Ezekiel 20:25 mentions God giving Israel “statutes that were not good”; how does this align with the concept of a just and unchanging God elsewhere in Scripture?

Historically and archaeologically, is there evidence to support the repeated cycles of rebellion and divine judgment described throughout Ezekiel 20?

In Ezekiel 20:12–13, the Sabbath is presented as a sign between God and Israel. Why is this sign rarely mentioned in other biblical narratives of the same events?

How does the promise of eventual restoration in Ezekiel 20:40–44 stand up to skepticism when some prophecies appear to have remained unfulfilled from a historical standpoint?

1. How does the recounting of Israel's history of rebellion serve as a cautionary tale for us today?

2. What can we learn about God's character through His interactions with Israel in this chapter?

3. How do you see God's mercy and judgement balancing each other in Ezekiel 20?

4. What does the concept of the Sabbath represent in this chapter and how can it be applied today?

5. How do the elders of Israel approach Ezekiel and how does their attitude reflect the state of their relationship with God?

6. Why does God repeatedly hold back His full wrath despite Israel's constant rebellion?

7. How does God's promise of future restoration reflect His ultimate plans for humanity?

8. In what ways might we be guilty of idolatry in our modern context?

9. How does God's response to Israel's rebellion in Babylon apply to our lives when we find ourselves in 'exile' situations?

10. What can we learn from God's strategy of discipline and promise of restoration in guiding our own actions and life choices?

11. How does the final verse (Ezekiel 20:44) inspire you and why?

12. In what ways does Israel's loathing of their past actions after God's judgment mirror personal regret and repentance?

13. How can the concept of purification mentioned in the chapter be applied in our spiritual journey today?

14. What do you think it means to serve God with a "whole heart" as stated in the final section?

15. In what ways does this chapter challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

16. How can the history of Israel's disobedience serve as a mirror for our own spiritual state?

17. What parallels can be drawn between Israel's rebellion and the moral and spiritual state of society today?

18. How does God's promise of restoration in this chapter encourage you in times of personal struggle?

19. What steps can you take to avoid falling into the patterns of rebellion displayed by the Israelites?

20. In what ways can we take lessons from Israel's history to build a more faithful and obedient relationship with God today?