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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 20:1–4.
Here is, 1. The occasion of the message which we have in this chapter. That sermon which we had ch. 18 was occasioned by their presumptuous reflections upon God; this was occasioned by their hypocritical enquiries after him. Each shall have his own. This prophecy is exactly dated, in the seventh year of the captivity, about two years after Ezekiel began to prophesy. God would have them to keep account how long their captivity lasted, that they might see how the years went on towards their deliverance, though very slowly. Certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the Lord, not statedly (as those Eze 8:1), but, as it should seem, occasionally, and upon a particular emergency. Whether they were of those that were now in captivity, or elders lately come from Jerusalem upon business to Babylon, is not certain; but, by what the prophet says to them (Eze 20:32), it should seem, their enquiry was whether now that they were captives in Babylon, at a distance from their own country, where they had not only no temple, but no synagogue, for the worship of God, it was not lawful for them, that they might ingratiate themselves with their lords and masters, to join with them in their worship and do as the families of these countries do, that serve wood and stone. This matter was palliated as well as it would bear, like Naaman's pleading with Elisha for leave to bow in the house of Rimmon, in compliment to the king; but we have reason to suspect that their enquiry drove at this. Note, Those hearts are wretchedly hardened which ask God leave to go on in sin, and that when they are suffering for it. They came and sat very demurely and with a show of devotion before the prophet, Eze 33:31. 2. The purport of this message. (1.) They must be made to know that God is angry with them; he takes it as an affront that they come to enquire of him when they are resolved to go on still in their trespasses: As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you, Eze 20:3. Their shows of devotion shall be neither acceptable to God nor advantageous to themselves. God will not take notice of their enquiries, nor give them any satisfactory answers. Note, A hypocritical attendance on God and his ordinances is so far from being pleasing to him that it is provoking. (2.) They must be made to know that God is justly angry with them (Eze 20:4): "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Thou art a prophet, surely thou wilt not plead for them, as an intercessor with God; but surely thou wilt pass sentence on them as a judge for God. See, I have set thee over the nation; wilt thou not declare to them the judgments of the Lord? Cause them therefore to know the abominations of their fathers." So the orders run now, as before (Eze 16:2) he must cause them to know their own abominations. Though their own abominations were sufficient to justify God in the severest of his proceedings against them, yet it would be of use for them to know the abominations of their fathers, that they might see what a righteous thing it was with God now at last to cut them off from being a people, who from the first were such a provoking people.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 2, 3.) And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Have you come to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, says the Lord God. To the righteous and worthy who ask, a promise is given. As you continue to speak, I will say: Here I am. But to the sinners, like the elders of Israel, whose crimes are described by the prophets that follow, there is no answer; only rebuke for their sins. And an oath is added: As I live, the sentence of denial is made stronger. But as for what the LXX said, if I were to respond to you, Symmachus translated it more clearly, I will not respond to you.
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Summary
Ezekiel 20:3 delivers a profound and stark divine refusal to the elders of Israel, who approach the prophet Ezekiel seeking counsel from the Lord. Through a solemn oath, God emphatically declares that He will not be inquired of by them, underscoring the deep chasm in their relationship. This declaration serves as a severe judgment, highlighting God's unwavering holiness and His refusal to engage with those whose hearts are far from Him due to a long history of unrepentant rebellion and pervasive idolatry, despite their outward gestures of seeking.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 20:3 initiates a pivotal discourse within the book of Ezekiel, immediately following a series of oracles and symbolic actions (Ezekiel 12-19) that vividly portray Jerusalem's impending destruction and the reasons for its judgment. This chapter specifically addresses the persistent idolatry and rebellion of Israel throughout its history, from their time in Egypt to the Babylonian exile. The elders' inquiry in verse 3 sets the stage for a detailed historical recounting of Israel's unfaithfulness, which serves to justify God's severe judgment and His refusal to offer them a favorable oracle. The subsequent verses, beginning with Ezekiel 20:4, meticulously trace this pattern of disobedience, demonstrating that God's current rejection is not arbitrary but a just response to generations of spiritual apostasy. The entire chapter functions as a theological explanation for the exile, affirming God's righteousness even in judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context
