Ezekiel 20:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, [that] certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the seventh {H7637} year {H8141}, in the fifth {H2549} month, the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, that certain {H582} of the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478} came {H935} to enquire {H1875} of the LORD {H3068}, and sat {H3427} before {H6440} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the tenth day of the fifth month of the seventh year, some of Isra'el's leaders came to consult ADONAI and sat with me;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifthmonth, the tenthdayof the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of Jehovah, and sat before me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:1 functions as a precise chronological and narrative gateway, introducing a pivotal divine encounter. It meticulously records the arrival of a delegation of Israelite elders in Babylon, who present themselves before the prophet Ezekiel with the stated intention of seeking an oracle from the Lord. This seemingly pious act sets the stage for a profound prophetic discourse in which God, through Ezekiel, will expose Israel's persistent history of rebellion and idolatry, ultimately revealing His unwavering commitment to His covenant name and the eventual, sovereign restoration of His people, not for their merit, but for the vindication of His own holy name and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point, following the intense pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and the vivid depiction of God's glory departing from the Temple in [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8-11 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Abominations and God's Departing Glory"). It immediately precedes a lengthy and detailed historical indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness, spanning from their time in Egypt through the wilderness wanderings and into the Promised Land, which then culminates in a powerful promise of future restoration. The elders' inquiry in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness") echoes similar, problematic consultations recorded in [Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - Elders Inquire, Ezekiel's Vision of Abominations") and [Ezekiel 14:1](/ezekiel/14-1 "Ezekiel 14:1 - Elders Inquire, God's Judgment on Idolatry"), where their outward seeking was met with divine rebuke due to the deep-seated idolatry of their hearts. This recurring pattern establishes a significant tension between the external act of seeking God and the internal reality of their spiritual condition, a hypocrisy that the subsequent prophecy in this chapter will thoroughly expose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezekiel 20:1 are precisely dated to the seventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile, which corresponds to approximately 591 BC. Ezekiel, a priest by calling, was among the Jewish exiles deported to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's first major siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. He resided in Tel Abib, a community of Jewish expatriates situated by the Chebar Canal. The "elders of Israel" mentioned here were likely prominent leaders within this exiled community, possibly acting as representatives of the people or seeking guidance on behalf of the collective. In the broader ancient Near Eastern cultural landscape, prophets served as indispensable intermediaries between the divine and humanity. It was a common and expected practice for individuals, particularly leaders, to consult them for divine counsel, especially during periods of national upheaval, uncertainty, or crisis, such as the Babylonian captivity. Their posture of sitting "before me" (Ezekiel) indicates a formal and respectful stance, signifying their readiness to receive a prophetic word.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several profound and pervasive themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Chronology** is immediately evident in the meticulous dating, underscoring God's precise and active control over the unfolding of historical events. Secondly, the theme of **Seeking God's Counsel** is central, as the elders "came to enquire of the LORD." However, their true motives are swiftly called into question by God's subsequent response in later verses, revealing a deeper and more critical theme of **Israel's Persistent Rebellion and Idolatry**. This act of inquiry, while appearing pious on the surface, strategically sets the stage for God to expose their hypocritical hearts and their long, unbroken history of unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores **The Prophet's Role as God's Spokesman**, as Ezekiel stands as the divinely appointed conduit for the Lord's authoritative word to His people, a recurring and foundational motif throughout the prophetic literature, as powerfully exemplified in the ministries of prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquire (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root primarily means to tread or frequent, but in a broader sense, to follow for pursuit or search. In a spiritual and theological context, it signifies a deliberate, earnest, and often diligent effort to seek, ask, or specifically to worship and inquire of God. While it implies a deep desire for divine revelation or guidance, the subsequent narrative in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness") reveals that the elders' hearts were not genuinely seeking God's will but rather their own comfort or validation.
* **elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "old," this term refers to aged individuals, ancient men, or respected senators. In ancient Israelite society, elders were highly regarded leaders within the community, holding significant authority and providing crucial counsel. Their presence in this context signifies a formal, representative inquiry on behalf of the exiled Israelite community, lending weight and official status to their petition.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal, and covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "the Lord" in English translations. It signifies "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, unchanging nature, and His unique, covenant relationship with Israel. The elders' inquiry is specifically directed to this covenant God, highlighting His supreme authority over all matters and His distinct identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month":** This opening clause provides a remarkably precise chronological marker, firmly anchoring the prophetic event in a specific historical moment. The "seventh year" refers to the seventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile, which corresponds to August 14, 591 BC. This meticulous dating, characteristic of Ezekiel's prophetic book, underscores the divine intentionality behind the message and the prophet's careful record-keeping, thereby emphasizing the reliability and historical veracity of the divine word that follows. It places this encounter approximately 14 months after Ezekiel's vision of abominations in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Vision of Abominations in the Temple").
* **"[that] certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD":** This clause introduces the key human participants and their stated purpose. "Certain of the elders of Israel" indicates a formal delegation of community leaders, acting as representatives for the exiled people. Their action to "enquire of the LORD" signifies a formal consultation, seeking divine guidance, an oracle, or a word from God. This act, while outwardly appearing pious and commendable, is immediately challenged by God's subsequent refusal to be inquired of by them due to their unrepentant idolatry, thereby establishing the central tension and irony that will unfold throughout the chapter.
* **"and sat before me":** This concluding phrase describes the physical posture and setting of the elders. They "sat before" Ezekiel, indicating a respectful, attentive, and formal stance, signifying their readiness to receive the prophetic word. It further underscores Ezekiel's divinely appointed role as the intermediary and spokesman for God, and the seriousness with which the elders, at least outwardly, approached this prophetic encounter, even if their hearts were not fully aligned with God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:1 masterfully employs **Chronological Precision** to ground the prophetic message firmly within a specific historical context. The detailed dating ("seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day") is a distinctive feature of Ezekiel's writing, serving to emphasize God's sovereign control over time and the unfolding of events, lending credibility and immediacy to the divine word. The act of the elders coming to "enquire of the LORD" introduces a powerful element of **Dramatic Irony**, as their outward display of piety and spiritual seeking is immediately and profoundly undermined by God's subsequent refusal to answer them directly due to their hidden and persistent idolatry, a central theme that will be thoroughly exposed throughout the remainder of the chapter. This juxtaposition creates a stark **Contrast** between the elders' perceived spiritual need and the true, underlying spiritual sickness of the nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:1 introduces a critical theological tension: the human desire for divine guidance contrasted sharply with God's refusal to be consulted by those whose hearts are not genuinely devoted to Him. This highlights the profound principle that true spiritual inquiry necessitates a pure heart and genuine repentance, rather than merely a superficial seeking of answers or a pragmatic consultation. God's immediate and forceful response to the elders, as revealed in the subsequent verses of the chapter, powerfully underscores His absolute holiness and His unwavering unwillingness to compromise with idolatry, even when His covenant people are in distress and facing judgment. This foundational interaction sets the stage for a powerful and enduring reminder of God's steadfast covenant faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion, ultimately emphasizing His supreme commitment to the vindication of His own holy name and glory above all else.

