Ezekiel 11:1-13 ▼

1 The Spirit then lifted me up and brought me to the eastern gate of the LORD’s house, which faces east, and at the gate’s entrance were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur, and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.

2 The LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked advice in this city.

3 They are saying, ‘Isn’t the time near to build houses? The city is the pot, and we are the meat.’

4 Therefore, prophesy against them. Prophesy, son of man! ”

5 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on me, and he told me, “You are to say, ‘This is what the LORD says: That is what you are thinking, house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your mind.

6 You have multiplied your slain in this city, filling its streets with them.

7 “ ‘Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: The slain you have put within it are the meat, and the city is the pot, but I will take you out of it.

8 You fear the sword, so I will bring the sword against you. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.

9 I will take you out of the city and hand you over to foreigners; I will execute judgments against you.

10 You will fall by the sword, and I will judge you at the border of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

11 The city will not be a pot for you, and you will not be the meat within it. I will judge you at the border of Israel,

12 so you will know that I am the LORD, whose statutes you have not followed and whose ordinances you have not practiced. Instead, you have acted according to the ordinances of the nations around you.’ ”

13 Now while I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I fell facedown and cried out loudly, “Oh, Lord GOD! You are bringing the remnant of Israel to an end! ”