Visions of the Kingdom: Week 13

Ezekiel 11:1-25: Spiritual Wickedness in High Places

• 11:1 "gate facing east" - these 25 men are consistent with the 25 men in 8:16.
• 11:3 "we are the meat" - implying that they in Jerusalem are protected because they are superior, unlike the losers that got taken to Babylon. See 11:15 "cauldron" - used to protect meat from animal thieves, as well as to cook it.
• 11:5 How will they hear this message from Ezekiel? Did the Spirit transport him to be physically present at the East gate of the temple? Or will they just get a letter?
  "this is what you are thinking" - the futility of hiding anything from God.
• 11:6 "those you killed in this city" - They misled the King: Jeremiah 38:22
• 11:7 "slain you have laid in the city" - they will be cooked in the city, not protected by it.
• 11:8 "fear the sword" - but they did not fear God, "He does not see us."
• 11:11 "not be a pot" - God again repeats their false hope
• 11:12 "conformed to the nations around you" - "be not conformed to this world".
• 11:13 "Pelatiah ... died" - consistent with the smiting angels beginning with the elders at the East gate.
• 11:15 "they are far away from the Lord" - thinking with the nations around them that gods had the most power in their own cities.
• 11:16 "sanctuary for them" - in the countries where they were taken. For example, the "religious freedom for the Jews" decree of Daniel 3.
• 11:18 confirming Jeremiah's prophecy of a return to the land
• 11:19 "a heart of flesh" - this is upon the near return in 70 years. At a more distant future return in 36:26-27, He will also put His Spirit within them.
• 11:21 "whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations" - this is the root of the problem.
• 11:23 "mountain East of the city" - the Mount of Olives.
  "stood over" - again, lingering, in case the people, or even just king Zedekiah, repent.
• 11:24 "carried me back" - continuing the ambiguity as to whether the visit was remote or in person.