◄ Ezekiel 11 ►
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Evil in High Places 1Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. And there at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people. 2And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city. 3They are saying, ‘Is not the time near to build houses? The city is the cooking pot,a and we are the meat.’ 4Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man!” 5And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds. 6You have multiplied those you killed in this city and filled its streets with the dead. 7Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: The slain you have laid within this city are the meat, and the city is the pot; but I will remove you from it. 8You fear the sword, so I will bring the sword against you, declares the Lord GOD. 9I will bring you out of the city and deliver you into the hands of foreigners, and I will execute judgments against you. 10You will fall by the sword, and I will judge you even to the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 11The city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be the meat within it. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel. 12Then you will know that I am the LORD. For you have neither followed My statutes nor practiced My ordinances, but you have conformed to the ordinances of the nations around you.” A Promise of Restoration (Jeremiah 32:36–44) 13Now as I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I fell facedown and cried out in a loud voice, “Oh, Lord GOD, will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?” 14Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 15“Son of man, your brothers—your relatives, your fellow exiles, and the whole house of Israel—are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said, ‘They are far away from the LORD; this land has been given to us as a possession.’ 16Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’ 17Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you from the countries to which you have been scattered, and I will give back to you the land of Israel.’ 18When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations. 19And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, 20so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. 21But as for those whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.” God’s Glory Leaves Jerusalem 22Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 23And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city. 24And the Spirit lifted me up and carried me back to Chaldea,b to the exiles in the vision given by the Spirit of God. After the vision had gone up from me, 25I told the exiles everything the LORD had shown me. Footnotes: 3 a Or cauldron 24 b Or Babylonia Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezekiel 11 Summary Evil in High Places Verses 1–3 – Confronting the City Planners Ezekiel is lifted by the Spirit to the eastern gate where twenty-five influential men stand. The Lord identifies them as the ones who “plot evil and give wicked counsel,” boasting, “The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat.” They think Jerusalem’s walls will shield them from judgment and give them leisure to build new houses. Verses 4–13 – Judgment Pronounced and Pelatiah Falls God commands Ezekiel to prophesy. The prophet announces that the dead already lying in the streets are the true “meat,” while the arrogant leaders will be dragged out of the pot and struck by the sword. As Ezekiel speaks, Pelatiah suddenly dies, proving the word. Overwhelmed, Ezekiel cries out, fearing that all Israel might perish. Verses 14–21 – Promise to the Scattered and the Gift of a New Heart The Lord answers that the exiles, despised by those still in Jerusalem, are His real people. Though scattered, He has been “a sanctuary for them” abroad. He promises to gather them back, purge idols, and replace their stony hearts with hearts of flesh so they will obey Him: “Then they will be My people, and I will be their God” (v. 20). Verses 22–25 – The Glory Departs, Vision Ends The cherubim lift their wings; the glory of the Lord rises from the city and pauses over the Mount of Olives, then leaves. The Spirit returns Ezekiel to Babylon, where he reports everything to the exiles. Ezekiel 11 unfolds as a dramatic narrative of divine judgment and promises of restoration. As the chapter opens, Prophet Ezekiel is carried by the Spirit of God to the entrance of the temple in Jerusalem where he sees twenty-five men whose actions incite God's wrath. However, amidst the certainty of judgment, hope is also extended to the remnant who will be gathered and restored. Historical Setting • Date: about 592 BC, during the sixth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity (Ezekiel 8:1). • Place: Ezekiel is in Babylon, but transported in vision to Jerusalem’s temple precincts. • Situation: The first wave of exiles (597 BC) is already in Babylon. Jerusalem’s leaders remain defiant despite Nebuchadnezzar’s dominance and Jeremiah’s warnings (Jeremiah 27–29). Key Characters • Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah – prominent princes, possibly members of the