Compare Ezekiel 11:2 with Jeremiah 17:10 on God's knowledge of hearts. Ezekiel 11:2—Hidden Evil in Jerusalem “ And He said to me: ‘Son of man, these are the men who are scheming evil and giving wicked counsel in this city.’ ” - God singles out specific leaders whose plans are invisible to the people but fully visible to Him. - The verse shows that wicked “counsel” begins in the heart long before it becomes public policy or action. - By naming the schemers, the Lord demonstrates His immediate, personal awareness of every hidden intention (cf. Psalm 139:1-4). Jeremiah 17:10—The LORD Searches Every Heart “ I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.” - God’s knowledge is active (“search,” “examine”), not passive; He investigates the inner life continually. - His heart-searching is tied to righteous judgment: motives and actions together determine reward or discipline (cf. Revelation 2:23). - The verse establishes a universal principle—no heart is exempt from His scrutiny (cf. Hebrews 4:12-13). Shared Themes and Clear Contrasts • Same divine attribute: complete heart-knowledge. • Different settings: – Ezekiel addresses Jerusalem’s political elite; God exposes their secret plots. – Jeremiah speaks to Judah at large; God declares a standing policy for every person. • Progression of thought: – Ezekiel 11:2: God reveals what is hidden. – Jeremiah 17:10: God evaluates what is hidden and repays accordingly. Additional Scriptural Witness - 1 Samuel 16:7 — “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - Proverbs 21:2 — “Every man’s way seems right to him, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” - Psalm 44:21 — “He knows the secrets of the heart.” - Luke 16:15 — “God knows your hearts.” Living in Light of the Heart-Knower - Pursue integrity: align inner thoughts with outward actions. - Invite Divine scrutiny: pray Psalm 139:23-24, welcoming correction before judgment. - Resist hypocrisy: remember that hidden sin is already exposed to God, even if concealed from people. - Rest in grace: the One who knows every secret also offers cleansing and renewal through Christ (1 John 1:9). |
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