◄ Ezekiel 20:49 ►
Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, 'Is he not just telling parables?'" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:49? 2. How does Ezekiel 20:49 illustrate the challenge of communicating God's message effectively? 3. What can we learn from Ezekiel's experience about perseverance in sharing God's truth? 4. How does Ezekiel 20:49 connect with other instances of prophetic frustration in Scripture? 5. How can we apply Ezekiel's determination to our own faith-sharing efforts today? 6. What strategies can we use when others dismiss our faith as "parables"? 7. Why does Ezekiel 20:49 mention parables in relation to prophecy? 8. How does Ezekiel 20:49 challenge the understanding of prophetic communication? 9. What is the significance of the people's response in Ezekiel 20:49? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20? 11. What are the key themes in Ezekiel's life story? 12. Historically and archaeologically, is there evidence to support the repeated cycles of rebellion and divine judgment described throughout Ezekiel 20? 13. In 2 Samuel 12:7-14, why would a just God inflict punishment on an innocent child for David's sin, seemingly contradicting Ezekiel 18:20? 14. How does the promise of eventual restoration in Ezekiel 20:40-44 stand up to skepticism when some prophecies appear to have remained unfulfilled from a historical standpoint? Discussion Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's experience with the Israelites' skepticism reflect challenges we might face when sharing our faith today? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart that is open to understanding the deeper truths of Scripture, especially when they are presented in parables or symbolic language? 3. How does the use of parables in both the Old and New Testaments demonstrate God's method of revealing truth to those who are spiritually discerning? 4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's faithfulness in delivering God's message despite the people's disbelief and mockery? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 20:49 to remain faithful and trust in God's sovereignty during our own "exile" experiences or challenging times? Ezekiel 20 Bible Study Questions 1. How does the recounting of Israel's history of rebellion serve as a cautionary tale for us today? 2. What can we learn about God's character through His interactions with Israel in this chapter? 3. How do you see God's mercy and judgement balancing each other in Ezekiel 20? 4. What does the concept of the Sabbath represent in this chapter and how can it be applied today? 5. How do the elders of Israel approach Ezekiel and how does their attitude reflect the state of their relationship with God? 6. Why does God repeatedly hold back His full wrath despite Israel's constant rebellion? 7. How does God's promise of future restoration reflect His ultimate plans for humanity? 8. In what ways might we be guilty of idolatry in our modern context? 9. How does God's response to Israel's rebellion in Babylon apply to our lives when we find ourselves in 'exile' situations? 10. What can we learn from God's strategy of discipline and promise of restoration in guiding our own actions and life choices? 11. How does the final verse (Ezekiel 20:44) inspire you and why? 12. In what ways does Israel's loathing of their past actions after God's judgment mirror personal regret and repentance? 13. How can the concept of purification mentioned in the chapter be applied in our spiritual journey today? 14. What do you think it means to serve God with a "whole heart" as stated in the final section? 15. In what ways does this chapter challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy? 16. How can the history of Israel's disobedience serve as a mirror for our own spiritual state? 17. What parallels can be drawn between Israel's rebellion and the moral and spiritual state of society today? 18. How does God's promise of restoration in this chapter encourage you in times of personal struggle? 19. What steps can you take to avoid falling into the patterns of rebellion displayed by the Israelites? 20. In what ways can we take lessons from Israel's history to build a more faithful and obedient relationship with God today? Links Ezekiel 20:49 NIV Ezekiel 20:49 NLT Ezekiel 20:49 ESV Ezekiel 20:49 NASB Ezekiel 20:49 KJV Ezekiel 20:49 Commentaries Bible Hub