Verses 1-5
The first verse of Ezekiel chapter 11 sets the context of the passage, stating that the Spirit of the Lord lifted Ezekiel up and brought him to the east gate of the Lord’s house, where he saw 25 men, including Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people. The east gate was considered the main entrance to the temple, and it faced the Mount of Olives, where many significant events in the life of Jesus took place. Therefore, this gate is often seen as symbolizing the entrance to God’s presence.
In verses 2-3, the Lord speaks to Ezekiel and reveals to him the evil plans of the 25 leaders he saw at the gate. These leaders were counseling one another to take possession of the houses in Jerusalem, as if they were the only ones left in the city. This was a direct violation of God’s commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself and to care for the poor and vulnerable among them. The leaders’ selfishness and greed were a symptom of a larger problem in the nation of Israel, which was its disobedience and lack of faith in God.
In verse 4, the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy against these leaders and to warn them of the judgment that is coming upon them. The Lord reveals that these leaders were not seeking to honor Him or to follow His will, but instead were pursuing their own selfish interests. This was a direct affront to the holiness of God, and it would not be tolerated.
In verse 5, the Lord reveals to Ezekiel that He knows the thoughts and intentions of these leaders, even though they think they are hidden from Him. The Lord sees the hearts of people and knows the true motivations behind their actions. He is a just God who will hold people accountable for their deeds, whether good or evil.
In summary, Ezekiel chapter 11 verses 1-5 reveal a situation in which the leaders of Israel were engaging in selfish and greedy behavior, which was a symptom of a larger problem in the nation. The Lord spoke to Ezekiel and revealed the evil plans of these leaders, as well as their true motivations. God was not pleased with their behavior, and He warned them of the judgment that was coming. This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the danger of pursuing our own selfish interests at the expense of others. It also emphasizes the fact that God sees the hearts of people and knows their true motivations, and that He will hold us accountable for our deeds. As Christians, we are called to love one another and to follow God’s will, even when it goes against our own selfish desires.
Verses 6-11
In verse 6, the Lord tells Ezekiel that the leaders he saw at the east gate of the Lord’s house were not only pursuing their own selfish interests, but were also saying that the time for building houses was not near. This suggests that they were not only greedy, but also complacent and lacked faith in God’s promises. Instead of trusting in God’s provision and working for the good of the community, they were focused on their own comfort and security.
In verse 7, the Lord tells Ezekiel that He will bring judgment upon these leaders and that they will fall by the sword. The Lord will not tolerate their disobedience and selfishness, and He will bring justice to the situation.In verse 8, the Lord tells Ezekiel that he will be a refuge for the people who are left in the land. Even though the leaders have failed in their duties to care for the people, God will provide a safe haven for those who remain faithful to Him. This shows that God is faithful to His promises and cares for His people, even when their leaders fail them.
In verse 9, the Lord tells Ezekiel that He will remove the hearts of stone from the people and give them hearts of flesh. This is a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that God wants to bring about in His people. He wants to remove their stubbornness and rebellion and replace it with a soft and pliable heart that is open to His leading.
In verse 10, the Lord tells Ezekiel that the people will follow His decrees and keep His laws, and that they will be His people and He will be their God. This is the ultimate goal of God’s plan for His people – that they would love and obey Him, and that He would dwell among them and bless them.
In summary, Ezekiel chapter 11 verses 6-10 continue to reveal the situation in Israel, where the leaders were pursuing their own selfish interests and lacked faith in God’s promises. However, God promises to bring judgment upon them and to be a refuge for the faithful. He also promises to bring about a spiritual transformation in His people, so that they would follow His decrees and keep His laws. This passage highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and obedience to His commands, as well as the fact that God is faithful to His promises and cares for His people, even when their leaders fail them.
Insights:
The leaders in verse 6 were not just pursuing their own selfish interests, but were also saying that the time for building houses was not near. This suggests that they were not only greedy, but also lacked faith in God’s promises. They may have believed that God was not going to provide for them, and so they focused on securing their own comfort and security. However, this kind of attitude goes against the Christian principle of trusting in God’s provision and caring for the
needs of others. As Christians, we are called to have faith in God’s promises and to put our trust in Him, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.
The promise of spiritual transformation in verse 9 is significant. The idea of having a heart of stone is used throughout the Old Testament to describe people who are stubborn and rebellious towards God. However, God promises to remove this hardness and replace it with a soft and pliable heart that is open to His leading. This transformation is possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As Christians, we are called to surrender our hearts to God and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.
The promise of God being a refuge for the faithful in verse 8 is also significant. In the midst of judgment and chaos, God promises to be a safe haven for those who remain faithful to Him. This shows that God is a God of mercy and grace, and that He cares for His people even when they are going through difficult times. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God is always with us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us.
The ultimate goal of God’s plan for His people, as stated in verse 10, is for them to be His people and for Him to be their God. This relationship is characterized by love, obedience, and fellowship. As Christians, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are also called to obey God’s commands, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of a desire to please Him and to live in accordance with His will. Finally, we are called to fellowship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His word.
11-15
In verse 11, God declares that judgment is coming upon those who have not followed His ways. This is a reminder to us as Christians that God is just and will hold us accountable for our actions. It is important to live our lives in accordance with His will and to seek to please Him in all that we do.
