Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man!" Therefore prophesy against them;Ezekiel was carried in the Spirit to Jerusalem’s east gate, where he saw twenty-five leaders devising evil and giving wicked counsel to the city. Their confidence that Jerusalem was secure ignored the bloodshed, idolatry, and injustice that had provoked God’s judgment. God called His prophet to confront those who influenced the nation toward rebellion. Their position did not shield them from accountability; the shepherds of God’s people would answer for leading the flock astray (Jeremiah 23:1–2). Ezk 6:2 Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel…… prophesy, O son of man!” God addressed Ezekiel as “son of man,” reminding him of his human weakness while commissioning him to speak with divine authority. Though Ezekiel lived among the exiles in Babylon, God made him a witness against Jerusalem’s rulers and announced the judgment soon to come through Babylon. The repeated command underscores that silence was not an option when God’s holiness and the people’s spiritual welfare were at stake. Ezekiel’s ministry anticipates the greater Son of Man, Jesus Christ, who came not only to expose sin but to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Ezk 21:9 Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. The Elders of Israel Leaders of the people who were often involved in idolatry and leading the nation astray. 3. Jerusalem The city where the elders and people of Israel were committing abominations, leading to God's judgment. 4. The Spirit of the Lord The divine presence that empowers Ezekiel to prophesy and deliver God's message. 5. The Exile The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies. Teaching Points The Role of the ProphetProphets are called to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance. The prophetic message often includes both judgment and hope, calling people to repentance. The Responsibility of Leadership Leaders are accountable to God for their actions and influence over others. Spiritual leaders must guide people according to God's word, not personal or cultural preferences. The Consequences of Idolatry Idolatry leads to spiritual and moral decay, inviting God's judgment. True worship requires exclusive devotion to God, rejecting all forms of idolatry. The Empowerment of the Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill God's calling, providing strength and courage. Dependence on the Spirit is essential for effective ministry and witness. The Call to Repentance God's judgment is an invitation to repentance and restoration. Repentance involves turning away from sin and returning to God with a sincere heart. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet challenge our understanding of speaking truth in today's world?2. In what ways can spiritual leaders today ensure they are leading according to God's word rather than cultural trends? 3. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can distract us from true worship of God? 4. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in our daily lives and ministries? 5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and align ourselves with God's will? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 1:9-10Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is called to prophesy against nations and kingdoms, highlighting the role of prophets in declaring God's judgment. Isaiah 6:8-9 Isaiah's commission to speak to a rebellious people parallels Ezekiel's mission, emphasizing the theme of prophetic calling. Acts 7:51-53 Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin reflects the resistance of Israel's leaders to God's prophets, similar to the elders in Ezekiel's time. Revelation 10:11 John's call to prophesy again to many peoples, nations, and kings echoes the ongoing need for prophetic voices.
People Azur, Azzur, Benaiah, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, PelatiahPlaces Chaldea, Chebar, JerusalemTopics Cause, O, Prophesy, ProphetDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 11:1-12Library 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 11:4 NIVEzekiel 11:4 NLT Ezekiel 11:4 ESV Ezekiel 11:4 NASB Ezekiel 11:4 KJV Ezekiel 11:4 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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