And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city. And the LORD said to me,God disclosed the hidden purposes of Jerusalem’s leaders to Ezekiel during the vision of the temple and city. The prophet spoke by divine revelation, not human suspicion, and God’s knowledge reached even the secret counsels of those entrusted with Israel’s welfare. Jer 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’… “Son of man, God addressed Ezekiel as a mortal servant standing before the sovereign Lord. Ezekiel’s human weakness contrasted with the divine authority of the One who commissioned him to confront rulers, priests, and people. The title also prepared him to bear the burden of speaking God’s judgment faithfully. Ezk 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet”… these are the men who plot evil The men included leading officials of Jerusalem, among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, whom Ezekiel had seen at the eastern gate of the temple. Their plans resisted God’s warnings through Jeremiah and Ezekiel, treating rebellion against Babylon as a path to security rather than submitting to the discipline God had ordained. Mic 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds… and give wicked counsel in this city. Jerusalem’s leaders encouraged false confidence, persuading the inhabitants that the city would protect them from judgment. Their counsel helped lead the people into continued idolatry, injustice, and defiance of God. Those given authority to shepherd the people instead became instruments of their ruin, bringing judgment upon the city they claimed to defend. Pro 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just, but… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's visions and messages, tasked with delivering them to the Israelites. 2. The LORD The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates directly with Ezekiel, revealing the spiritual and moral state of the people and their leaders. 3. The Men These are the leaders or elders of Israel who are accused of plotting evil and giving wicked counsel, leading the people astray. 4. The City Refers to Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and identity, which is under threat due to the people's disobedience and the leaders' corruption. 5. Plotting Evil and Giving Wicked Counsel This describes the actions of the leaders who are steering the people away from God's commandments, contributing to the city's impending judgment. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are accountable to God for their influence and guidance. They must seek wisdom and counsel from God rather than their own understanding. The Consequences of Wicked Counsel Giving and following ungodly advice leads to destruction and judgment. It is crucial to discern and reject counsel that contradicts God's Word. The Role of the Prophet Prophets like Ezekiel are called to speak truth to power, even when it is unpopular. Believers today are also called to stand for truth in a world that often rejects it. God's Sovereignty and Justice God sees the actions and intentions of all, and He will hold accountable those who lead others astray. Trust in His justice and righteousness. Repentance and Restoration While judgment is pronounced, there is always an opportunity for repentance and turning back to God. This is a call to examine our own lives and seek His forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of leadership in Ezekiel 11:2 compare to the responsibilities of leaders in the church today?2. What are some modern examples of "wicked counsel" that believers should be wary of, and how can we discern them? 3. In what ways can we, like Ezekiel, be voices of truth in our communities, and what challenges might we face? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice in Ezekiel 11:2 provide comfort and assurance in times of moral and spiritual decline? 5. Reflect on a time when you followed ungodly advice. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back to God's path? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 5:31This verse speaks of prophets prophesying falsely and priests ruling by their own authority, similar to the wicked counsel given by the leaders in Ezekiel. Isaiah 3:12 Highlights the consequences of poor leadership, where those who lead the people cause them to err, paralleling the situation in Ezekiel. Micah 3:11 Describes leaders who judge for a bribe and prophets who divine for money, reflecting the corruption and wicked counsel in Ezekiel 11:2.
People Azur, Azzur, Benaiah, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, PelatiahPlaces Chaldea, Chebar, JerusalemTopics Advice, Counsel, Designing, Devise, Devising, Evil, Giving, Iniquity, Mischief, Teaching, Town, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 11:2Library A Little SanctuaryThe Lord hears the unkind speeches of the prosperous when they speak bitterly of those who are plunged in adversity. Read the context--"Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the Lord: unto us is this land given in possession." This unbrotherly language moved the Lord to send the prophet Ezekiel with good and profitable words to the children of the captivity. … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888 A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. An Appendix to the Beatitudes Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 11:2 NIVEzekiel 11:2 NLT Ezekiel 11:2 ESV Ezekiel 11:2 NASB Ezekiel 11:2 KJV Ezekiel 11:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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