Ezekiel 3:11

Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says,' whether they listen or refuse to listen."

Study Bible

Go to your people
In this phrase, the directive is clear and personal. The Hebrew word for "go" is "halak," which implies movement with purpose. Ezekiel is being sent to his own people, the Israelites, who are in exile. This highlights the personal responsibility and connection Ezekiel has with his audience. Historically, the Israelites were in Babylonian captivity, a period of great distress and identity crisis. Ezekiel's mission is to bring God's message to them, emphasizing the importance of community and the prophet's role within it.

the exiles
The term "exiles" refers to the Israelites who were taken captive by the Babylonians. The Hebrew word "gola" is used here, which denotes those who have been carried away from their homeland. This context is crucial as it underscores the sense of loss and displacement experienced by the people. Theologically, it reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, yet it also sets the stage for messages of hope and restoration that Ezekiel will later deliver.

to the children of your people
This phrase reiterates the familial and national connection Ezekiel has with his audience. The Hebrew word "ben" (children) signifies not just biological offspring but also descendants and members of a community. Ezekiel is not an outsider; he is one of them, which adds weight to his message. It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the people are often referred to as God's children.

and speak to them
The command to "speak" is central to Ezekiel's prophetic role. The Hebrew word "dabar" means to declare or proclaim. This is not a casual conversation but a divine mandate to deliver God's message. The act of speaking is powerful in the biblical context, as it is through words that God created the world and through words that prophets convey God's will.

and tell them
The repetition of the command to communicate underscores the importance of the message. The Hebrew word "amar" is used here, which can mean to say, speak, or command. This emphasizes the authority and urgency of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. It is not merely a suggestion but a directive from God that must be conveyed to the people.

‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’
This phrase is a standard prophetic formula that asserts the divine origin of the message. The use of "Lord GOD" (YHWH Elohim) combines the covenant name of God with a title that denotes His supreme authority. It assures the audience that the message is not Ezekiel's own but comes directly from God. This divine endorsement is crucial for the credibility and seriousness of the prophetic message.

whether they listen or refuse to listen
This concluding phrase acknowledges the potential resistance of the audience. The Hebrew words "shama" (listen) and "chadal" (refuse) highlight the choice given to the people. Despite their response, Ezekiel's duty is to deliver the message faithfully. This reflects a recurring biblical theme of human free will and responsibility. It also underscores the prophet's role as a watchman, accountable to God for delivering the message, regardless of the people's reaction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. His role was to be a watchman for the house of Israel.

2. The Exiles
The Israelites who were taken captive and living in Babylon. They were the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophetic messages.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to guide, warn, and instruct His people.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both physical captivity and spiritual testing.

5. Prophetic Commission
The event where God commissions Ezekiel to speak His words to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's call regardless of the people's response.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Call
Ezekiel's commission underscores the importance of obedience to God's call, regardless of the anticipated response. Believers are encouraged to faithfully deliver God's message in their own contexts.

Faithfulness Over Results
The focus is on being faithful to God's command rather than being concerned with the outcome. Success in God's eyes is measured by obedience, not by human standards of success.

The Role of a Watchman
Like Ezekiel, Christians are called to be watchmen, sharing God's truth with others. This involves both warning and encouraging, always pointing back to God's word.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God is sovereign and His plans will prevail, humans have the responsibility to respond to His message. This duality should encourage believers to share the gospel with urgency and compassion.

Perseverance in Ministry
Ezekiel's example teaches perseverance in ministry, even when faced with indifference or hostility. Believers are called to trust in God's purposes and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet to the exiles inform our understanding of God's faithfulness to His people, even in times of judgment?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of speaking God's truth "whether they listen or refuse to listen" in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of being a "watchman" challenge us to engage with our communities and share the gospel?

4. What are some modern-day challenges that might prevent us from faithfully delivering God's message, and how can we overcome them?

5. How do the themes of obedience and faithfulness in Ezekiel 3:11 connect with Jesus' Great Commission in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:7-8
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is called to speak God's words to the people, emphasizing that the prophet's duty is to deliver the message, not to ensure its acceptance.

Isaiah 6:9-10
Isaiah is also given a message to deliver to a people who may not listen, highlighting the recurring theme of prophetic ministry in the face of resistance.

Acts 28:25-28
Paul, like the Old Testament prophets, speaks to the people about God's message, whether they accept it or not, showing the continuity of this prophetic mission into the New Testament.