Ezekiel 20:3

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, speak {H1696} unto the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Are ye come {H935} to enquire {H1875} of me? As I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, I will not be enquired {H1875} of by you.

"Human being, speak to Isra'el's leaders; tell them that Adonai ELOHIM asks, 'Have you come to consult me? As I live,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'I swear that I will not let you consult me.'

β€œSon of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD.

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Is it to inquire of me that ye are come? As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will not be inquired of by you.

Commentary

Ezekiel 20:3 presents a stark and sobering declaration from the Lord GOD to the elders of Israel. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God unequivocally refuses to answer their inquiries, highlighting a profound breakdown in their relationship due to persistent rebellion and idolatry.

Context

This verse opens a significant chapter in Ezekiel, set during the Babylonian exile. The "elders of Israel" were leaders among the exiles, who came to Ezekiel, likely seeking a word from God concerning their future or perhaps a favorable oracle about their return from captivity. However, their inquiry was not met with comfort but with a stern refusal. This rejection is not arbitrary; it is a direct consequence of Israel's long history of spiritual infidelity, which Ezekiel elaborates on throughout the remainder of chapter 20, tracing their disobedience from Egypt through the wilderness and into the land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Rejection and Judgment: The central message is God's refusal to engage with those who outwardly seek Him but inwardly remain unrepentant and committed to idolatry. The phrase "I will not be enquired of by you" signifies a temporary withdrawal of divine counsel and favor, a severe form of judgment.
  • Consequences of Persistent Sin: This verse underscores that continuous rebellion and a lack of genuine repentance create a barrier between humanity and God. The elders' past and present sins, particularly their idolatry, had accumulated to a point where God would not even entertain their requests. This illustrates the principle that God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7).
  • God's Holiness and Integrity: God's refusal is a testament to His holy character. He is not a deity to be manipulated or consulted out of mere curiosity or self-interest when the heart is far from Him. His "As I live" oath emphasizes the absolute truth and certainty of His declaration, underscoring His unwavering commitment to righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "enquire" (darash, Χ“Χ¨Χ©) means to seek, inquire, or consult. It implies a seeking of divine will or guidance. The Lord's solemn oath, "As I live," is a powerful divine affirmation, used to emphasize the absolute truth and certainty of His pronouncement. This oath appears frequently in Ezekiel, often preceding declarations of judgment or future restoration, such as in Ezekiel 33:11.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:3 serves as a vital reminder that approaching God requires a right heart and genuine repentance. It challenges us to examine our motivations when we seek God's counsel. Are we truly seeking His will, or are we merely looking for validation of our own desires without addressing unconfessed sin or unrepentant attitudes? This verse emphasizes that while God is merciful and ready to forgive, He is also holy and just, and He will not be treated as a mere dispenser of favors to those who persist in rebellion. True communion with God begins with humility and a desire to align with His righteous ways, a theme echoed in James 4:8, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 50:15

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Psalms 50:21

    These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

  • Micah 3:7

    Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for [there is] no answer of God.

  • Proverbs 28:9

    ΒΆ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

  • Matthew 15:8

    This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

  • Matthew 15:9

    But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

  • 1 Samuel 28:6

    And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.