What can we learn from Ezekiel's response to the exiles in Tel Abib? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 3:15 “Then I came to the exiles at Tel Abib, who were dwelling by the Kebar River. And I sat there among them for seven days, overwhelmed.” Seven Days of Silent Shock: What Ezekiel Did • Arrived and stayed right where the exiles lived • Chose silence—no immediate sermons, no instant advice • Shared their physical space and emotional burden • Waited an entire week before speaking again (see 3:16) Why the Silence? Key Takeaways • Reverence for God’s word—he had just received a weighty commission (3:10-14) and paused to let it sink in • Identification with the people—he felt what they felt, mirroring Job’s friends who sat seven days with Job (Job 2:13) • Careful stewardship—he refused to speak until God told him exactly what to say (3:17) • Spiritual preparation—time for prayer, reflection, and inner readiness before confronting sin or offering hope Related Scriptures That Echo the Pattern • Jeremiah 4:19 – the prophet’s anguish before proclaiming judgment • Romans 12:15 – “weep with those who weep” • James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” • Luke 19:41 – Jesus weeping over Jerusalem before entering it • Mark 6:34 – Jesus moved with compassion before teaching the crowd Practical Lessons for Today • Presence matters: Sometimes sitting quietly beside suffering people speaks louder than words. • Let God set the pace: Wait for His prompting before delivering counsel or correction. • Feel the weight: Treat Scripture and God-given messages with deep seriousness, never casually. • Empathy precedes ministry: Identification opens hearts to receive truth. • Silence can be obedience: Not every moment requires our voice; some moments require our stillness. Moving Forward Ezekiel’s week of quiet in Tel Abib invites us to slow down, listen carefully to God, share in the pain of others, and speak only when the Lord directs—ensuring that when words finally come, they carry both truth and compassionate power. |
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