The phrase “I will be a sanctuary to them” in verse 16 is significant. In the Old Testament, the sanctuary was a holy place where God’s presence dwelled. Here, God promises to be a sanctuary to His people, which means that He will be their protector, provider, and source of strength. This is a powerful promise that Christians can hold on to, knowing that God is always with us and will never abandon us.
Verse 12 speaks of those who have been taken captive and those who have been left behind. This is a reminder that there are consequences to our choices, and that those who rebel against God may suffer the consequences of their actions. As Christians, we are called to follow God’s ways and to be obedient to His commands, knowing that He will bless us and protect us.
In verse 13, Ezekiel hears the voice of the cherubim lifting up their wings and the sound of the wheels beside them. This is a powerful image of God’s presence and power, reminding us that He is sovereign over all things. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
The promise of restoration in verse 14 is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love towards His people. Despite their disobedience, God promises to gather His people from all the nations and bring them back to their own land. This is a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration that will occur in Christ, when all things will be made new and God’s people will be united with Him forever.
Finally, in verse 15, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. This is a reference to the transformation that occurs when we become Christians, as we are filled with the Holy Spirit and our hearts are changed from stone to flesh. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God is continually at work in our lives, transforming us into the image of His Son.
Verses 16-20
In Ezekiel 11:16-20, God speaks to Ezekiel and promises to be a sanctuary to His people, protecting and providing for them. He declares that judgment is coming upon those who have not followed His ways, reminding us of God’s justice. Yet, even in judgment, God promises to gather His people from all nations and bring them back to their own land, showing His faithfulness and love towards them.
The imagery of the cherubim lifting up their wings and the sound of the wheels beside them emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all things. This image recalls the description of the cherubim in the vision of Ezekiel in chapter 1, which suggests the continuity of the message and the ongoing sovereignty of God over His people, even in times of chaos and uncertainty. Christians can take comfort in the fact that God is in control, even in the midst of the world’s turmoil.
In verse 19, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit, symbolizing the transformative power of God in the lives of His people. This transformation is not merely external but occurs at the core of our being, as we are filled with the Holy Spirit and our hearts are changed from stone to flesh. This change is necessary because our natural hearts are hardened by sin, and only God’s grace can soften them and bring us to repentance.
God’s promise to give His people a new heart and a new spirit is a fundamental message in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of being born again and the need for a new birth of the Spirit (John 3:3-7). This rebirth comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and it brings about a radical transformation in our lives.
The promise of a new heart and a new spirit is a message of hope and restoration. God is not content to leave us in our brokenness and sin but desires to bring healing and wholeness to our lives. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God is continually at work in us, transforming us from the inside out.
Overall, Ezekiel 11:16-20 reveals the multifaceted nature of God, showcasing His justice and mercy, sovereignty and love, and faithfulness and transformative power. As Christians, we can hold on to these promises and trust in God’s goodness and grace, knowing that He is continually at work in our lives.
Verses 21-25
In Ezekiel 11:21-25, God’s glory departs from the city of Jerusalem due to the people’s rebellion and disobedience. The judgment of God is swift and just, and the people are left to face the consequences of their actions.
The departure of God’s glory from the city of Jerusalem is a powerful symbol of the broken relationship between God and His people. The people had turned away from God and had pursued their own selfish desires, ignoring God’s commands and warnings. As a result, God’s presence, which had been with them for generations, departed from them.
Despite this judgment, God does not abandon His people. He promises to gather them from the nations and bring them back to their own land. This promise is fulfilled in part when the exiles return from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. However, this promise ultimately points to the restoration that will come through Jesus Christ, who will gather God’s people from all nations and bring them into the new Jerusalem.
The message of Ezekiel 11:21-25 is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. We cannot expect to enjoy the blessings and benefits of God’s presence if we persist in sin and rebellion. However, God’s judgment is not the final word. He is a God of grace and mercy, who offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn back to Him.
The promise of restoration in Ezekiel 11:21-25 is a message of hope and encouragement to God’s people. It reminds us that even when we face the consequences of our actions, God is still at work, bringing about His purposes and plans. We can trust in His faithfulness and know that He will never abandon us, even when we fail to live up to His standards.
Overall, Ezekiel 11:21-25 is a powerful message of judgment and hope. It reminds us of the consequences of sin and rebellion, but it also points us to the faithfulness and grace of God. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God is always at work in our lives, even when we fail Him, and that His ultimate plan of restoration will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Cross references:
● Jeremiah 31:31-34 – This passage speaks of the new covenant that God will make with His people, promising to forgive their sins and write His law on their hearts. This new covenant is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and forgiveness to all who believe in Him.
● Hebrews 8:8-12 – This passage quotes the Jeremiah passage mentioned above and discusses the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant. The writer of Hebrews argues that the new covenant, established through Jesus Christ, provides better promises and is based on better sacrifices than the old covenant.
● Romans 3:23-24 – This passage reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
● 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – This passage speaks of the reconciliation that we have with God through Christ. It reminds us that in Christ, we are new creations, and that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
● Revelation 21:1-4 – This passage describes the new heaven and earth, where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear from their eyes. It speaks of the ultimate restoration and redemption that God has promised to those who believe in Him.
These passages help to provide context and additional insight into the themes of judgment, restoration, and forgiveness that are present in Ezekiel 11:21-25. They remind us of God’s faithfulness and love for His people, even when we fail Him, and they point us to the ultimate hope that we have in Jesus Christ.