In the seventh year, on the tenth day of the fifth month, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me. In the seventh yearThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The "seventh year" likely refers to the seventh year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, around 591 BC. This was a time of great turmoil and uncertainty for the Israelites, who were in exile in Babylon. The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, which may suggest that this was a divinely appointed time for God to address His people through the prophet Ezekiel. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the central figure through whom God communicates His messages to the Israelites. 2. Elders of Israel Leaders or representatives of the Israelite community who come to seek guidance or a word from the LORD through the prophet Ezekiel. 3. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which the Israelites are living in captivity in Babylon, having been exiled from their homeland due to their disobedience to God. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is being inquired of by the elders through His prophet. 5. The Seventh Year, Fifth Month, Tenth Day A specific time marker indicating when this event took place, emphasizing the historical and prophetic timeline. Teaching Points Sincere Inquiry of GodWhen seeking God, it is crucial to approach Him with sincerity and a genuine heart. The elders' inquiry was not genuine, as their hearts were still set on idolatry. God's Omniscience God knows the hearts and intentions of those who seek Him. We cannot hide our true motives from Him, as seen in His response to the elders. Repentance Before Inquiry Before seeking guidance from God, we must first repent of any known sin. The elders' failure to do so serves as a warning. Historical Context and Prophetic Timelines Understanding the historical and prophetic context of Scripture helps us grasp the full meaning of God's messages and their relevance to us today. Leadership and Responsibility The elders, as leaders, had a responsibility to lead the people in righteousness. Their failure highlights the importance of godly leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the approach of the elders in Ezekiel 20:1 teach us about the importance of sincerity in our relationship with God?2. How can we ensure that our inquiries of God are genuine and not hindered by hidden sin or idolatry? 3. In what ways does the historical context of the Babylonian exile influence the message of Ezekiel 20:1? 4. How does the response of God to the elders in Ezekiel 20:1 compare to His response to similar inquiries in other parts of Scripture, such as Ezekiel 14:1-3? 5. What lessons can we learn from the role of the elders in this passage about the responsibilities of spiritual leadership today? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 14:1-3Similar to Ezekiel 20:1, the elders of Israel come to Ezekiel to inquire of the LORD, but God reveals their idolatry and hypocrisy. Jeremiah 29:13 This verse emphasizes seeking God with all one's heart, contrasting with the insincere inquiry of the elders in Ezekiel 20:1. Isaiah 1:15 Highlights the futility of seeking God with unrepentant hearts, paralleling the elders' approach in Ezekiel 20:1.
People Ezekiel, Israelites, Jacob, TemanPlaces Babylon, Bamah, Egypt, NegebTopics Directions, Elders, Enquire, Fifth, Front, Inquire, Month, Pass, Responsible, Sat, Seated, Seek, Seventh, Sit, TenthDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 20:1 7719 elders, as leaders Library Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. 1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown, … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Manner of Covenanting. Tithing Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath. Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Covenant of Works Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 20:1 NIVEzekiel 20:1 NLT Ezekiel 20:1 ESV Ezekiel 20:1 NASB Ezekiel 20:1 KJV Ezekiel 20:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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