Ezekiel 3:15
New International Version
I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed.

New Living Translation
Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles in Tel-abib, beside the Kebar River. I was overwhelmed and sat among them for seven days.

English Standard Version
And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Chebar canal, and I sat where they were dwelling. And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.

Berean Standard Bible
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed.

King James Bible
Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

New King James Version
Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

New American Standard Bible
Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there for seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

NASB 1995
Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

NASB 1977
Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Telabib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

Amplified Bible
Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the River Chebar at Tel Abib. I sat there for seven days [in the place] where they were living, overwhelmed with astonishment [by my vision and the work before me].

Christian Standard Bible
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were living by the Chebar Canal, and I sat there among them stunned for seven days.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were living by the Chebar Canal, and I sat there among them stunned for seven days.

American Standard Version
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.

Contemporary English Version
When I was back with the others living at Abib Hill near the Chebar River, I sat among them for seven days, shocked at what had happened to me.

English Revised Version
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there astonied among them seven days.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I went to Tel Abib, to the exiles who lived by the Chebar River. I sat there among them for seven days. I was stunned.

Good News Translation
So I came to Tel Abib beside the Chebar River, where the exiles were living, and for seven days I stayed there, overcome by what I had seen and heard.

International Standard Version
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib by the Chebar River and sat down among them for seven days, appalled.

Majority Standard Bible
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed.

NET Bible
I came to the exiles at Tel Abib, who lived by the Kebar River. I sat dumbfounded among them there, where they were living, for seven days.

New Heart English Bible
Then I came to them of the exiles at Tel Aviv, that lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Kebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

World English Bible
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel Aviv who lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I come to the expulsion, at Tel-Ahib, who are dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are dwelling I also dwell [for] seven days, causing astonishment in their midst.

Young's Literal Translation
And I come in unto the Removed, at Tel-Ahib, who are dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are dwelling I also dwell seven days, causing astonishment in their midst.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall go to the captivity, the hill of the green ears, those dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are sitting there, I shall sit there seven days, being astonished in the midst of them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I came to them of the captivity, to the heap of new corn, to them that dwelt by the river Chobar, and I sat where they sat: and I remained there seven days mourning in the midst of them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I went to those of the transmigration, to the stockpile of new crops, to those who were living beside the river Chebar. And I sat where they were sitting. And I remained there for seven days, while mourning in their midst.

New American Bible
Thus I came to the exiles who lived at Tel-abib by the river Chebar; and there where they dwelt, I stayed among them distraught for seven days.

New Revised Standard Version
I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who lived by the river Chebar. And I sat there among them, stunned, for seven days.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I came to the exiles at Tel-akib, who dwelt by the river Chebar, and I stayed there astonished among them seven days.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I entered the captivity at Telakiv that dwelt on the River Kebar, and I dwelt there seven days, as I was speechless among them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and I sat where they sat; and I remained there appalled among them seven days.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then I passed through the air and came into the captivity, and went round to them that dwelt by the river of Chobar who were there; and I sat there seven days, conversant in the midst of them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ezekiel Eats the Scroll
14So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. 15I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed.

Cross References
Jeremiah 29:7
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Lamentations 3:28-29
Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. / Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.

Daniel 4:19
For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!

Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Jeremiah 13:17
But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.

Acts 17:16
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.

Luke 19:41-44
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...

Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Romans 9:2-3
I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. / For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

2 Corinthians 11:29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

1 Corinthians 9:19-22
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ...

Philippians 3:18
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.


Treasury of Scripture

Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelled by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

that dwelt

Ezekiel 3:23
Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

Ezekiel 1:1
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

Ezekiel 10:15
And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.

sat

Genesis 50:10
And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

Job 2:13
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

Psalm 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

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Abib Appalled Astonied Astonished Astonishment Captivity Causing Chebar Consternation Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Exiles Full Kebar Midst Overwhelmed Removed River Sat Seated Seven Tel
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Ezekiel 3
1. Ezekiel eats the scroll
4. God encourages him
15. God shows him the rule of prophecy
22. God shuts and opens the prophet's mouth














I came to the exiles at Tel-abib
Tel-abib refers to a location in Babylon where the Jewish exiles were settled. The name "Tel-abib" means "mound of the flood" or "hill of ears of grain," suggesting a place of renewal or growth amidst desolation. This setting underscores the theme of exile and displacement, as the Israelites were taken from their homeland due to their disobedience to God. The exiles represent the remnant of Israel, a recurring theme in the prophetic books, highlighting God's continued faithfulness despite judgment.

who dwelt by the River Kebar
The River Kebar is a canal near Nippur in ancient Babylon, where many Jewish exiles lived. This location is significant as it represents the physical and spiritual distance from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and identity. The Kebar Canal is mentioned several times in Ezekiel, serving as a backdrop for his visions and prophecies. The setting by the river may evoke imagery of the Israelites' earlier captivity in Egypt, drawing a parallel between the two periods of bondage and God's deliverance.

