Connect Ezekiel 11:15 with God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11. What similarities exist? Historical Setting Shared by Both Passages • Both words come during the Babylonian exile (Ezekiel already in Babylon; Jeremiah writing to those carried there). • Jerusalemites still in the city claimed the exiles were “far from the LORD” (Ezekiel 11:15). • God counters that thought, promising a purposeful future to the very exiles who felt rejected (Jeremiah 29:11). Key Texts “Son of man, your brothers—your kinsmen and the whole house of Israel—are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said, ‘They are far away from the LORD; this land has been given to us as a possession.’” “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.’ ” Core Similarities • Divine Awareness: God addresses Ezekiel (“Son of man…”) and Jeremiah (“I know the plans…”) showing He is fully attentive to His people’s situation. • Reversal of Human Opinion: Jerusalem declares the exiles “far from the LORD”; God declares He has “plans…to prosper” them. • Covenant Faithfulness: Both passages affirm the Lord’s unwavering commitment to Israel despite judgment (cf. Leviticus 26:44–45). • Future Restoration: Ezekiel 11 continues with promises of regathering and a new heart (vv. 17–20). Jeremiah 29 continues with a promise of return after seventy years (v. 10). • Land and Hope: Jerusalemites claim the land; God promises the land back to the exiles (Ezekiel 11:17). Jeremiah speaks of “a future and a hope,” which includes return to the land (Jeremiah 29:14). • Presence of God: Though labeled “far,” God assures He is present in exile (Ezekiel 11:16; Jeremiah 29:12–14). Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 30:3–5 – foresaw dispersion and regathering. • Ezekiel 36:24–28 – expanded promise of restoration and a new heart. • Jeremiah 32:37 – same era, same vow: “I will surely gather them from all the lands...and bring them back to this place.” Practical Implications • God’s plans override human verdicts; exile is not abandonment. • Divine discipline never cancels covenant destiny; it prepares hearts for renewal. • Assurance of God’s future goodness fuels present faithfulness even in hard places. Key Takeaways • Human voices said “exiled and forgotten”; God’s voice said “chosen and planned for.” • Both prophets deliver one unified message: the Lord’s purpose for His people is restoration, prosperity (in His terms), and hope secured by His unchanging word. |
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