Ezekiel 11:20

so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.

Study Bible

so that they may follow My statutes
This phrase emphasizes the purpose of God's transformative work in the hearts of His people. The Hebrew word for "statutes" is "חֻקּוֹתַי" (chuqqotai), which refers to decrees or laws that are established by God. These are not mere suggestions but divine ordinances meant to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of His people. Historically, the statutes were given to Israel as part of the covenant relationship, a binding agreement that required obedience and faithfulness. In the context of Ezekiel, God is promising a renewal of this covenant, where His people will be empowered to live according to His divine will. This reflects the New Covenant promise found in Jeremiah 31:33, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people, indicating an internal transformation that leads to genuine obedience.

and keep My ordinances
The word "ordinances" in Hebrew is "מִשְׁפָּטַי" (mishpatay), which can be translated as judgments or decisions. These are the specific applications of God's statutes in various situations, reflecting His justice and righteousness. To "keep" these ordinances implies a diligent and faithful adherence to God's righteous standards. In the historical context of Ezekiel, the Israelites had often failed to keep God's ordinances, leading to their exile. However, this promise indicates a future restoration where God's people will be enabled to live in accordance with His righteous judgments. This is a call to holiness and justice, reflecting God's character in the lives of His people.

and practice them
The phrase "practice them" suggests an active, ongoing engagement with God's laws. The Hebrew verb "עָשׂוּ" (asu) means to do or to make, indicating that obedience to God's commands is not passive but requires intentional action. This is a call to live out one's faith in tangible ways, demonstrating the reality of God's transformative work in the believer's life. In the broader biblical narrative, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized that true discipleship involves not just hearing His words but putting them into practice (Matthew 7:24-27). It is a reminder that faith is evidenced by works, as James 2:17 states, "faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead."

Then they will be My people
This phrase signifies a restored relationship between God and His people. The covenant language here echoes the promises made to the patriarchs, where God declared that He would be their God and they would be His people (Genesis 17:7). In the context of Ezekiel, this is a promise of hope and restoration for a people who had experienced the consequences of breaking the covenant. It points to a future where God's people are identified by their obedience and faithfulness to Him. This relationship is not just a matter of identity but of belonging and purpose, as God's people are called to reflect His glory to the nations.

and I will be their God
The declaration "I will be their God" is the culmination of the covenant relationship. It signifies God's commitment to His people, His presence among them, and His role as their protector and provider. In the historical context, this was a radical promise, especially for a people in exile who felt abandoned by God. It reassures them of His unchanging faithfulness and His desire to dwell among them. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant relationship with God, sealed by the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder of the intimate and personal relationship that God desires with His people, one that is marked by love, faithfulness, and mutual commitment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, often involving visions and symbolic acts.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, who are in exile due to their disobedience to God. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both physical and spiritual separation from their homeland and God.

4. God
The central figure in the passage, expressing His desire for a covenant relationship with His people, characterized by obedience and faithfulness.

5. Jerusalem
The city that symbolizes the heart of Israel's spiritual life, which has been corrupted by idolatry and disobedience, leading to God's judgment.

Teaching Points

Covenant Relationship
God desires a deep, personal relationship with His people, characterized by mutual commitment. This relationship is not just about following rules but involves a transformation of the heart.

Obedience as a Response
Obedience to God's statutes and ordinances is a response to His love and grace. It is not about legalism but about living in a way that honors the covenant relationship.

Heart Transformation
True obedience comes from a transformed heart. God promises to change our hearts so that we can follow Him more closely.

Identity as God's People
Being God's people is both a privilege and a responsibility. It involves living in a way that reflects His character to the world.

Hope for Restoration
Even in times of judgment and exile, God offers hope for restoration and renewal. His promises are sure, and He is faithful to bring His people back to Himself.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel 11:20 reflect the nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people?

2. In what ways does the promise of heart transformation in Ezekiel 11:20 encourage you in your personal walk with God?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience as a response to God's love in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways to live out our identity as God's people in today's world?

5. How do the themes of restoration and hope in Ezekiel 11:20 connect with other parts of Scripture, and how can they encourage us in difficult times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:33
This verse speaks of the new covenant where God will write His law on the hearts of His people, similar to the promise in Ezekiel 11:20 of internal transformation leading to obedience.

Deuteronomy 30:6
This passage discusses God circumcising the hearts of His people so they may love Him fully, paralleling the heart transformation in Ezekiel.

2 Corinthians 6:16
Paul references the idea of God dwelling among His people, echoing the covenant relationship described in Ezekiel 11:20.