• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Some of the elders of Israel"

Text: Ezekiel 14:1

THE ELDERS IN BABYLON

In Judah there were certain respected people who were called “elders”. Some of them, like Ezekiel, were exiled to live in Babylon. They continued to be called “elders” by the Jews in Babylon.

“Now some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me.
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
‘Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts,
and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity.
Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?'”
Ezekiel 14:1-3

1. Ezekiel

a) He had become a prophet for the Lord in Babylon.

b) He had become a prophet of some standing in Babylon.

c) He was now well-known for:

i) His prophecies.

ii) His teaching skill.

iii) His faithfulness.

iv) His courage.

2. The Elders sought Ezekiel.

a) They came to Ezekiel.

b) They sat before him.

c) They had acknowledged him as a spiritual leader.

d) They had virtually regarded him as their equal.

e) They had come to inquire after God from Ezekiel.

f) They hoped that Ezekiel would share with them his visions from God.

3. A word of warning from the LORD.

a) These elders may not have physical idols to worship.

b) But they had idols in their heart!

c) Ezekiel was to address them on this matter:

i) Idols in the heart has the same potential danger.

ii) They will lead the idol worshipper to stumble into iniquity.

iii) The LORD refused to be inquired by them.