Ezekiel 20:3-4
“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. Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Let them know the abominations of their fathers,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's refusal isn't just a simple "no," but a pointed question revealing the elders’ hypocrisy. They aren't genuinely seeking God's will, but likely hoping for confirmation of their own plans, making their inquiry a mere pretense.
The elders of Israel have come to Ezekiel, likely seeking guidance about their present situation and possibly hoping for a message of deliverance from their enemies. However, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not answer their inquiries because their hearts are far from Him, and their desire to consult Him is rooted in hypocrisy rather than genuine repentance. This refusal sets the stage for a severe recounting of Israel's history of disobedience, emphasizing how their past actions explain their current predicament.
Have you ever asked God for guidance, only to feel a deafening silence? This verse reveals a reason why God might withhold answers.
The elders of Israel approached Ezekiel with questions, likely about their future and potential deliverance from Babylonian exile. But their hearts were not truly open to God's will.
A Hidden Agenda
God's question, "Is it to inquire of me that you come?" cuts to the core. It suggests their inquiry wasn't genuine seeking of God, but a pretense. They probably had their own plans and were hoping the prophet would simply confirm them, or offer a favorable prophecy.
God Sees the Heart
God declares, "As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you." This isn't a lack of power or willingness on God's part, but a righteous refusal. When people approach God with hypocrisy, already resolved on their own path, their requests are not heard. True seeking involves surrender, not just information gathering.
God's declaration, 'As I live,' is more than just an expression. It carries profound theological weight.
When God says, 'As I live,' He is invoking His own divine nature and existence as the basis for His solemn promise or pronouncement.
God's Self-Attestation
This oath is a powerful way God emphasizes the absolute certainty and immutability of His word. It's not a casual statement; it's an affirmation rooted in His eternal being. For the elders, this oath underscores the gravity of His refusal – it is final and absolute.
A Reflection of Their History
God's refusal, sealed by His oath, also serves as a stark reminder of Israel's persistent rebellion throughout their history. Their past actions had created a pattern of disobedience, making it impossible for them to genuinely inquire of the Lord in a way He would honor.
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.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to actions, idolatries, or moral practices that are deeply offensive to God and strictly prohibited under His covenant law; it signifies a moral or spiritual corruption.
The elders of Israel, living in exile and facing the impending destruction of Jerusalem, approach Ezekiel with questions. However, their hearts are far from God, marked by a history of rebellion. God declares He will not answer them because their inquiry is not genuine repentance but a hypocritical attempt to seek favorable news while continuing in their sin.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiakim of Judah is taken captive to Babylon, along with members of the royal family and educated elite. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for Judah.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion against Babylon, King Jehoiachin, his court, and thousands more Judeans are exiled to Babylon. The prophet Ezekiel is among this group.
c. 589 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem, initiating a prolonged and devastating conflict that will lead to the city's destruction.
c. 588 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision
Ezekiel receives a vision from God, beginning his prophetic ministry among the exiles in Babylon. He is tasked with confronting the elders who are still seeking answers from God despite their persistent rebellion.
This passage directly parallels Ezekiel 20:3, showing God's refusal to be inquired of by those who set up idols in their hearts and come with hypocrisy.
Psalm 66:18This verse explains the underlying principle: God does not listen to the prayers of the wicked or those who harbor sin in their hearts, much like the elders Ezekiel is addressing.
Proverbs 28:9This proverb highlights that turning away from God's law, even while claiming to seek Him, renders prayers an abomination, which is precisely the situation of the elders in Ezekiel 20.
1 John 3:21-22This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment, assuring us that if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask, implying that a clear conscience is key to being heard.
Jeremiah 29:12-13This passage offers a contrast, promising that when God's people sincerely seek Him with their whole heart, they will find Him, underscoring the elders' failure to meet this condition in Ezekiel 20.
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 isn't just a simple "no," but a pointed question revealing the elders’ hypocrisy. They aren't genuinely seeking God's will, but likely hoping for confirmation of their own plans, making their inquiry a mere pretense.
The elders of Israel have come to Ezekiel, likely seeking guidance about their present situation and possibly hoping for a message of deliverance from their enemies. However, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not answer their inquiries because their hearts are far from Him, and their desire to consult Him is rooted in hypocrisy rather than genuine repentance. This refusal sets the stage for a severe recounting of Israel's history of disobedience, emphasizing how their past actions explain their current predicament.
The elders of Israel have come to Ezekiel, likely seeking guidance about their present situation and possibly hoping for a message of deliverance from their enemies. However, God declares through Ezekiel that He will not answer their inquiries because their hearts are far from Him, and their desire to consult Him is rooted in hypocrisy rather than genuine repentance. This refusal sets the stage for a severe recounting of Israel's history of disobedience, emphasizing how their past actions explain their current predicament.
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586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After a long siege and a period of famine and desperation, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. The Temple is destroyed, and the remaining population is exiled, except for a few left behind.
"“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. Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge…" — God's refusal isn't just a simple "no," but a pointed question revealing the elders’ hypocrisy. They aren't genuinely seeking God's will, but likely hoping for confirmation of their own plans, making…
