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Commentary on Ezekiel 11 verses 22–25
Here is, 1. The departure of God's presence from the city and temple. When the message was committed to the prophet, and he was fully apprized of it, fully instructed how to separate between the precious and the vile, then the cherubim lifted up their wings and the wheels beside them (Eze 11:22) as before, Eze 10:19. Angels, when they have done their errands in this lower world, are upon the wing to be gone, for they lose no time. We left the glory of the Lord last at the east gate of the temple (Eze 10:19), which is here said to be in the midst of the city. Now here we are told that, finding and wondering that there was none to intercede, none to uphold, none to invite its return, it removed next to the mountain which is on the east side of the city (Eze 11:23); that was the mount of Olives. On this mountain they had set up their idols, to confront God in his temple, when he dwelt there (Kg1 11:7), and thence it was called the mount of corruption (Kg2 23:13); therefore there God does as it were set up his standard, his tribunal, as it were to confront those who thought to keep possession of the temple for themselves now that God had left it. From that mountain there was a full prospect of the city; thither God removed, to make good what he had said (Deu 32:20), I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be. It was from this mountain that Christ beheld the city and wept over it, in the foresight of its last destruction by the Romans. The glory of the Lord removed thither, to be as it were yet within call, and ready to return if now at length, in this their day, they would have understood the things that belonged to their peace. Loth to depart bids oft farewell. God, by going away thus slowly, thus gradually, intimated that he left them with reluctance, and would not have gone if they had not perfectly forced him from them. He did now, in effect, say, How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? But, though he bear long, he will not bear always, but will at length forsake those, and cast them off for ever, who have forsaken him and cast him off. 2. The departure of this vision from the prophet. At length it went up from him (Eze 11:24); he saw it mount upwards, till it went out of sight, which would be a confirmation to his faith that it was a heavenly vision, that it descended from above, for thitherward it returned. Note, The visions which the saints have of the glory of God will not be constant will they come to heaven. They have glimpses of that glory, which they soon lose again, visions which go up from them, tastes of divine pleasures, but not a continual feast. It was from the mount of Olives that the vision went up, typifying the ascension of Christ to heaven from that very mountain, when those that had seen him manifested in the flesh saw him no more. It was foretold (Zac 14:4) that his feet should stand upon the mount of Olives, stand last there. 3. The prophet's return to those of the captivity. The same spirit that had carried him in a trance or ecstasy to Jerusalem brought him back to Chaldea; for there the bounds of his habitation are at present appointed, and that is the place of his service. The Spirit came to him, not to deliver him out of captivity, but (which was equivalent) to support and comfort him in his captivity. 4. The account which he gave to his hearers of all he had seen and heard, Eze 11:25. He received that he might give, and he was faithful to him that appointed him; he delivered his message very honestly: he spoke all that, and that only, which God had shown him. He told them of the great wickedness he had seen at Jerusalem, and the ruin that was hastening towards that city, that they might not repent of their surrendering themselves to the king of Babylon as Jeremiah advised them, and blame themselves for it, nor envy those that staid behind, and laughed at them for going when they did, nor wish themselves there again, but be content in their captivity. Who would covet to be in a city so full of sin and so near to ruin? It is better to be in Babylon under the favour of God than in Jerusalem under his wrath and curse. But, though this was delivered immediately to those of the captivity, yet we may suppose that they sent the contents of it to those at Jerusalem, with whom they kept up a correspondence; and well would it have been for Jerusalem if she had taken the warning hereby given.
