Ezekiel 11:25

KJV

Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I spake {H1696} unto them of the captivity {H1473} all the things {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} had shewed {H7200} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I told the exiles everything ADONAI had shown me.

Berean Standard Bible

I told the exiles everything the LORD had shown me.

American Standard Version

Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that Jehovah had showed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:25 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, signaling the conclusion of a profound visionary experience and his immediate, faithful obedience to God's command. Having been supernaturally transported in vision to Jerusalem to witness its pervasive idolatry and the departure of God's glory, Ezekiel is returned to his physical location among the exiles in Babylon. This verse records his diligent act of communicating every detail of the divine revelations—both the dire warnings of impending judgment and the tender promises of future restoration—to the Jewish community in captivity, underscoring the vital role of the prophet as God's messenger to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 11:25 serves as the concluding verse for a significant block of prophetic visions spanning from [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple") through [Ezekiel 11](/ezekiel/11 "Ezekiel 11 - The Departure of God's Glory and Promise of Restoration"). In this extended vision, Ezekiel was supernaturally transported from his location by the Chebar Canal in Babylon to Jerusalem. He witnessed the horrifying idolatry and abominations being committed within the temple precincts ([Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5-18 - Idolatry in the Temple")), the subsequent judgment on the city, and the gradual, sorrowful departure of the glory of the LORD from the temple ([Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory Departs the Temple")) and finally from the city itself ([Ezekiel 11:22-23](/ezekiel/11-22 "Ezekiel 11:22-23 - The Glory Departs Jerusalem")). Amidst these scenes of divine wrath, God also interjected a profound promise of a new heart and spirit for the remnant ([Ezekiel 11:19-20](/ezekiel/11-19 "Ezekiel 11:19-20 - Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")). Verse 25 thus signifies the end of this intense visionary experience and Ezekiel's immediate return to his prophetic duties among the exiles, faithfully delivering the entirety of the divine message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezekiel's prophecy is the Babylonian exile, specifically among the first wave of exiles deported by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC, following the siege of Jerusalem (as detailed in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")). Ezekiel himself was among those exiled, living by the Chebar Canal (as described in [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Calling by the Chebar")). The community of exiles would have been grappling with profound questions about God's faithfulness, their future, and the fate of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets often offered optimistic, yet misleading, assurances of a swift return ([Jeremiah 28:1-4](/jeremiah/28-1 "Jeremiah 28:1-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). In this environment, Ezekiel's role was crucial: to deliver God's unfiltered truth, even when it was harsh, to prepare the people for the inevitable fall of Jerusalem, and to offer genuine hope rooted in God's covenant promises, not human wishful thinking. His communication was not merely informational but deeply pastoral, addressing the spiritual and existential crisis of a people uprooted and disillusioned.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Communication and Revelation**, emphasizing that God actively engages with His people, revealing His plans and purposes, even in times of judgment and distress. The phrase "the LORD had shewed me" underscores the supernatural and authoritative origin of Ezekiel's message, distinguishing it from human speculation. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Prophetic Responsibility and Faithfulness**. Ezekiel's immediate act of speaking "all the things" demonstrates the prophet's non-negotiable duty to accurately and comprehensively convey God's word, without addition or subtraction, regardless of the message's popularity or the audience's receptiveness. This faithfulness is central to the prophetic office. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Engagement with His People**, even in their exile. Despite their sin and the impending destruction of Jerusalem, God had not abandoned His covenant people; He continued to speak to them, offering both stern warnings and the foundational promises for future restoration, thereby affirming His enduring relationship with Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) is a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but figuratively, "to speak." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions including to command, declare, tell, teach, and utter. In this context, it signifies Ezekiel's authoritative and deliberate act of communicating the divine message. It's not a casual conversation but a formal pronouncement, reflecting the weight and origin of the words. The prophet is not merely relaying information but delivering a divinely mandated declaration.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gôwlâh'_):** The noun (H1473) refers to the act of exile or, concretely and collectively, to the exiles themselves. It describes the community of people who had been "carried away" from their homeland. This term emphasizes the specific audience of Ezekiel's message—those who were living in a state of displacement and despair, experiencing the consequences of Israel's sin. The message was directly relevant to their current circumstances and future hopes.
* **shewed (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** The verb (H7200) is a primitive root meaning "to see," literally or figuratively. In a prophetic context, it often denotes a direct, divinely orchestrated visual experience or revelation, implying that Ezekiel was granted a profound, often symbolic, vision directly from God. It's not merely an intellectual understanding but an experiential perception, highlighting the vivid and immersive nature of God's communication to His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I spake unto them of the captivity":** This clause signifies Ezekiel's immediate and obedient response to the divine vision. Upon returning from his supernatural transport, his first action is to address his fellow exiles. The phrase "them of the captivity" specifically identifies his audience as the community of Jewish exiles in Babylon, emphasizing that God's message was intended directly for those experiencing the consequences of their nation's sin and displacement. Ezekiel acts as the faithful conduit of divine truth to his suffering people.
* **"all the things that the LORD had shewed me":** This phrase underscores the comprehensive and authoritative nature of Ezekiel's message. He did not selectively choose what to share but communicated "all the things"—the full scope of the visions, including the abominations in Jerusalem, the departure of God's glory, the impending judgment, and the promises of future restoration. The explicit mention that "the LORD had shewed me" attributes the origin and content of the message entirely to God, establishing its divine authority and truthfulness, and validating Ezekiel's prophetic office.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Mandate**, as the verse explicitly states that Ezekiel spoke "all the things that the LORD had shewed me," highlighting that his words are not his own but are divinely revealed and commanded. This underscores the **Prophetic Act** itself, where Ezekiel functions as a faithful messenger, immediately delivering the comprehensive and unvarnished truth received from God. The contrast between the prophet's personal experience of the vision and his public **Verbal Report** emphasizes the burden and responsibility of the prophetic office. Furthermore, the use of "all the things" serves as an instance of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, assuring the reader that the entirety of God's complex message, encompassing both judgment and hope, was faithfully conveyed, leaving nothing out.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:25 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to communicate with His people, even when they are in a state of spiritual and physical exile. It highlights the divine initiative in revelation, where God "shows" His truth to His chosen messengers, entrusting them with the weighty responsibility of proclaiming it. This verse reinforces the concept of the prophet as a divinely appointed intermediary, whose faithfulness in delivering the message is paramount. The comprehensive nature of Ezekiel's report ("all the things") underscores the completeness and integrity of God's word, which encompasses both stern warnings of judgment for sin and gracious promises of future restoration. It reminds us that divine truth is multifaceted and often challenging, but always purposeful, designed to bring about repentance and hope.

