Rebellion and Inquiry
The chapter begins with the elders of Israel coming to inquire of the Lord, but God refuses to be consulted by them due to their persistent rebellion (Ezekiel 20:1-3).

Historical Rebellion
God recounts Israel's history of rebellion, starting from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land (Ezekiel 20:5-32).

God's Patience and Judgment
Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God shows patience, yet He also warns of judgment to uphold His name and holiness (Ezekiel 20:8-9, 13-14, 21-22).

The Promise of Restoration
God promises to gather His people from the nations and restore them, emphasizing His faithfulness to His covenant (Ezekiel 20:33-44).

The Significance of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is highlighted as a sign between God and Israel, symbolizing sanctification and a call to holiness (Ezekiel 20:12, 20).Reflect on Obedience
Consider areas in your life where you may be resisting God's commands and seek to align your actions with His will.

Value God's Patience
Recognize and be grateful for God's patience in your life, understanding that His discipline is an expression of His love.

Honor the Sabbath
Reflect on how you can honor the Sabbath in your life as a time of rest and spiritual renewal.

Seek Restoration
If you have strayed from God, take comfort in His promise of restoration and return to Him with a repentant heart.1. The Elders of Israel
These are the leaders of the Israelite community who come to inquire of the Lord through the prophet Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 20:1, it states, "In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me."

2. The House of Israel
This term refers collectively to the people of Israel, whom God addresses through Ezekiel. Throughout the chapter, God recounts the history of the Israelites, their rebellion, and His judgments and mercies towards them. For example, in Ezekiel 20:5, it says, "and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore with uplifted hand to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt."

3. The Ancestors/Forefathers
These are the previous generations of Israelites who rebelled against God despite His deliverance and provision. In Ezekiel 20:18, God instructs the current generation, "In the wilderness I said to their children: ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols.’"

In the original Hebrew, terms like "elders" (זְקֵנִים, ^zeqenim^) and "house of Israel" (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, ^beit Yisrael^) are used to denote these groups. The chapter emphasizes the continuity of Israel's rebellion and God's enduring patience and justice.1. Egypt
Egypt is referenced as the land where the Israelites were enslaved before God delivered them. It symbolizes a place of bondage and idolatry. In Hebrew, Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which often represents a place of oppression and spiritual darkness.

2. The Wilderness
The wilderness is where the Israelites wandered for forty years after leaving Egypt. It is a place of testing and divine revelation. In Hebrew, the term is "מִדְבָּר" (midbar), which can also imply a place of desolation but also of divine encounter.

3. The Land of Israel
This is the Promised Land that God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents a place of fulfillment and blessing. In Hebrew, it is "אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Eretz Yisrael), signifying the land of God's covenant people.

4. The High Places
These are locations where the Israelites engaged in idolatrous worship, often on elevated sites. The Hebrew term "בָּמוֹת" (bamot) refers to these high places, which were condemned by God for their association with pagan practices.

5. The Land of the Amorites
This is one of the territories that the Israelites encountered on their journey to the Promised Land. The Amorites were one of the Canaanite tribes. In Hebrew, "אֱמֹרִי" (Emori) refers to this group, often representing opposition to God's people.1. Inquiry by the Elders
The elders of Israel come to inquire of the LORD, but God refuses to be consulted by them.
"In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me." (Ezekiel 20:1)

2. God's Refusal to Answer
God declares through Ezekiel that He will not be inquired of by the elders due to their rebellion.
"Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of Me, declares the Lord GOD.’" (Ezekiel 20:3)

3. Recounting Israel's Rebellion in Egypt
God recounts the rebellion of the Israelites in Egypt, where they defiled themselves with idols.
"On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands." (Ezekiel 20:6)

4. God's Command and Israel's Disobedience
God commands the Israelites to forsake their idols, but they rebel against Him.
"But they rebelled against Me and were unwilling to listen to Me. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt." (Ezekiel 20:8)

5. God's Mercy and Judgment in the Wilderness
Despite their rebellion, God shows mercy by not destroying them in the wilderness.
"But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out." (Ezekiel 20:9)

6. Giving of the Sabbaths
God gives the Israelites His Sabbaths as a sign between Him and them.
"I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them." (Ezekiel 20:12)

7. Continued Rebellion and God's Patience
The Israelites continue to rebel, yet God withholds His full wrath for the sake of His name.
"Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances, which, if a man does them, he will live by them." (Ezekiel 20:13)

8. Judgment on the Next Generation
God warns the next generation in the wilderness, but they also rebel.
"But the children rebelled against Me. They did not follow My statutes or carefully keep My ordinances, which, if a man does them, he will live by them." (Ezekiel 20:21)

9. God's Promise of Restoration
Despite their rebellion, God promises to gather Israel from the nations and restore them.
"As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will reign over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath." (Ezekiel 20:33)

10. Purging of the Rebels
God declares He will purge the rebels from among the Israelites.
"I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against Me. Although I will bring them out of the land of their exile, they will not enter the land of Israel." (Ezekiel 20:38)

11. Call to Repentance
God calls the Israelites to repent and turn from their idolatry.
"As for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer profane My holy name with your gifts and idols." (Ezekiel 20:39)

12. Promise of a New Covenant
God promises a future covenant where Israel will serve Him faithfully.
"For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel will serve Me in the land." (Ezekiel 20:40) God's Patience
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

The Importance of Obedience
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel declared: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.'

Restoration and Hope
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Repentance
Pray for a heart of repentance and a willingness to turn away from any form of rebellion against God.
Gratitude for Patience
Thank God for His patience and mercy in your life, acknowledging His desire for your growth and holiness.
Commitment to Obedience
Ask God for strength and commitment to obey His commands and live a life that honors Him.
Restoration and Renewal
Pray for personal and communal restoration, seeking God's guidance and renewal in your spiritual journey.

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?