Ezekiel 20:3
“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God’s refusal to be inquired of isn't just about what they're asking, but why. Their question likely sought reassurance for their present plans, revealing they weren't truly seeking God's will but a divine stamp of approval on their own. This highlights that a prayerful posture is essential before approaching God for guidance.
Ezekiel has been called to deliver a message to the elders of Israel, who are likely seeking guidance about their current predicament, possibly concerning the looming threat of Babylon. However, God knows their hearts are not truly seeking Him but rather looking for favorable answers to support their own plans. Therefore, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not respond to their inquiries because their spiritual condition renders them incapable of truly hearing Him.
Have you ever felt like your prayers are hitting a wall? Sometimes, it’s not about the question you’re asking, but about the heart behind it.
Ezekiel is sent to the elders of Israel, who are seeking God's counsel. But God cuts right to the chase: "Are you coming to inquire of Me?" This isn't a genuine quest for divine wisdom; it's a sham.
God's refusal to be inquired of isn't just a punishment; it's a profound warning about the seriousness of rejecting Him.
God's solemn oath, "As I live, I will not be inquired of by you," signifies more than just a temporary pause in communication. It's a judgment on their rebellion.
Understand the original words
ben 'adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
Prophetic title used by God to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and fragility in contrast to the divine majesty of the one speaking to him.
Adonai YHWH · Hebrew Noun phrase
Literally 'Lord YHWH'; this compound title emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty, lordship, and authority over all creation and His people.
The elders who approach Ezekiel in Babylon are from a Jerusalem still standing, but reeling from two devastating deportations. Their inquiry to God, as the text reveals, is steeped in hypocrisy and a disregard for the very history God is using to judge them.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them among other conquered peoples. This event marks a profound loss of national identity and spiritual standing for a significant portion of God's people.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem. He deports a first wave of Judean captives, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals, to Babylon. Daniel is among this group.
597 BC— this verse
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon's forces return and besiege Jerusalem again. King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon. This event deeply shakes the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
After a prolonged siege, Nebuchadnezzar's army breaches Jerusalem's walls, destroys the city, and razes Solomon's Temple to the ground. This is the most devastating blow to Judah, leaving the people scattered and in despair.
This passage directly parallels Ezekiel 20:3, stating that God will not be inquired of by those who set up idols in their hearts, highlighting the theme of God's refusal to answer those with hidden idolatry.
Psalm 66:18This psalm echoes the sentiment by declaring, 'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.' This strongly supports the idea in Ezekiel that God's refusal to be inquired of stems from the impurity of the inquirer's heart.
Proverbs 28:9This proverb states, 'Whoever turns away his ear from hearing instruction— His prayer is an abomination.' It explains why God would refuse to be inquired of by those who are not genuinely seeking Him but are instead filled with hypocrisy.
John 7:17Jesus says, 'If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether this teaching has come from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.' This reflects the principle that a sincere desire to obey God is necessary to truly understand His will, a condition the elders in Ezekiel lacked.
barnesEzekiel 20:3: "Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."
Enquire - As to the hope of deliverance from the Babylonians.
ellicottEzekiel 20:3: "Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."
(3) I will not be enquired of by you. —As in Ezekiel 14:3 . St. Jerome thus comments on the words:—“ To the holy, and to those who ask for right things, the promise is given, ‘While they are yet speaking, I will say, Here I am;’ but to sinners, such as these elders of Israel were, and as those whos…
God’s refusal to be inquired of isn't just about what they're asking, but why. Their question likely sought reassurance for their present plans, revealing they weren't truly seeking God's will but a divine stamp of approval on their own. This highlights that a prayerful posture is essential before approaching God for guidance.
Ezekiel has been called to deliver a message to the elders of Israel, who are likely seeking guidance about their current predicament, possibly concerning the looming threat of Babylon. However, God knows their hearts are not truly seeking Him but rather looking for favorable answers to support their own plans. Therefore, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not respond to their inquiries because their spiritual condition renders them incapable of truly hearing Him.
Ezekiel has been called to deliver a message to the elders of Israel, who are likely seeking guidance about their current predicament, possibly concerning the looming threat of Babylon. However, God knows their hearts are not truly seeking Him but rather looking for favorable answers to support their own plans. Therefore, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not respond to their inquiries because their spiritual condition renders them incapable of truly hearing Him.
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"“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you." — God’s refusal to be inquired of isn't just about what they're asking, but why. Their question likely sought reassurance for their present plans, revealing they weren't truly seeking God's will bu…