* [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "God's Command to Jeremiah to Speak")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God's Progressive Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God revealed His truth to Ezekiel for the benefit of the exiles, He continues to communicate with us today, primarily through His inspired and inerrant Word, the Bible. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening and diligent study, recognizing that God's messages, though sometimes challenging, are always for our good and His glory. Like Ezekiel, who faithfully delivered "all the things" God had shown him, we who have received the truth of the Gospel are entrusted with the responsibility to share it comprehensively and without compromise. This involves proclaiming both the warnings against sin and the glorious hope found in Christ, understanding that God's message is holistic. Furthermore, Ezekiel's ministry in exile reminds us that God remains present and communicative even in our most difficult and disorienting circumstances. No personal or collective "exile" is beyond the reach of His voice; His word brings clarity, conviction, and comfort into every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel's immediate obedience to speak God's word challenge my own readiness to share spiritual truths with others?**
* **In what ways do I ensure that I am hearing "all the things" God desires to communicate to me through His Word, rather than selectively choosing what I want to hear?**
* **How does the knowledge that God spoke to His people even in exile encourage me about His presence and communication in my own challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Ezekiel's vision that he communicated?**

Answer: The vision Ezekiel communicated was profoundly significant because it revealed the true spiritual state of Jerusalem and the temple, exposing the pervasive idolatry and abominations that had provoked God's wrath ([Ezekiel 8:6](/ezekiel/8-6 "Ezekiel 8:6 - The Great Abominations")). Crucially, it also depicted the departure of the glory of the LORD from the temple and the city ([Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory Departs the Temple")), signifying God's withdrawal before the city's impending destruction. This was a devastating truth for the exiles who still hoped for Jerusalem's preservation. However, the vision also contained a vital promise of future restoration and a "new heart" for the remnant ([Ezekiel 11:19-20](/ezekiel/11-19 "Ezekiel 11:19-20 - Promise of a New Heart")), offering a glimmer of hope amidst the judgment. Ezekiel's communication of "all the things" prepared the exiles for the fall of Jerusalem and laid the groundwork for understanding God's long-term redemptive plan.

**Why was it important for Ezekiel to speak to "them of the captivity"?**

Answer: It was critically important for Ezekiel to speak to "them of the captivity" because they were the immediate recipients of God's message and the future hope of Israel. Living in exile, they were susceptible to false prophecies of a quick return and struggled with understanding God's justice and faithfulness. Ezekiel's truthful, divinely revealed message provided the necessary spiritual guidance, correcting their misconceptions, preparing them for the reality of Jerusalem's destruction, and offering genuine, covenantal hope that would sustain them through the long period of exile. His role ensured that God's voice was heard and understood by the very people who needed it most, preventing despair and fostering a true understanding of God's purposes.

**How does God "show" things to His prophets, as implied by "shewed me"?**

Answer: The phrase "shewed me" (Hebrew _râʼâh'_) implies a direct, often visual, and supernaturally imparted revelation from God. In the context of prophetic literature, God "shows" things to His prophets through various means, including vivid visions (like those in [Ezekiel 1-3](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1-3 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory")), symbolic acts they are commanded to perform ([Ezekiel 4:1-3](/ezekiel/4-1 "Ezekiel 4:1-3 - Ezekiel's Siege of Jerusalem Model")), auditory messages, and direct divine communication. For Ezekiel, much of his prophecy was conveyed through elaborate, immersive visions that allowed him to "see" and "experience" divine realities, judgments, and future plans as if he were physically present. This direct showing underscores the authenticity and divine origin of the prophetic message, distinguishing it from human speculation or interpretation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:25, while describing a specific prophetic act, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ezekiel, as a faithful messenger, spoke "all the things that the LORD had shewed me," revealing God's judgment on sin and His promise of a new heart. This foreshadows Jesus, who is the ultimate Prophet, the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly revealed "all things" that the Father had shown Him ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). Jesus did not merely speak about God's will; He embodied it, perfectly fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. The "new heart" promised by God through Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 11:19](/ezekiel/11-19 "Ezekiel 11:19 - Promise of a New Heart")) is made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which enables the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, transforming their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the comprehensive message of judgment and restoration delivered by Ezekiel finds its perfect and redemptive culmination in Christ, who is both the righteous Judge and the gracious Savior, bringing about the spiritual reality that the prophet could only foretell.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 3:4

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.

Ezekiel 3:27

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.