Ezekiel 11:25

I told the exiles everything the LORD had shown me.

Study Bible

I told the exiles
Ezekiel, a prophet and priest, was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The exiles were those who had been taken captive from Jerusalem and Judah during the Babylonian conquest. This phrase highlights Ezekiel's role as a communicator of God's messages to his fellow captives. The exiles were in a foreign land, longing for their homeland, and Ezekiel's messages often provided both warnings and hope. This context is crucial as it underscores the importance of Ezekiel's prophetic role in maintaining the spiritual identity and hope of the Jewish people during their captivity.

everything the LORD had shown me
Ezekiel was known for his vivid and symbolic visions, which were direct revelations from God. These visions often contained messages of judgment, restoration, and the future glory of Israel. The phrase indicates the completeness and faithfulness of Ezekiel's transmission of God's revelations. It reflects the prophetic responsibility to convey God's word accurately and fully, as seen in other prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. The visions Ezekiel received included the departure of God's glory from the temple, the promise of a new heart and spirit for the people, and the eventual restoration of Israel, all of which are central themes in his book.

the LORD had shown me
This emphasizes the divine origin of Ezekiel's message. The LORD, Yahweh, is the covenant God of Israel, and His communication with Ezekiel signifies the ongoing relationship and concern God has for His people, even in exile. The phrase also highlights the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's ministry, where God reveals His plans and purposes through visions and direct communication. This divine revelation is consistent with the biblical theme of God speaking through His prophets to guide, warn, and encourage His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the central figure in this passage. He is tasked with conveying God's messages to the Israelites in exile.

2. The Exiles
The Israelites who were taken captive to Babylon. They represent the audience to whom Ezekiel relays God's revelations.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who reveals His will and plans to Ezekiel through visions and prophecies.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel is delivering his message.

5. Visions
The divine revelations given to Ezekiel, which he communicates to the exiles.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Communication
Ezekiel's example teaches us the importance of faithfully communicating God's truth to others, regardless of the circumstances.

Responsibility of the Messenger
As believers, we are called to be messengers of God's word, sharing His revelations with those around us.

God's Sovereignty in Exile
Even in difficult situations, such as exile, God remains sovereign and continues to communicate with His people.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy serves to guide, warn, and encourage God's people, reminding them of His plans and purposes.

Community and Accountability
Sharing God's revelations with others fosters community and accountability among believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet and watchman inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully communicating God's truth to those around us?

3. How does the context of exile in Babylon shape the message Ezekiel delivers to the Israelites?

4. What can we learn from Ezekiel about the importance of community and accountability in sharing God's revelations?

5. How do the themes of prophecy and divine revelation in Ezekiel 11:25 connect with the broader account of God's redemptive plan in the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 3:17-21
This passage establishes Ezekiel's role as a watchman for Israel, responsible for warning the people based on God's revelations.

Jeremiah 29:4-7
Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon provides context for the situation of the exiles and God's instructions for them during their captivity.

Daniel 9:2
Daniel's understanding of the exile period through the writings of Jeremiah shows the interconnectedness of prophetic messages during the exile.

Acts 20:27
Paul's commitment to declaring the whole counsel of God parallels Ezekiel's responsibility to communicate all that God has shown him.