-14). The Hebrew word for "blood" is "דָּם" (dam), which is considered the life force of a creature. Consuming blood was seen as a serious violation of God's commandments, symbolizing a disregard for the sanctity of life. Historically, this practice was associated with pagan rituals, indicating a departure from the covenantal laws given to Israel.

you look to your idols
Idolatry was a persistent issue for Israel, often leading them away from worshiping the one true God. The Hebrew word for "idols" is "גִּלּוּלִים" (gillulim), which can also mean "worthless things." This term reflects the futility and emptiness of idol worship. In the scriptural context, idolatry is not just the physical act of bowing to statues but represents a deeper spiritual adultery, where the people placed their trust and hope in things other than God.

and you shed blood
This phrase refers to acts of violence and murder, which were rampant in the society Ezekiel addressed. The shedding of innocent blood is a grave sin in the biblical narrative, violating the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The Hebrew word for "shed" is "שָׁפַךְ" (shaphak), meaning to pour out, indicating the deliberate and violent nature of these acts. Historically, such violence was symptomatic of a society that had turned away from God's laws.

Should you then possess the land?
This rhetorical question challenges the people's sense of entitlement to the land promised to their ancestors. The Hebrew word for "possess" is "יָרַשׁ" (yarash), meaning to inherit or occupy. The land was a gift from God, contingent upon the people's obedience to His commandments. This question serves as a call to self-examination, urging the Israelites to consider whether their actions align with the covenantal requirements necessary to remain in the land. It reflects the biblical principle that blessings are tied to obedience, and disobedience leads to judgment and exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who was called to deliver messages of warning and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection.

4. The Land
Refers to the Promised Land, which the Israelites were hoping to return to and possess once again.

5. Idols
Objects of worship that the Israelites turned to instead of the one true God, leading to their spiritual downfall.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' failure to obey God's dietary laws and prohibition against idolatry serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience in our own lives.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and physical consequences, as seen in the Israelites' exile. We must examine our own lives for modern-day idols.

The Sanctity of Life
The prohibition against eating blood underscores the value God places on life. We are called to respect and uphold the sanctity of life in all its forms.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite their disobedience, God offers the Israelites a chance for repentance and restoration. This is a message of hope for us today.

Possessing the Promises of God
Just as the Israelites were questioned about their right to possess the land, we must consider our own readiness to receive God's promises based on our faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions does God accuse the Israelites of in Ezekiel 33:25, and how do these actions reflect their spiritual state?

2. How does the prohibition against eating blood in Leviticus 17 relate to the message in Ezekiel 33:25, and what does it teach us about obedience?

3. In what ways might modern Christians struggle with idolatry, and how can we apply Ezekiel's warning to our lives today?

4. How does the concept of repentance and restoration in Ezekiel 33:25 offer hope to believers who have strayed from God's commands?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's promises. How does Ezekiel 33:25 challenge you to examine your faithfulness and readiness to receive His blessings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:10-14
This passage outlines the prohibition against eating blood, emphasizing the sanctity of life and obedience to God's commands.

Exodus 20:3-4
The Ten Commandments, which include prohibitions against idolatry, highlighting the Israelites' failure to uphold God's law.

Jeremiah 7:9-10
Jeremiah's warning against false security in religious practices while living in sin, similar to Ezekiel's message.

Deuteronomy 12:23-25
Reinforces the command not to consume blood, linking dietary laws to spiritual obedience.

Psalm 106:34-39
A recounting of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, leading to their downfall and exile.