Ezekiel 20:27 Study Bible: "Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "In this moreover have your fathers blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

◄ Ezekiel 20:27 ►

Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: In this way also your fathers blasphemed Me by their unfaithfulness against Me.

Study Bible

Therefore, son of man
The phrase "son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the connection between Ezekiel and the human condition, highlighting his role as a mediator between God and Israel. This title reminds us of the humility required in serving God and the importance of being grounded in the reality of human experience while delivering divine messages.

speak to the house of Israel
The "house of Israel" refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. Historically, this term encompasses all twelve tribes, though at times it may specifically address the northern kingdom. In this context, it serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, a relationship that is both privileged and demanding. The call to "speak" signifies the prophetic duty to convey God's message, regardless of the people's receptiveness, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's command.

and tell them
The directive to "tell them" underscores the urgency and necessity of delivering God's message. It is a command that highlights the role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece. This phrase also implies accountability; the prophet must faithfully communicate God's words, and the people are responsible for their response. It serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God's word, which demands attention and action.

This is what the Lord GOD says
The phrase "This is what the Lord GOD says" is a declaration of divine authority. In Hebrew, "Adonai Yahweh" combines the titles of Lord and the personal name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and covenantal faithfulness. This introduction to the prophetic message asserts that the words to follow are not of human origin but are divinely inspired, carrying the weight and authority of God Himself. It calls the audience to listen with reverence and seriousness.

In this way also your fathers blasphemed Me
The reference to "your fathers" connects the current generation with their ancestors, highlighting a pattern of disobedience and rebellion against God. The term "blasphemed" indicates a serious offense, involving disrespect and irreverence towards God. Historically, Israel's repeated idolatry and covenant violations are well-documented, serving as a warning to the present generation. This phrase calls for reflection on past failures and the need for repentance and renewal of faithfulness to God.

by their unfaithfulness
"Unfaithfulness" here refers to the breach of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In Hebrew, the term often conveys the idea of treachery or betrayal, akin to marital infidelity. This highlights the gravity of Israel's actions, as they have turned away from their commitment to God. The historical context of Israel's idolatry and alliances with pagan nations serves as a backdrop, illustrating the consequences of straying from God's commands. This phrase calls believers to examine their own faithfulness and to strive for a steadfast relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is often referred to as "son of man" in the book.

2. House of Israel
The collective term for the Israelites, God's chosen people, who are being addressed in this passage. They are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is speaking through Ezekiel to remind the Israelites of their past unfaithfulness.

4. Fathers/Ancestors of Israel
The previous generations of Israelites who repeatedly turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and other sins.

5. Blasphemy and Unfaithfulness
The actions of the Israelites' ancestors, which included idolatry and breaking the covenant with God, leading to their current state of exile.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The Israelites' history of unfaithfulness serves as a warning to us about the consequences of turning away from God. We must remain vigilant in our faith and obedience.

The Importance of Remembering History
Understanding the past helps us avoid repeating the same mistakes. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and the lives of others.

God's Call to Repentance
Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God continues to call them to repentance. This demonstrates His mercy and desire for restoration, which is available to us today.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were tasked with delivering difficult messages. We should be open to receiving correction and guidance from spiritual leaders in our lives.

Faithfulness in the Present
Our current faithfulness to God is crucial. Evaluate areas in your life where you may be compromising and seek to align them with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the history of the Israelites' unfaithfulness challenge you to examine your own faithfulness to God today?

2. In what ways can remembering the past help you make better spiritual decisions in the present?

3. How does God's call to repentance in Ezekiel 20:27 encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

4. What role do spiritual leaders play in helping you stay faithful to God, and how can you support them in their ministry?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy despite your unfaithfulness. How can this experience motivate you to remain faithful now?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites quickly turned to idolatry after being delivered from Egypt, exemplifying the blasphemy and unfaithfulness mentioned in Ezekiel 20:27.

Deuteronomy 9
Moses recounts the rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's continued provision and guidance.

Jeremiah 7
Jeremiah speaks against the false sense of security the Israelites had in the temple, emphasizing their need for genuine repentance and faithfulness to God.

Sermons

Unacceptable Prayer	J.D. Davies	Ezekiel 20:1-32
God, and Israel in Canaan	W. Jones	Ezekiel 20:27-29
The Memory of Offences in the Land of Promise	J.R. Thomson	Ezekiel 20:27-31

People

Ezekiel, Israelites, Jacob, Teman

Places

Babylon, Bamah, Egypt, Negeb

Topics

Acting, Blasphemed, Cause, Committed, Committing, Dealing, Dealt, Fathers, Forsaking, Further, Hast, Moreover, Reviled, Says, Shame, Sovereign, Speak, Thus, Treacherously, Trespass, Unfaithfulness, Wrong, Wrought, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Ezekiel 20:27

Ezekiel 20:1-44

5800 blasphemy
7135 Israel, people of God

Ezekiel 20:27-29

5183 smell

Library

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral.
1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
God's procedure when imitable forms a peculiar argument for duty. That is made known for many reasons; among which must stand this,--that it may be observed and followed as an example. That, being perfect, is a safe and necessary pattern to follow. The law of God proclaims what he wills men as well as angels to do. The purposes of God show what he has resolved to have accomplished. The constitutions of his moral subjects intimate that he has provided that his will shall be voluntarily accomplished …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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