Ezekiel 11-13

Ezekiel 11

Spirit lifts Ezekiel to the east gate.

• 25 leaders present.
• Two named: Jaazaniah and Pelatiah.
• They give false confidence:
  • “The time is not near to build houses.”
  • “This city is the cauldron, and we are the meat.”
    • Meaning:“We are safe inside Jerusalem.”

God says: No!

The city is the caldron and the slain is the meat. 

• They filled the city with slain.
• Jerusalem will not protect them.
• They will be brought out and judged at the border.

As Ezekiel prophesies, Pelatiah dies.

• Ezekiel falls and cries out.
• He has fear that the remnant will be destroyed.

Though scattered, God says: I have been a sanctuary to them for a while.

• Promise of return and cleansing
• Promise of:
  • One heart
  • New spirit
  • Heart of flesh instead of stone.

Glory departs

• Cherubim lift their wings.
• Glory moves to the mountain east of the city (Mount of Olives).
• Vision ends

Ezekiel 12

God reminds Ezekiel that he is in a rebellious house and to prepare his belongings for captivity. 

The Baggage Sign

• God tells him to pack baggage for exile.
• Dig through the wall.
• Leave at twilight.
• Cover face so not to see ground (shame) 

Ezekiel obeys 

 Explanation of Sign 

• Prince Zedekiah will go into captivity.
• He will be captured with snare/net and die 
• Yet a small remnant preserved.

“Then they shall know that I am the LORD…”

Sign of Bread 

• Eat with anxiety.
• Drink with horror.
• Symbol of coming panic and famine.

People say:“The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing.”
God responds:“I will lay this proverb to rest, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.”

Another excuse:“The vision is for the distant future.”
God says:None of my words will be delayed.

Ezekiel 13

Against False Prophets

• God calls Ezekiel to speak against false prophets 
• They speak from their own imagination.
• They have seen nothing.
• They have false visions and lying divinations.

Whitewashed Wall

• When prophets say ‘peace!’ and there is no peace it is like they:
  • Build a flimsy wall.
  • Prophets whitewash it.
  • Storm will expose it.
  • Wall will collapse.
• Their false reassurances will collapse under God’s judgment.

 False Prophetesses

• Women who sew magic bands and veils.
• They hunt souls.
• Strengthen wicked hands.
• Discourage the righteous.

God will tear off their veils and deliver His people.

Application

False security and comforting lies may feel good in the moment, but they collapse under God’s truth. God calls His people to listen to His word rather than false voices that promise peace. We should trust God’s truth over comforting deception, and remember that real security comes from Him.