Ezekiel 14 Study Notes

14:1-3 The phrase set up idols in their hearts literally reads, “they raised idols on their heart,” conveying the notion of commitment to the service of an idol. This word for idols (Hb gillulim) was used in 6:4-6,13. It literally denotes “dung pellets,” thus indicating what the prophet thought of idols. Greed was an inherent motivation for idolatry since worshipers believed the idols were bound to repay generous worship with prosperity. This is why the NT associates idolatry with greed (Eph 5:5). While the idolatry in Jerusalem was openly displayed (Ezk 8), the idolatry practiced by Hebrew exiles in Babylon was more subtle, as revealed by the people’s heart convictions.

14:4-5 God’s answer and judgment against those who worshiped idols was for their own good so his people might not continue to be alienated from him. He wanted to take hold of the house of Israel by their hearts.

14:6-8 God refused to tolerate people who were two-faced.

14:7 The word aliens refers to non-Israelites who had relocated and identified themselves with the people of God and who sometimes became proselytes to the true faith.

14:8 To be cut . . . off refers to experiencing premature death, perhaps by means of the death penalty (Lv 20:2-5).

14:9 If the people continued to refuse to listen to prophets whom God sent to tell them the truth, the Lord would judge them by sending lying prophets to tell them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear. The Lord eventually abandons people to their corrupt passions (Rm 1:18-32).

14:10 The expression they will bear their punishment is a legal phrase from Lv 20:17. In that passage as here, the concept of being “cut off” accompanies this statement of judgment.

14:11 The formula then they will be my people and I will be their God has its origin in Ex 6:7 in connection with the establishment of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and his people. It recurs in the description of the ultimate bliss in the covenantal blessings (Lv 26:12).

14:12-14 Some people of Judah must have wondered whether the impending judgment on Jerusalem might be diverted if some well-known righteous man or men (Noah, Daniel, and Job) could be found (Gn 18). The biblical Daniel was exiled to Babylon in 605 BC (Dn 1:1). He would have had time to establish a reputation as a wise and righteous man by the time Ezekiel ministered. Daniel was well known for his righteousness (Dn 1:17-21; 2:14,48; 5:12). All of these men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were recognized for their righteous behavior in the midst of corrupt generations; they prevailed in difficult situations because of their righteousness. Ezekiel’s reference to these men affirmed that moral responsibility is not transferable; it is individual.

14:15-16 The threat of dangerous animals devouring the land and destroying the people is mentioned in the Mosaic law (Lv 26:22; Dt 32:24).

14:17-20 Sword and plague are two other common curses from the Mosaic law.

14:21 Sword curses (predictions of punishment by war) occur in Lv 26:25,33; Dt 32:41-42. On famine curses, see Lv 26:26,29; Dt 28:53-56; 32:24. Dangerous animal curses appear in Lv 26:22; Dt 32:24. Pestilence or plague curses are found in Lv 26:16,25; Dt 28:21-22; 32:24. These four curses are also mentioned in Ezk 5.

14:22-23 When the exiles saw the wicked behavior of the survivors of the perilous judgments (you will observe their conduct and actions), they would be assured of God’s justice—that he had acted righteously in his judgment. The exiles would regard the destruction of Judah’s capital as well deserved.