city council. Pelatiah’s death in the vision is a sign of coming reality. • The twenty-five men – may overlap with the twenty-five idol-worshiping priests seen in Ezekiel 8:16, showing corruption in both civic and religious spheres. • The exiles – labeled “far from the LORD” by Jerusalemites, yet God calls them “your brothers.” The “Cooking Pot” Saying Explained Jerusalem’s leaders twist a common proverb. They imagine the city as a sturdy iron pot protecting tender meat from the fire—i.e., the siege outside. God flips the image: the corpses inside show judgment has already breached the pot, and the leaders themselves will be hauled out and slain “at the borders of Israel” (v. 11), probably Riblah where Zedekiah’s sons were later executed (2 Kings 25:6–7). Exile and Remnant Themes 1. Judgment falls first on those who presume safety (compare Amos 6:1). 2. The exiles, not the arrogant city dwellers, comprise the faithful remnant (Jeremiah 24:5–7). 3. God’s presence is not confined to place—He becomes “a sanctuary” in foreign lands (v. 16). This anticipates Jesus’ words in John 4:21–23 that true worship is not tied to a mountain or city. The Promise of a New Heart • Verses 19–20 preview the new-covenant promise later enlarged in Ezekiel 36:26–27 and Jeremiah 31:31–34. • Heart of stone → heart of flesh: a picture of inward transformation, not mere external reform. • “New spirit” signals God’s own Spirit empowering obedience, echoed in Romans 8:1–4. The Departure of the Glory • Sequence: from the inner court (Ezekiel 10:18) → eastern gate (10:19) → above the city → Mount of Olives (11:23). • The eastward route matches the coming return in Ezekiel 43:1–5, hinting that departure is temporary. • The Mount of Olives later features in Jesus’ triumphal entry and ascension (Luke 19:37; Acts 1:12), linking the themes of departure and promised return. Links to Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 28:36–37 – prophecy of exile fulfilled. • 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36 – historical execution of Jerusalem’s leaders. • Zechariah 14:4 – the Lord standing on the Mount of Olives, reversing the departure. • Revelation 21:3 – ultimate fulfillment: “He will dwell with them, and they will be His people.” Practical Lessons for Today • Political or religious position does not shield anyone from God’s scrutiny. • God can make any place a sanctuary for those who seek Him. • Genuine change starts in the heart, not in outward structures. • Even severe judgment carries a thread of hope for those who repent. Archaeological Notes • Cuneiform tablets from Babylon’s Al-Yahudu (“Judah-town”) archives confirm Judean communities living comfortably in exile, matching v. 16’s promise of a sanctuary abroad. • Excavations in Jerusalem’s City of David show a sharp destruction layer from 586 BC, consistent with Ezekiel’s warnings. • A signet seal reading “Ya’azaniah servant of the king” (found at Tell Beit Mirsim) demonstrates the name’s popularity among high officials, supporting the plausibility of Jaazaniah’s status. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart. Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Teaching Points Vision of Judgment Ezekiel 11 begins with a vision where the Spirit lifts Ezekiel to the east gate of the LORD's house, where he sees 25 men, including leaders like Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, who are giving wicked counsel to the city (Ezekiel 11:1-2). False Security The leaders falsely assure the people that they are safe, comparing the city to a pot and themselves as the meat, suggesting they are secure within its walls (Ezekiel 11:3). God's Response God declares through Ezekiel that He will bring judgment upon these leaders and the city for their rebellion and idolatry (Ezekiel 11:8-10). Promise of Restoration Despite the impending judgment, God promises to gather His people from the nations and give them a new heart and spirit, removing their heart of stone and giving them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:17-19). God's Presence The chapter concludes with the glory of the LORD departing from the city, signifying the seriousness of their sin but also foreshadowing the hope of His return (Ezekiel 11:23). Practical Applications Discernment in Leadership Be cautious of leaders who offer false security and counsel that contradicts God's Word. Seek wisdom and discernment in choosing whom to follow. Repentance and Renewal Recognize the areas in your life where you may have a heart of stone and seek God's transformative power to renew your heart and spirit. Hope in Restoration Even in times of judgment or discipline, hold onto the hope of God's promise to restore and renew His people. God's Presence Value and seek the presence of God in your life, understanding that His presence is both a comfort and a call to holiness. People 1. Ezekiel The prophet and primary figure in the book, Ezekiel is the one receiving the visions and messages from God. He is tasked with delivering God's messages to the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 11, he is shown a vision concerning the leaders of Jerusalem. 