What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:3? Son of man • God addresses Ezekiel with the familiar “Son of man” (Ezekiel 2:1; 3:17), underscoring the prophet’s humanity and reminding him—and us—that any authority he carries comes solely from the Lord. • This title also foreshadows the ultimate “Son of Man” (Matthew 26:64), hinting at the continuity of God’s purposes through history. Speak to the elders of Israel • The elders, Israel’s leaders, sit before Ezekiel just as they did in Ezekiel 14:1–3, hoping for divine guidance. • Their presence signals that leadership bears special responsibility (James 3:1) and that sin in high places defiles the nation (Jeremiah 5:5). And tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says • Ezekiel is not sharing opinions; he conveys God’s word with full inspiration (2 Peter 1:21). • The phrase “Lord GOD” (Adonai Yahweh) stresses both sovereignty and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 6:7). • Every authentic message must begin, “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:9), reminding us to anchor counsel in Scripture, not human insight. Have you come to inquire of Me? • The question is rhetorical, exposing hypocrisy. The same elders whose hearts were “set on their idols” (Ezekiel 14:3) now seek guidance. • God often refuses to indulge superficial spirituality (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 15:8). • Like Saul, who inquired of the LORD but received no answer (1 Samuel 28:6), these leaders want blessing without repentance. As surely as I live • God swears by His own life—an oath of absolute certainty (Numbers 14:21; Hebrews 6:13). • This formula underlines that what follows is fixed and unchangeable; divine promises and warnings are equally dependable. I will not be consulted by you • Because unrepentant sin blocks fellowship (Isaiah 59:2), God withholds counsel. • Other prophets echo this principle: “Then they will cry to the LORD, but He will not answer them” (Micah 3:4). • The silence is judgment, urging repentance before guidance can resume (2 Chronicles 7:14). Declares the Lord GOD • The closing signature stamps divine authority on the entire sentence (Ezekiel 20:5; Joel 3:8). • What God declares stands; no human appeal or ritual can overturn His verdict (Psalm 33:11). summary Ezekiel 20:3 is God’s firm refusal to entertain the requests of leaders whose hearts remain idolatrous. He reminds Ezekiel of his prophetic role, confronts hypocritical inquirers, swears by His own life, and announces divine silence as punishment. The passage warns that genuine guidance comes only to the repentant, while the unrepentant—even those in high office—cannot presume upon God’s counsel. |
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