Ezekiel 11

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 11 describes the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple, symbolizing God's judgment on the nation. The chapter also introduces the theme of restoration, as God promises to gather the exiles and give them a new heart. The leaders of Israel are condemned for their idolatry and wickedness, while the faithful remnant is encouraged to remain loyal to God. Key verses include Ezekiel 11:1-4, which describes the wicked leaders, and Ezekiel 11:16-20, which promises restoration and a new covenant. The chapter concludes with the promise of God's presence among his people, even in exile.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 11 is part of a larger section of the book of Ezekiel that describes the prophet's visions and messages to the people of Israel. The chapter is situated in the context of the Babylonian exile, where the people of Israel are struggling to come to terms with their situation and to understand God's purposes. The chapter provides a message of hope and restoration, encouraging the people to remain faithful to God and to trust in his promises. The context of the chapter is also informed by the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant with his people and his faithfulness to them.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to examine our own hearts and to seek spiritual transformation. We are called to repent of our sins and to seek a new heart, just as God promises to give his people a new heart and a new spirit. The chapter also reminds us of the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to model godly behavior. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to prioritize spiritual integrity and to trust in God's goodness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's judgment on the leaders of Israel and the promise of restoration for the faithful remnant. God promises to give his people a new heart and a new spirit, and to gather them from exile. The chapter encourages us to examine our own hearts and to seek spiritual transformation, just as God promises to do for his people. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to model godly behavior.

Voices from the Church

“The glory of the Lord is a terrible and wonderful thing, and those who see it are never the same again.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The promise of a new heart and a new spirit is a promise of spiritual transformation, and it is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ.”

— John Calvin

“The departure of God's glory from the temple is a symbol of God's judgment on the nation, and it serves as a warning to us to repent of our sins and to seek God's mercy.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. The Vision of the Glory of God (Ezekiel 11:1-4) — The chapter begins with a vision of the glory of God, which is seen departing from the temple. This vision symbolizes God's judgment on the nation and serves as a warning to the people.
2. The Condemnation of the Wicked Leaders (Ezekiel 11:5-12) — The wicked leaders are condemned for their idolatry and wickedness, and they are warned of the consequences of their actions. This section emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to prioritize spiritual integrity.
3. The Promise of Restoration (Ezekiel 11:13-20) — The chapter promises restoration and a new covenant for the faithful remnant. This section emphasizes the hope of redemption and the promise of a new beginning, encouraging the people to remain faithful to God and to trust in his goodness.
4. The Departure of God's Glory (Ezekiel 11:21-25) — The chapter concludes with the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple, symbolizing God's judgment on the nation. This section serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance.
5. The Call to Repentance (Ezekiel 11:1-25) — Throughout the chapter, the people are called to repentance and to seek spiritual transformation. This section emphasizes the need for the people to examine their own hearts and to prioritize spiritual integrity.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and his control over all things. God is the one who judges the wicked and restores the faithful, and he is the one who gives us a new heart and a new spirit.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership

The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to model godly behavior. This doctrine is essential for the health and well-being of the church, and it is a reminder of the responsibility that leaders have to prioritize spiritual integrity.

The Promise of Restoration

The chapter promises restoration and a new covenant for the faithful remnant. This doctrine is a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for his people, and it encourages us to remain faithful to him and to trust in his goodness.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The chapter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us life and enables us to live according to God's will. This doctrine is essential for the Christian life, and it is a reminder of the importance of seeking spiritual transformation and prioritizing spiritual growth.

Lessons from Ezekiel 11

1. The Importance of Spiritual Integrity — The chapter teaches us about the importance of spiritual integrity and the need for leaders to model godly behavior. This lesson is essential for the health and well-being of the church, and it is a reminder of the responsibility that leaders have to prioritize spiritual integrity.
2. The Promise of Restoration — The chapter promises restoration and a new covenant for the faithful remnant. This lesson is a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for his people, and it encourages us to remain faithful to him and to trust in his goodness.
3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit — The chapter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us life and enables us to live according to God's will. This lesson is essential for the Christian life, and it is a reminder of the importance of seeking spiritual transformation and prioritizing spiritual growth.
4. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and to seek spiritual transformation. This lesson is a reminder of the need for us to examine our own hearts and to prioritize spiritual integrity, and it encourages us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.
5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and his control over all things. This lesson is a reminder of God's power and authority, and it encourages us to trust in his goodness and to seek his will.

Themes from Ezekiel 11

1. Judgment and Restoration — The chapter describes God's judgment on the wicked and his promise of restoration for the faithful remnant. This theme is a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for his people, and it encourages us to remain faithful to him and to trust in his goodness.
2. Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to model godly behavior. This theme is essential for the health and well-being of the church, and it is a reminder of the responsibility that leaders have to prioritize spiritual integrity.
3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit — The chapter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us life and enables us to live according to God's will. This theme is essential for the Christian life, and it is a reminder of the importance of seeking spiritual transformation and prioritizing spiritual growth.
4. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and to seek spiritual transformation. This theme is a reminder of the need for us to examine our own hearts and to prioritize spiritual integrity, and it encourages us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.
5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and his control over all things. This theme is a reminder of God's power and authority, and it encourages us to trust in his goodness and to seek his will.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple symbolize, and what warning does it give to the people?
2. How does the chapter describe the wicked leaders, and what consequences do they face for their actions?
3. What promise does God make to the faithful remnant, and how does this promise relate to the broader biblical narrative?
4. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of spiritual leadership, and how can we apply this doctrine to our own lives?
5. How does the chapter encourage us to examine our own hearts and to seek spiritual transformation, and what role does the gift of the Holy Spirit play in this process?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 11

	Sermon	Description
	The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke
	Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac
	God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him,
	Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans	In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors
	Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t
	Then… the Nations Shall Know That He Is Lord. by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes that God's judgment is essential for His people to experience salvation and for the nations to recognize Him as Lord. The book of Ezekiel illustrates that
	The Object of Prophecy by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes that the common interpretation of prophecy, which equates the church with Israel, is fundamentally flawed. He argues that God's ultimate purpose is cen
	God Is a Sanctuary by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that even when God's people feel exiled and far from their place of worship, He remains their sanctuary, providing refuge and grace wherever they are. He r
	Letter 75 by James Bourne	James Bourne addresses the spiritual struggles and need for humility, urging the congregation to embrace a contrite and humble spirit before God. He emphasizes the importance of co
	Ezekiel 11:19 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes God's promise of transformation in Ezekiel 11:19, where He pledges to give His people a new heart and spirit, replacing their hardened hearts with hearts of

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 11

In this chapter, we see the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple, which symbolizes God's judgment on the nation. The wicked leaders are condemned for their idolatry and wickedness, and the faithful remnant is encouraged to remain loyal to God. The chapter promises restoration and a new covenant for the faithful remnant, and reminds us of the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to model godly behavior. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The glory of the Lord is a terrible and wonderful thing, and those who see it are never the same again.' The chapter encourages us to examine our own hearts and to seek spiritual transformation, and reminds us of the promise of a new heart and a new spirit that is fulfilled in Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?