2. Jaazaniah son of Azzur One of the leaders mentioned in Ezekiel 11:1. He is identified as a prince of the people and is part of the group giving wicked counsel in Jerusalem. The name Jaazaniah (יַאֲזַנְיָהוּ, Ya'azanyahu) means "Yahweh hears." 3. Pelatiah son of Benaiah Another leader mentioned alongside Jaazaniah in Ezekiel 11:1. He is also a prince of the people and involved in the corrupt leadership. Pelatiah (פְּלַטְיָהוּ, Pelatyahu) means "Yahweh delivers." 4. The Spirit Referred to in Ezekiel 11:5, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Ezekiel, enabling him to prophesy. The Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach) is a manifestation of God's presence and power. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The central divine figure who communicates with Ezekiel throughout the book. In Ezekiel 11, the LORD provides the vision and the message of judgment and restoration for Israel. Places 1. The East Gate of the LORD's House This is the location where Ezekiel sees the vision of the twenty-five men, including Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, who are leaders among the people. The East Gate is significant as it is one of the main entrances to the temple complex in Jerusalem. In Hebrew, "gate" is "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar), indicating a place of entry or access. 2. Jerusalem The city of Jerusalem is central to the vision and prophecies in Ezekiel 11. It is the focal point of God's judgment and the place where the leaders are devising iniquity. The Hebrew name for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. Events 1. Vision of the Twenty-Five Men Ezekiel sees twenty-five men at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD's house, including Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who are leaders among the people. These men are giving wicked counsel in the city (Ezekiel 11:1-2). 2. Condemnation of False Counsel The LORD accuses these leaders of devising iniquity and giving wicked advice in Jerusalem. They are saying, "Is not the time near to build houses? This city is the pot, and we are the meat" (Ezekiel 11:3). This metaphor suggests a false sense of security and complacency. 3. Prophecy Against the Leaders God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against these leaders, declaring that their plans will not succeed. The LORD will bring judgment upon them, and they will fall by the sword (Ezekiel 11:4-8). 4. Judgment Pronounced The LORD declares that He will bring them out of the city and deliver them into the hands of foreigners, executing judgments against them. They will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 11:9-12). 5. Death of Pelatiah As Ezekiel prophesies, Pelatiah son of Benaiah dies. This event causes Ezekiel to cry out in fear for the remnant of Israel, questioning if God will completely destroy them (Ezekiel 11:13). 6. Promise of Restoration God reassures Ezekiel that although He has scattered the people among the nations, He will gather them back. He promises to give them the land of Israel and remove their detestable practices (Ezekiel 11:14-18). 7. Transformation of the Heart The LORD promises to give the people a new heart and a new spirit, removing their heart of stone and giving them a heart of flesh. This transformation will enable them to follow His statutes and keep His ordinances (Ezekiel 11:19-20). 8. Warning of Consequences God warns that those who continue in detestable practices will face consequences. Their actions will bring their own downfall (Ezekiel 11:21). 9. Departure of the Glory of the LORD The glory of the LORD departs from the city and moves to the mountain east of it, signifying the withdrawal of God's presence from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 11:22-23). 10. Return to the Exiles The Spirit lifts Ezekiel and brings him back to the exiles in Chaldea, where he recounts everything the LORD has shown him (Ezekiel 11:24-25). Lessons from Ezekiel 11 1. The Sovereignty of God Ezekiel 11 reminds us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. The chapter opens with a vision of the leaders of Israel plotting evil, yet God is not surprised. He declares, "I know what is going through your mind" (Ezekiel 11:5). This is a powerful reminder that nothing escapes God's notice, and His plans will ultimately prevail. Trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. 2. The Consequences of Sin The leaders of Israel were leading the people astray, and God warned of the consequences. "You have multiplied your slain in this city and filled its streets with the dead" (Ezekiel 11:6). Sin has real, tangible consequences, and this chapter serves as a sobering reminder to turn away from wrongdoing and seek righteousness. Let this be a call to examine our own lives and align our actions with God's will. 3. The Promise of Restoration Despite the judgment pronounced, God offers hope. He promises to gather His people from the nations and bring them back to their land. "I will give you the land of Israel" (Ezekiel 11:17). This promise of restoration is a testament to God's unfailing love and mercy. No matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. 