* [Ezekiel 14:3](/ezekiel/14-3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - God Refuses to Answer Idolatrous Inquirers")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:1 serves as a profound and challenging mirror for contemporary believers, compelling us to deeply examine the true motives and inner disposition behind our own spiritual inquiries and practices. While the elders' act of seeking God's counsel appears outwardly commendable, the ensuing divine rebuke vividly reveals that a superficial seeking, or one born merely of convenience, self-interest, or a desire for specific outcomes without genuine repentance, is utterly insufficient and unacceptable to a holy God. We are called not merely to ask God for answers or solutions, but to seek Him with a whole and undivided heart, purged of hidden idols and characterized by a genuine willingness to obey His commands. This verse powerfully challenges us to consider whether our prayers, Bible study, and other spiritual pursuits are truly rooted in an authentic desire for God Himself and His perfect will, or if we are subtly seeking only to alleviate our problems or validate our own desires while clinging to practices, attitudes, or allegiances that displease Him. It serves as a stark reminder that God desires not just our questions or our outward rituals, but our complete, unreserved devotion and obedient surrender.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my true, underlying motives when I "enquire of the LORD" through prayer, Bible study, or seeking spiritual counsel? Am I genuinely seeking His will, or subtly seeking validation for my own desires and plans?**
* **Are there any "idols" in my life—things, relationships, or desires that compete with or subtly displace my supreme devotion to God—that might hinder my ability to truly hear and receive His word clearly?**
* **How does the remarkable precision of the date in this verse encourage me about God's meticulous sovereignty and His active, intentional involvement in the intricate details of history and my own personal life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the elders come to Ezekiel to "enquire of the LORD"?**

Answer: The elders came to Ezekiel because he was God's divinely appointed prophet, serving as the primary intermediary through whom God communicated His will to His people, especially during the challenging period of the Babylonian exile. In ancient Israel, prophets were the authoritative voice of God, and during times of national crisis, such as their captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem, it was customary and expected for leaders and the people to seek divine guidance and an oracle through the prophet. Their act of sitting "before" Ezekiel signified their formal and respectful posture, indicating their readiness to receive a word from the Lord. However, as the chapter unfolds, God reveals that their hearts were not pure in their seeking, as they still harbored idols and were unrepentant, leading to God's initial refusal to be inquired of by them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:1, while detailing a specific Old Testament interaction, finds profound and multifaceted Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The elders' attempt to "enquire of the LORD" powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent and desperate need to seek divine truth, guidance, and reconciliation—a need that is perfectly and comprehensively met in Christ alone. No longer do we need to approach a human prophet who sits before us, for Jesus Himself is the ultimate Prophet, the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken most fully, finally, and authoritatively ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The underlying tension in Ezekiel 20, where God initially refuses to be inquired of due to Israel's unrepentant idolatry, vividly highlights the insurmountable barrier of sin that exists between a holy God and rebellious humanity. This formidable barrier, which prevented genuine communion, is completely and eternally removed through Christ. As the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, making it gloriously possible for us to now approach God's throne with confidence, not based on our own fleeting righteousness, but solely on His perfect and finished work ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). In Jesus, the true Israelite, we find the perfect fulfillment of seeking God with a pure and obedient heart, for He always perfectly did the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")), and through Him, we are graciously invited into a genuine, unhindered, and eternal relationship with the Father.

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 8:1

¶ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.

Ezekiel 1:2

In the fifth [day] of the month, which [was] the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

Ezekiel 26:1

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 31:1

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third [month], in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 24:1

¶ Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 30:20

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [month], in the seventh [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.