What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:3? Son of man God opens with “Son of man” (Ezekiel 14:3), reminding Ezekiel—and us—that the prophet speaks on behalf of the Almighty while still sharing our human frame. • This title grounds Ezekiel’s authority in God, not in himself (Ezekiel 2:1–3). • It echoes the humility seen in Psalm 8:4, underscoring that the message is God’s, yet delivered through a man. • The phrase signals intimacy: God knows exactly whom He is addressing, even as He calls the prophet to stand between heaven and earth (compare Daniel 8:17). These men have set up idols in their hearts Idolatry here is not a carved object on a shelf but a hidden loyalty inside the soul. • Internal idols compete with wholehearted devotion commanded in Exodus 20:3. • Colossians 3:5 describes such inward attachments—greed, lust, pride—as “idolatry.” • When the heart bows to anything other than the Lord, outward worship becomes hollow (Matthew 15:8). • First John 5:21 warns believers, “keep yourselves from idols,” highlighting how subtle and personal this danger is. And put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces The “stumbling blocks” are self-inflicted traps that keep these elders from seeing or walking in truth. • Leviticus 19:14 prohibits placing a stumbling block before the blind; here, the elders do it to themselves. • Isaiah 57:14 calls God’s people to “remove every obstacle,” the opposite of what these men are doing. • Romans 14:13 urges believers not to put any stumbling block in a brother’s way; how much worse to block one’s own path! • Jesus said, “Woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes” (Matthew 18:7), underscoring the seriousness of deliberate spiritual obstruction. Should I consult with them in any way? The Lord’s question is rhetorical; unrepentant idolatry cuts off meaningful communion with Him. • Psalm 66:18, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened,” frames the principle. • Isaiah 1:15 pictures God hiding His eyes when hands are full of blood. • Proverbs 1:28-30 warns that those who refuse correction will cry out and not be heard. • James 4:8 sums it up: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” but only after cleansing hands and purifying hearts. summary Ezekiel 14:3 exposes the difference between external religion and internal devotion. God addresses Ezekiel as “Son of man,” then unveils the elders’ secret idols, their self-made stumbling blocks, and His refusal to entertain hypocritical inquiries. The passage reminds us that the Lord sees the heart, demands exclusive worship, and withholds guidance when sin is cherished. True fellowship requires clearing every inner idol so that nothing blocks our vision of Him who alone deserves first place. |
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