4. The New Heart and Spirit One of the most beautiful promises in Ezekiel 11 is the transformation God offers: "I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them" (Ezekiel 11:19). This is a foreshadowing of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, transforming us from the inside out. Embrace this promise and allow God to renew your heart and spirit daily. 5. The Importance of Obedience God desires obedience from His people. He says, "They will follow My statutes and keep My ordinances and practice them" (Ezekiel 11:20). Obedience is not about following rules for the sake of it, but about living in a way that honors God and reflects His character. Let obedience be a joyful response to His love and grace. 6. The Reality of God's Presence Ezekiel 11 highlights the departure of God's glory from the temple, a poignant reminder of the importance of His presence. "The glory of the LORD went up from within the city" (Ezekiel 11:23). Today, we have the incredible privilege of God's presence through the Holy Spirit. Cherish and cultivate this relationship, knowing that He is with you always. 7. The Role of Prophets Ezekiel's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth, even when it was difficult. This chapter underscores the importance of being faithful messengers of God's word. Whether through sharing the gospel or living out biblical principles, we are called to be His ambassadors in the world. Be bold and courageous in proclaiming His truth. 8. The Call to Repentance God's message through Ezekiel was a call to repentance. "Repent and turn from all your offenses" (Ezekiel 11:18). Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins, but about turning away from them and toward God. It's a daily practice that keeps our hearts aligned with His will. 9. The Assurance of God's Faithfulness Even in judgment, God remains faithful to His promises. He assures His people of their future restoration and blessing. "They will be My people, and I will be their God" (Ezekiel 11:20). This assurance is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that God is always true to His word. 10. The Hope of Redemption Ezekiel 11 ultimately points to the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. The promise of a new heart and spirit is fulfilled in Him, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God. Embrace this hope and share it with others, knowing that through Christ, we have the ultimate victory over sin and death. Topics 1. Judgment on Jerusalem's Leaders Ezekiel 11 begins with a vision where the Spirit lifts Ezekiel and brings him to the east gate of the LORD's house. Here, he sees twenty-five men, including Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, leaders who are giving wicked counsel in the city. The LORD declares judgment upon them for their false sense of security and misleading the people. The Hebrew root for "counsel" (עֵצָה, `etsah) implies advice or purpose, highlighting the leaders' role in guiding the people astray. 2. Prophecy Against the Wicked Counsel The LORD instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against these leaders, condemning their false assurances and the violence they have incited. The prophecy reveals that the city will not be a "cooking pot" to protect them, and they will be judged at the borders of Israel. The Hebrew word for "cooking pot" (סִיר, sir) symbolizes false security, as the leaders believed they were safe within Jerusalem. 3. Pelatiah's Death and Ezekiel's Intercession As Ezekiel prophesies, Pelatiah son of Benaiah dies, prompting Ezekiel to cry out to the LORD, questioning if He will completely destroy the remnant of Israel. This moment underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and Ezekiel's role as an intercessor. The Hebrew root for "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) refers to those who survive or are left, emphasizing the concern for the future of Israel. 4. Promise of Restoration for the Exiles Despite the judgment, God promises to gather the exiles and bring them back to the land of Israel. He will give them a new heart and a new spirit, removing their heart of stone and giving them a heart of flesh. This transformation signifies a renewed covenant relationship. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) is central to understanding the inner transformation God promises. 5. The Glory of the LORD Departs The chapter concludes with the glory of the LORD departing from the city and stopping above the mountain east of it. This signifies the withdrawal of God's presence due to the people's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew root for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) conveys the weightiness and honor of God's presence, which is now leaving Jerusalem. Themes 1. Judgment on Jerusalem's Leaders Ezekiel 11 begins with a vision of the leaders of Jerusalem who are plotting iniquity and giving wicked counsel. The Lord declares judgment upon them for their actions. The Hebrew root for "iniquity" (עָוֹן, 'avon) implies a deep moral perversity, highlighting the severity of their sin. ^"Son of man, these are the men who are plotting evil and giving wicked counsel in this city."