What does Ezekiel 11:2 teach about God's judgment on corrupt leadership? The text in focus “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these are the men who are plotting evil and giving wicked counsel in this city.’” (Ezekiel 11:2) Backdrop of the vision • Ezekiel is in a Spirit-given vision, standing at Jerusalem’s east gate (11:1). • He sees twenty-five city officials—leaders trusted to guard, guide, and govern. • God singles them out by name (v. 1), exposing their hidden agendas before Ezekiel can even speak. What Ezekiel 11:2 reveals about corrupt leadership • God identifies them personally—no anonymity before Him. • He defines their sin precisely: “plotting evil” and “giving wicked counsel.” • Their corruption is active (“plotting”) and influential (“counsel”), compounding guilt. • Judgment begins with leadership (cf. 1 Peter 4:17). The higher the office, the swifter God’s scrutiny. • Divine exposure is immediate—God does not wait for human tribunals to unmask sin (Hebrews 4:13). God’s consistent stance in Scripture • False shepherds, Ezekiel 34:2–10—“Woe to the shepherds of Israel…” • Jeremiah 23:1—“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep…” • Micah 3:1–2—leaders who “tear off their skin” are confronted and doomed. • Luke 12:48—“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” • James 3:1—teachers judged “more strictly.” Consequences that follow in Ezekiel 11 • Verse 4: Ezekiel must “prophesy against them.” • Verses 8–10: these leaders will fall by the sword and be judged “at the border of Israel,” a public, humiliating end. • Verse 12: God’s purpose—Israel “will know that I am the LORD,” restoring His honor among the people. Living lessons for today • No position or popularity can shield a leader from God’s verdict. • Counsel that ignores God’s word invites His reproof; godly leadership is tethered to truth (Psalm 1:1–2). • The health of a community often rises or falls with its leaders (Proverbs 29:2). • Believers are called to discern and, when necessary, rebuke leadership that contradicts Scripture (1 Timothy 5:20). • Faithful leaders model Christ, “the Chief Shepherd” who will appear with unfading glory (1 Peter 5:4). Summing up Ezekiel 11:2 spotlights a God who sees, names, and judges corrupt leaders the moment their plans form. The verse stands as a sober reminder: leadership is a trust, and the Lord of the flock will not overlook those who betray it. |
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