The scene is set during the Babylonian exile, specifically in the seventh year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (Ezekiel 8:1, though Ezekiel 1:2 places Ezekiel's call in the fifth year, this specific encounter is later), placing it around 591 BC. The "elders of Israel" were prominent leaders and representatives of the exiled community, likely seeking a word from God concerning their future, perhaps hoping for an oracle of imminent return or a lifting of their suffering. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, consulting prophets or diviners for divine guidance was common, especially in times of crisis. However, Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh demanded exclusive worship and obedience. Their persistent syncretism and idolatry, even in exile, meant they were attempting to approach a holy God while simultaneously clinging to practices anathema to Him. Their inquiry was likely motivated by self-interest or a desire for comfort, rather than genuine repentance or a desire to align with God's will.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully introduces several core themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it highlights the theme of Divine Rejection and Judgment, emphasizing that God's patience has limits, and persistent rebellion leads to a withdrawal of His favor and direct communication. The emphatic "I will not be enquired of by you" signifies a profound barrier created by sin. Second, it underscores the Consequences of Persistent Sin, illustrating that a history of unfaithfulness and idolatry creates a spiritual chasm between God and His people, preventing genuine communion. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like Isaiah 59:2 where sin separates from God. Third, it powerfully affirms God's Holiness and Integrity. God is not a cosmic vending machine or a deity to be manipulated; His character demands righteousness, and He will not be trifled with by those who feign devotion while harboring idolatry in their hearts. His solemn oath, "As I live," underscores the absolute certainty and immutability of His righteous decree, a theme echoed throughout Ezekiel's prophecies.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a son as a builder of the family name, but extends to a wide range of relationships including subject, nation, or even quality. In the phrase "Son of man" (ben 'adam), it emphasizes Ezekiel's human nature (H120, ʼâdâm, meaning "human being"), contrasting him with the divine speaker and underscoring his role as a mortal messenger to his fellow humans. This title highlights the vast chasm between the holy God and the sinful people, mediated by a human prophet.
A primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," then figuratively "to follow for pursuit or search," and by implication, "to seek or ask." It often carries the connotation of seeking divine will, guidance, or even worship. The repetition of this verb in Ezekiel 20:3, first as the elders' action ("Are ye come to enquire of me?") and then as God's emphatic refusal ("I will not be enquired of by you"), creates a powerful antithesis. It highlights the elders' attempt to access God on their terms, and God's absolute rejection of such an approach due to their unrepentant hearts.
Meaning "alive," "life," or "living thing." When used in the divine oath "As I live" (Hebrew: "Chay anochi"), it is the strongest possible divine affirmation, swearing by God's very existence and life. This oath emphasizes the absolute truth, certainty, and irrevocability of the preceding or following declaration. In this context, it underscores the solemnity and finality of God's refusal to be consulted, demonstrating that this is not a temporary mood but a settled, righteous judgment based on His unchanging nature and the elders' persistent sin.
Verse Breakdown
"Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them,"
This opening clause establishes the divine commission to Ezekiel, identifying him by his characteristic prophetic title. It directs him to address the "elders of Israel," who represent the leadership and collective conscience of the exiled community. This highlights that God's message is specifically for those who are supposedly seeking Him, yet are in a state of spiritual rebellion. The command to "speak" (H1696, dâbar) and "say" (H559, ʼâmar) emphasizes the direct, authoritative nature of the divine communication.
"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me?"
This introduces the divine oracle and immediately presents a rhetorical question from God. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (using H136, ʼĂdônây, and H3069, Yᵉhôvih) authenticates the message as directly from Yahweh, the sovereign Lord. The question "Are ye come (H935, bôwʼ) to enquire (H1875, dârash) of me?" is laden with irony and challenge, implying that their outward act of seeking is incongruous with their inward spiritual condition. It sets up the impending, shocking refusal.
"As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you."
This is the climactic declaration, a solemn divine oath that emphatically denies their request. "As I live" (H2416, chay) is the strongest possible affirmation, underscoring the absolute certainty and immutability of God's pronouncement. The repeated phrase "I will not be enquired (H1875, dârash) of by you" (using the passive form of "enquire") signifies a complete cessation of divine counsel and favor, a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and unrepentant heart. It is a severe judgment, indicating a temporary but profound withdrawal of God's presence and guidance from those who only superficially seek Him.
