When you say, 'Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,' what you have in mind will never come to pass. When you sayThis phrase introduces a direct address from God to the Israelites, highlighting their rebellious intentions. The Hebrew root for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies a declaration or intention. Here, it underscores the Israelites' vocalized desire to abandon their unique covenant identity. Historically, this reflects a period when Israel was tempted to assimilate with surrounding pagan cultures, forsaking their distinct calling as God's chosen people. ‘Let us be like the nations like the peoples of the lands serving wood and stone what you have in mind will never happen Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. 3. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a land of foreign gods and practices. 4. Nations/Peoples of the Lands Refers to the surrounding pagan nations whose practices the Israelites were tempted to adopt. 5. Idolatry The act of worshiping idols, which is a central issue addressed in this passage. Teaching Points The Danger of ConformityThe Israelites' desire to be like other nations reflects a temptation to conform to worldly standards. Believers today must guard against the allure of cultural assimilation that contradicts God's commands. The Futility of Idolatry Serving "wood and stone" is ultimately futile. Idolatry, in any form, cannot fulfill the deep spiritual needs that only God can satisfy. God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness Despite the Israelites' intentions, God declares that their plans to adopt pagan practices will not succeed. This underscores God's control and His commitment to His covenant people. The Call to Holiness Believers are called to be set apart, living lives that reflect God's holiness rather than the practices of the world. Trust in God's Plan Even when tempted to follow the ways of the world, believers can trust that God's plans are for their ultimate good and His glory. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can tempt believers to conform to the world, and how can we guard against them?2. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 20:32 provide comfort and assurance in times of temptation? 3. In what ways can believers today live out the call to be distinct from the world, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9? 4. How does Romans 12:2 challenge us to renew our minds and resist conformity to worldly patterns? 5. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to follow the crowd. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, highlighting God's demand for exclusive worship. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 A warning against adopting the practices of other nations, emphasizing the danger of idolatry. Romans 12:2 Encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, aligning with the call to resist idolatry. 1 Peter 2:9 Describes believers as a chosen people, distinct from the nations, reinforcing the call to holiness.
People Ezekiel, Israelites, Jacob, TemanPlaces Babylon, Bamah, Egypt, NegebTopics Countries, Families, Heathen, Lands, Mind, Minds, Nations, Peoples, Saying, Servants, Serve, Serving, Stone, Tribes, Wood, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 20:32Library 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. Tithing Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath. Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Covenant of Works Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 20:32 NIVEzekiel 20:32 NLT Ezekiel 20:32 ESV Ezekiel 20:32 NASB Ezekiel 20:32 KJV Ezekiel 20:32 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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