And for seven days I sat where they sat
The act of sitting for seven days is reminiscent of the mourning period observed in Jewish culture, known as "shiva." This period of mourning reflects Ezekiel's deep empathy and identification with the exiles' suffering. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that Ezekiel's time among the exiles was a complete immersion into their experience, preparing him for his prophetic ministry.

and remained there among them, overwhelmed
Ezekiel's overwhelming experience indicates the weight of the prophetic calling and the gravity of the message he was to deliver. This emotional response highlights the human aspect of the prophets, who often bore the burden of God's message with great personal cost. The term "overwhelmed" suggests a profound spiritual and emotional impact, akin to the reactions of other prophets like Jeremiah, who lamented over the fate of his people. This phrase also foreshadows the intense visions and messages Ezekiel would receive, emphasizing the seriousness of his mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Exiles
The Israelites who were taken captive and lived in Babylon. They represent a people in distress, longing for their homeland and God's deliverance.

3. Tel-abib
A settlement by the Kebar River where the exiles resided. The name "Tel-abib" can be translated as "hill of spring," symbolizing a place of new beginnings amidst desolation.

4. Kebar River
A canal or river in Babylon where the exiles settled. It serves as a geographical marker of their captivity and separation from Jerusalem.

5. Seven Days
A period of time Ezekiel spent among the exiles, reflecting a complete cycle of time in Hebrew culture, often associated with creation and rest.
Teaching Points
Empathy in Ministry
Ezekiel's action of sitting among the exiles for seven days highlights the importance of understanding and sharing in the burdens of those we minister to.

The Weight of God's Calling
Ezekiel's overwhelming experience reminds us that carrying God's message can be a heavy responsibility, requiring reliance on His strength.

Hope in Exile
Even in places of captivity and despair, God is present and working. Tel-abib, meaning "hill of spring," symbolizes hope and renewal.

The Significance of Time
The seven days Ezekiel spent with the exiles signifies a complete period of reflection and preparation, emphasizing the need for patience and readiness in God's work.

Community in Suffering
Ezekiel's presence among the exiles underscores the importance of community and solidarity in times of hardship.(15) I came to them of the captivity at Telabib.--Ezekiel now leaves the place where he had been, and comes to Tel-abib, which is described as still by the same "river of Chebar," and which signifies the "mound of ears (of grain)," and was probably a place of especial fruitfulness, but which cannot be further identified. It appears to have been the central place of the captivity.

I sat where they sat is an expression of so much difficulty in the Hebrew, that it has given rise to various readings in the manuscripts, and to a marginal correction which has been followed by the English. Probably the vowel-pointing of the first word should be changed, and it will then read, "and I saw where they sat."

Remained there astonished among them seven days.--Comp. Daniel 4:19; Ezra 9:3-4. The word implies a fixed and determined silence. "To be silent was the characteristic of mourners (Lamentations 3:28); to sit, their proper attitude (Isaiah 3:26; Lamentations 1:1); seven days, the set time of mourning (Job 2:13)." By this act the prophet shows his deep sympathy with his people in their affliction. This week of silent meditation among those to whom he was commissioned to speak corresponds, as already said, to the week of the consecration of his fathers to their priestly office (Leviticus 8). Such a season of retirement and thought has been given to other great religious leaders--to Moses, in his forty years of exile; to Elijah, in his forty days in Mount Horeb (1Kings 19:4-8); to St. Paul, in his journey to Arabia (Galatians 1:17); and to our Lord Himself, when He went into the wilderness after His baptism. . . .

Verse 15. - At Tel-Abib, etc., We now enter on the first scene of the prophet's ministry. The LXX. leaves the proper name. The Vulgate rightly translates it as acervus novarum frugum, the "mound of ears of corn" (the meaning appears in the name of the Passover month, Abib). Luther gives, strangely enough, "where the almond trees stood, in the mouth Abib"). Jerome's suggestion, that here also there was a nomen et omen. and that those who shared Ezekiel's exile were regarded as the "firstfruits" of the future, is at least ingenious, and finds some support in Psalm 126:5, 6. The place has not been identified, and its position depends on that of the river with which it is connected (see note on Ezekiel 1:1). The word "Tel" is commonly applied to the mounds formed out of masses of ruins, which are common all over the plains of Mesopotamia. The name in this case may suggest that the earth had gathered over it, and that it was cultivated. I sat where they sat, etc. The ministry begins not with speech, but silence. Our Western habits hardly enable us to enter into the impressiveness of such a procedure. The conduct of Job's friends (Job 2:13) presents a parallel, and as Ezekiel seems to have known that book (Ezekiel 14:14, 20), he may have been influenced by it. Like actions meet us in Ezra 9:3-5; Daniel 4:19.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I came
וָאָב֨וֹא (wā·’ā·ḇō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the exiles
הַגּוֹלָ֜ה (hag·gō·w·lāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1473: Exile, exiles

at Tel-abib
אָ֠בִיב (’ā·ḇîḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8512: Tel-abib -- 'hill of grain', a place in Babylon

who dwelt
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֤ים (hay·yō·šə·ḇîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

by
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the River
נְהַר־ (nə·har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

Kebar.
כְּבָר֙ (kə·ḇār)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3529: Chebar -- a river of Babylon

And for seven
שִׁבְעַ֥ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

days
יָמִ֖ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

I sat
וָֽאֵשֵׁ֔ב (wā·’ê·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

where
שָׁ֑ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they sat
יוֹשְׁבִ֣ים (yō·wō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

and remained
וָאֵשֵׁ֥ב (wā·’ê·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

there
שָׁ֛ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

among them,
בְּתוֹכָֽם׃ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵām)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

overwhelmed.
מַשְׁמִ֥ים (maš·mîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
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