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is Rhetorical Question, "Are ye come to enquire of me?", which is not posed to elicit information but to expose the elders' hypocrisy and the futility of their inquiry given their unrepentant state. This question sets up the dramatic Antithesis between their desire to "enquire" and God's emphatic refusal, "I will not be enquired of by you." The repetition of the verb "enquire" (dârash) in both the question and the refusal creates a strong sense of divine rejection and highlights the central conflict. Furthermore, the use of a Divine Oath, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD," serves as a powerful form of Solemn Affirmation, lending absolute certainty and gravity to God's declaration. This oath elevates the refusal from a mere statement to an immutable decree, emphasizing the seriousness of Israel's spiritual condition and the unwavering nature of God's righteous judgment. The abruptness of the refusal also functions as a form of Dramatic Irony, as the elders likely expected a favorable response, only to be met with a decisive "no."
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 20:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness and the necessary conditions for genuine communion with Him. It teaches that God cannot be manipulated or approached with a divided heart; His character demands integrity and exclusive devotion. The elders' attempt to "enquire" of the Lord, while their nation persisted in idolatry and rebellion, represents a superficial religiosity that God utterly rejects. This verse underscores the principle that outward religious acts are meaningless without inward repentance and a transformed heart. God's refusal is not arbitrary but a just response to a sustained pattern of unfaithfulness, demonstrating that He will not compromise His holy standards. It highlights that true seeking of God involves a willingness to abandon sin and align with His righteous will, rather than merely seeking self-serving answers or attempting to use God for one's own purposes.
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel 20:3 stands as a sobering mirror, inviting us to critically examine the posture of our own hearts when we approach God. It challenges the notion that God is merely a dispenser of blessings or a source of convenient answers, reminding us that He is a holy and just God who demands genuine repentance and sincere devotion. When we "enquire" of the Lord, are our motives pure? Are we truly seeking His will, even if it contradicts our desires, or are we merely seeking validation for our own plans, while clinging to unconfessed sin or unrepentant attitudes? This verse compels us to consider whether our lives reflect a true commitment to Christ or if we, like the elders, are attempting to engage with God on our terms, rather than humbly submitting to His. True communion with God is predicated on a contrite spirit and a desire to walk in obedience, recognizing that He is not mocked and will not be treated as a means to an end. It calls us to a radical self-examination, ensuring that our pursuit of God is rooted in a desire for His glory and righteousness, not merely our own comfort or convenience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God refuse to be inquired of by the elders of Israel?
God refused to be inquired of by the elders of Israel because their outward act of seeking Him was not accompanied by genuine repentance or a turning away from their pervasive idolatry and rebellion. As the broader context of Ezekiel 20 reveals, Israel had a long history of spiritual unfaithfulness, repeatedly breaking their covenant with God. Their current inquiry was likely motivated by a desire for a favorable oracle concerning their exile, rather than a sincere desire to align their lives with God's holy standards. God's refusal was a righteous judgment, demonstrating that He cannot be manipulated and will not engage with those who approach Him with divided hearts and unrepentant sin. It underscores His holiness and integrity, affirming that true communion requires a heart fully devoted to Him, not merely ritualistic or self-serving consultation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ezekiel 20:3, with its stark declaration of God's refusal to be inquired of due to Israel's unrepentant sin, powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a new covenant and a perfect mediator. The insurmountable barrier that Israel's sin created between them and God is definitively broken down in Jesus Christ. Where the elders' attempts to approach God were met with rejection, Christ, as the ultimate "Son of Man" (a title He frequently used for Himself, e.g., Matthew 8:20), perfectly fulfilled the will of God and became the sole means by which humanity can genuinely inquire of and draw near to the Father. His sacrificial death on the cross removed the barrier of sin, making it possible for those who believe to approach God with confidence, not based on their own merit or outward performance, but on Christ's perfect righteousness (Hebrews 4:16). The "As I live" oath of God, which sealed His refusal to the elders, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the life-giving work of Christ, who is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), offering eternal life and unhindered access to God for all who come through Him (John 14:6). In Christ, the very God who refused to be inquired of by the unrepentant now invites all to draw near through the perfect High Priest, who always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).