(Verse 24, 25.) And the spirit lifted me up and brought me to Chaldea for the transmigration in a vision in the spirit of God, and the vision that I had seen was taken away from me. And I spoke to the transmigration all the words of the Lord that he had shown me. Because we have translated from the Hebrew truth: And the vision that I had seen was taken away from me, the LXX translated: And I ascended from the vision that I had seen. Both of which signify not that the prophet was physically transported from Jerusalem to Babylon, but in spirit, the vision that had led him in spirit to Jerusalem was taken away, and he returned to himself and spoke to the transmigration all that had been shown to him, namely, about those of whom it is written above: I was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting beside me, and there the hand of the Lord God fell upon me, and I saw (Above, VIII, 1). And in a marvelous manner, while these people who had come to visit were seated, the prophet saw mystical visions and was absent from those who were sitting in front of him, present in body but without spirit. And everything happens so that those who were captive may receive consolation, because they will be brought back to the land of Israel and will walk in the commandments of the Lord, and they will be his people and he will be their God. But those who do not turn to repentance and continue to walk in their abominations will receive the consequences of their actions. But we often mention that words in the Holy Scriptures are often used for things.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:24 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's visionary experience, as the divine Spirit transports him from the spiritual realm of Jerusalem's judgment back to the physical reality of the exiles in Chaldea (Babylonia). This verse signifies the conclusion of a profound series of visions concerning the defilement of the Temple and the departure of God's glory from Jerusalem, bringing Ezekiel's prophetic insights directly to the community of captives whom he was called to serve. It underscores the divine orchestration of Ezekiel's ministry and the immediate relevance of God's message to His people, even in their state of dispersion.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:24 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition of the word "spirit" (Hebrew: rûwach) twice in the verse ("the spirit took me up" and "by the Spirit of God") emphasizes the divine initiation and control over Ezekiel's prophetic experience, solidifying the authority and divine origin of his visions. The phrase "in a vision" serves as a crucial clarification, distinguishing the prophet's experience from a physical journey and highlighting the supernatural, revelatory nature of God's communication. This also functions as a form of frame narrative, closing the visionary sequence that began in earlier chapters and returning the prophet to his physical context. The journey "into Chaldea, to them of the captivity" uses specific geographical and demographic designation to ground the transcendent vision in the concrete reality of the exiles, underscoring the immediate relevance of God's message to their suffering and hope.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:24 is deeply significant in its theological implications, affirming God's sovereign control over His prophets and His unwavering presence with His people, even in their darkest hours of exile. The divine transportation of Ezekiel underscores that God's revelation is not confined to the Temple or the Promised Land but extends to His scattered people, demonstrating His omnipresence and continued covenant faithfulness. It highlights the Spirit's role as the primary agent of divine communication and empowerment for prophetic ministry, ensuring that God's word reaches its intended audience, regardless of their geographical displacement. This verse sets the stage for Ezekiel to deliver messages of both judgment and future restoration, proving that exile was not abandonment but a crucible for purification and renewed hope.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:24 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's presence and purpose are not limited by our circumstances, no matter how challenging or disorienting they may be. Just as God's Spirit actively guided Ezekiel and brought him back to the exiles, so too does the Holy Spirit guide and minister to us in our own "exiles"—seasons of difficulty, displacement, or spiritual wilderness. This verse encourages us to recognize that God is intimately involved in our lives, providing revelation and direction through His Word and Spirit, even when we feel far from "home" or familiar comforts. It calls us to be attentive to the Spirit's leading, understanding that divine communication is always purposed for our spiritual growth and for the benefit of the community around us. Like Ezekiel, we are called to be conduits of God's truth, bringing messages of hope, challenge, and restoration to those in our spheres of influence, wherever God has placed us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Ezekiel's transportation a physical event or a spiritual one?
Answer: Ezekiel 11:24 explicitly states that the Spirit brought him "in a vision." This clarifies that the transportation was not a physical relocation but a profound, divinely orchestrated spiritual experience. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, the prophet frequently experiences such visionary journeys, where his spirit is taken to different locations to witness events or receive messages, while his physical body remains in his actual location by the Chebar Canal (Ezekiel 8:3). This allows God to reveal truths and events far removed from Ezekiel's physical presence, underscoring the supernatural nature of prophetic revelation.
Why was it important for Ezekiel to be brought back "to them of the captivity"?
Answer: It was crucial for Ezekiel to be brought back to "them of the captivity" because they were the primary audience for his prophetic ministry. The visions he received, particularly those concerning Jerusalem's judgment and the Temple's defilement, were not merely for his personal understanding but were divine messages intended to be delivered to the exiled community. His return signifies that God's word is always relevant and directed towards His people, wherever they are. It also provided a powerful theological reassurance that God had not abandoned His people in exile but was actively present among them, communicating His will and offering a future hope, as seen in later chapters promising restoration (Ezekiel 36:24-28).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:24, with its emphasis on the Spirit's divine transportation and the delivery of God's message to the exiles, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Spirit brought Ezekiel to a people in spiritual "captivity" and physical exile, so too does Christ, through His atoning work, bring deliverance to those captive to sin and spiritual death (Romans 6:6). Jesus Himself is the ultimate Prophet, fully empowered by the Spirit, who came to deliver God's message of salvation and reconciliation to a world alienated from God (Luke 4:18-19). The "Spirit of God" that moved Ezekiel is the same Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers to be witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth, gathering a new "captivity"—the church—from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Acts 1:8; Revelation 7:9). The vision "going up" from Ezekiel foreshadows the completion of God's redemptive plan in Christ, where the prophetic word is fulfilled not just in vision but in the incarnate reality of God with us, culminating in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who continually guides and empowers God's people in their journey through this world, which is itself a form of temporary exile for believers awaiting their true heavenly home (1 Peter 2:11).