^ (Ezekiel 11:2) 2. False Security and Misplaced Confidence The leaders falsely assure the people of safety, comparing the city to a pot and themselves to the meat, suggesting they are secure. This theme underscores the danger of misplaced confidence in human strength rather than in God. ^"This city is the pot, and we are the meat."^ (Ezekiel 11:3) 3. Divine Retribution and Accountability God promises to bring judgment upon the leaders for their actions, emphasizing His justice and the principle of divine retribution. The Hebrew word for "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) conveys a legal decision, underscoring God's role as the ultimate judge. ^"I will bring you out of the city and hand you over to foreigners; I will execute judgments against you."^ (Ezekiel 11:9) 4. The Sovereignty of God The passage highlights God's sovereignty over nations and individuals, as He declares His intentions and actions. This theme reassures believers of God's ultimate control over all events. ^"And you will know that I am the LORD, for you have not walked in My statutes or executed My ordinances, but have conformed to the ordinances of the nations around you."^ (Ezekiel 11:12) 5. Promise of Restoration and a New Heart Despite the judgment, God promises to gather His people, give them a new heart, and put a new spirit within them. This theme of restoration points to God's mercy and the transformative power of His Spirit. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies the inner being, indicating a profound internal change. ^"I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."^ (Ezekiel 11:19) 6. The Glory of the Lord Departing The vision concludes with the glory of the Lord departing from the city, symbolizing God's withdrawal due to the people's unfaithfulness. This theme serves as a solemn warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience. ^"Then the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city."^ (Ezekiel 11:23) Prayer Points Pray for Discernment Ask God for wisdom to discern true and godly leadership in your life and community. Pray for a New Heart Seek God's transformative power to replace any hardness in your heart with a heart of flesh that is responsive to His Spirit. Pray for Restoration Intercede for those who have strayed from God, that they may experience His restoration and renewal. Pray for God's Presence Invite God's presence into your daily life, asking Him to guide you in holiness and truth. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ezekiel 11:16, how can the claimed scattering be reconciled with the limited archaeological and historical evidence for a mass dispersion at that specific time? 2. Ezekiel 11:19 promises a new heart and spirit, yet biblical and historical records show repeated relapses into idolatry—does this undermine the authenticity of that divine promise? 3. Ezekiel 11:1–3 mentions city leaders plotting “evil” against Jerusalem; are there any external historical or archaeological sources confirming such conspiracies? 4. Ezekiel 11:23 describes the departure of God’s glory from the Temple—how can we verify whether this was a real event or a later literary construct? 5. Ezekiel 11:12 condemns the people for not following God’s statutes, yet other texts (e.g., 2 Chronicles 30) depict reforms and observance—do these accounts conflict, and if so, how? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Ezekiel was shown these twenty-five men? 2. How does the judgment against these leaders in Jerusalem apply to modern day spiritual leadership? 3. Discuss the significance of God's judgment "in their midst" in verses 5-12. 4. What does the death of Pelatiah symbolize? 5. How does Ezekiel’s plea for the remnant of Israel in verse 13 reflect his role as a prophet? 6. How are the exiles viewed by the inhabitants of Jerusalem and how does this compare to how God views them? 7. What can we learn about God's character from His promise to gather His people? 8. In verses 16-21, what is the significance of God giving His people a new heart and spirit? 9. How can we apply the transformation of the people of Israel to our personal lives? 10. How does God's promise of a new heart and spirit connect to the concept of repentance? 11. Discuss the symbolism of the glory of the Lord departing from the city. 12. What lessons can we learn from the journey of Ezekiel in this chapter? 13. How does the message of Ezekiel 11 apply to our understanding of divine justice and mercy? 14. Discuss the implications of this chapter for understanding the relationship between sin, repentance, and restoration. 15. How can we relate the exile and restoration of the people of Israel to challenges and victories in our personal life? 16. In the current world, how can we promote a "new heart and spirit" in our communities? 17. How does Ezekiel 11 shape our understanding of the role of prophets in biblical times and their messages' relevance today? 18. What does the promise of restoration in this chapter tell us about God's plans for His people amidst trials? 19. How does Ezekiel 11 inspire you in your walk of faith? 20. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions align with God's laws and commands as seen in verse 20? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions