What can we learn from the elders' actions about hidden sins in Ezekiel 8:11? The Scene in Ezekiel 8:11 “Seventy elders of the house of Israel were standing before them, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising.” Who These Elders Were • Seventy elders—leaders who should have modeled covenant faithfulness (Exodus 24:1; Numbers 11:16–17) • Jaazaniah—son of a respected scribe, proving even well-connected families can drift What They Were Really Doing • Hiding in a secret chamber, facing images of false gods (Ezekiel 8:10) • Burning incense meant for the Lord and offering it to idols • Assuming God could not—or would not—“see” into their concealed room (8:12) Truths We Learn About Hidden Sin • God’s sight pierces every barrier. – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) – “Even the darkness is not dark to You.” (Psalm 139:12) • Position does not exempt anyone from accountability. – Elders, priests, kings: all stand equal before the Lord’s scrutiny (James 3:1; 1 Peter 4:17). • Secret idolatry soon leaks into public life. – Israel’s national collapse mirrored the elders’ private compromise. – “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (1 Corinthians 5:6) • Hidden sin dulls spiritual discernment. – While they burned incense, Jerusalem’s glory was departing (Ezekiel 10). – Idolatry blinded them to the urgency of repentance. New-Covenant Parallels • Jesus affirms the same principle: “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed.” (Luke 12:2) • Paul reminds believers that the Lord “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness.” (1 Corinthians 4:5) Walking in the Light • Invite the Spirit’s search daily (Psalm 139:23–24). • Confess promptly—“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) • Replace secret sin with secret worship—time alone with God in His Word (Matthew 6:6). • Stay accountable within Christ’s body (Galatians 6:1–2; Hebrews 3:13). • Remember the promise—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Conclusion The elders in Ezekiel 8 teach that hidden sin is never truly hidden. God sees, weighs, and will expose it, yet He also offers cleansing to those who step into His light. |
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