Ezekiel 33:32

And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely {H5690} song {H7892} of one that hath a pleasant {H3303} voice {H6963}, and can play well {H2895} on an instrument {H5059}: for they hear {H8085} thy words {H1697}, but they do {H6213} them not.

so for them you are like a love-song sung by someone with a nice voice who can play an instrument well - they hear your words, but they don't act on them.

Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.

And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

Ezekiel 33:32 offers a profound insight into the human heart's capacity for spiritual detachment, even when confronted with powerful divine truth. The prophet Ezekiel's words, though delivered by God, were received by his audience as mere entertainment rather than a call to genuine repentance and obedience.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial chapter where God re-affirms Ezekiel's role as a watchman for the house of Israel, responsible for warning the wicked and encouraging the righteous. Despite the life-and-death implications of Ezekiel's message, the people, who were exiled in Babylon, approached his prophecies with a casual, almost recreational attitude. They would gather to hear him, eager for a good show or fascinating stories, but fundamentally unwilling to change their ways.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Hypocrisy: The primary theme is the stark spiritual hypocrisy of the people. They enjoyed the delivery of God's word, finding it aesthetically pleasing, but they had no intention of submitting to its demands. This illustrates a common pitfall: appreciating the form of spirituality without embracing its transformative power.
  • Hearing vs. Doing: The verse sharply contrasts "they hear thy words" with "but they do them not." This highlights a critical biblical principle that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or emotional enjoyment, but active obedience. Many passages emphasize the importance of being doers of the word, not hearers only.
  • The Allure of Entertainment: God's message, delivered through Ezekiel, was treated as a "lovely song" or a captivating performance. This suggests that the people were drawn to the prophet's charisma, the novelty of his visions, or the comfort of hearing about God, rather than the convicting truth that demanded personal change and genuine repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "a very lovely song" translates the Hebrew shir 'agabim (שִׁיר עֲגָבִים), which literally means "song of loves" or "sensual song." While "lovely" captures the aesthetic appeal, the underlying Hebrew can carry a nuance of a captivating, perhaps even alluring or enticing, melody. This suggests the people were drawn to Ezekiel's words for their pleasing quality, much as one might enjoy a love song, rather than for their divine authority or challenging truth. The emphasis is on the superficial pleasure derived, completely detached from any moral or spiritual commitment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:32 serves as a timeless warning for believers today. In an age where spiritual content is abundant and easily accessible, it's crucial to examine our own hearts:

  • Authentic Engagement: Are we merely consumers of spiritual content—sermons, podcasts, Bible studies—enjoying the eloquence or intellectual stimulation, but failing to apply the truths to our daily lives? This verse challenges us to move beyond passive listening to active, obedient living.
  • The Danger of Superficial Faith: It warns against a faith that is entertained but not transformed. True faith leads to a desire to obey God's commands, not just to appreciate His messengers or messages. Jesus Himself questioned those who call Him 'Lord, Lord' but do not do what He says.
  • Prioritizing Obedience: This passage underscores that God values a heart of obedience far more than intellectual curiosity or emotional appreciation. Our response to God's word should culminate in genuine action and a transformed life.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 6:20

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

  • John 5:35

    He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

  • Mark 4:16

    And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

  • Mark 4:17

    And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

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