Ezekiel 14:1 kjv
Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.
Ezekiel 14:1 nkjv
Now some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me.
Ezekiel 14:1 niv
Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me.
Ezekiel 14:1 esv
Then certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me.
Ezekiel 14:1 nlt
Then some of the leaders of Israel visited me, and while they were sitting with me,
Ezekiel 14 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eze 8:1 | In the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me... | Context of elders approaching Ezekiel |
| Eze 20:1 | And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD... | Similar instance of elders seeking the Lord |
| Jer 7:17 | Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? | Actions of people in Jerusalem |
| Jer 24:1 | The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah... | Visions concerning Judah's leaders |
| Eze 33:30-33 | Likewise, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses... | Ongoing questioning of Ezekiel's authority |
| Eze 44:3 | It shall be an everlasting covenant of salt for them unto their generations after them. | Priesthood and leadership in future temple |
| Psa 78:1 | Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ear to the words of my mouth. | Call to listen to instruction |
| Psa 81:11 | But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. | Israel's refusal to listen |
| Isa 29:13 | Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: | Superficial worship |
| John 6:66-69 | From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. | Disciples' response to difficult teachings |
| Acts 1:26 | And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. | Selection of a new leader |
| Rom 10:14 | How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? | Importance of hearing God's word |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. | Call to follow leadership |
| Heb 10:25 | Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. | The importance of community and gathering |
| Jam 1:22 | But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. | Actively obeying God's word |
| Rev 22:17 | And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. | Invitation to come and hear |
| Eze 3:14 | So the spirit took me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the fierceness of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. | Ezekiel's prophetic calling and commissioning |
| Eze 3:20 | Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. | Ezekiel's responsibility as watchman |
| Isa 30:10 | Which speak to the seers, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak smooth things, prophesy deceits: | Desire for pleasant messages |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. | The New Testament priesthood |
Ezekiel 14 verses
Ezekiel 14 1 Meaning
Ezekiel 14:1 states, "Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me and sat before me." This verse marks the beginning of a prophetic oracle delivered by Ezekiel. It signifies a moment where the leaders of Israel, presumably concerned or seeking understanding, come to the prophet to hear God's word. Their act of sitting before him suggests a posture of receptiveness, though the ensuing message will reveal their underlying spiritual state and the seriousness of their condition.
Ezekiel 14 1 Context
At this point in Ezekiel's ministry, the prophet is in exile in Babylon, ministering to the Jewish exiles. Jerusalem has already fallen, and many have been deported. The elders of Israel coming to Ezekiel indicates a continued, albeit perhaps reluctant, recognition of his prophetic role, even among the leadership. The broader context is one of judgment upon Israel for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. The nation is facing the consequences of breaking their covenant with God. Ezekiel's messages are often direct and confrontational, exposing the spiritual corruption within Israel and calling for repentance. This specific encounter sets the stage for a message concerning judgment on idolatry, particularly as it infiltrates even those who claim to be elders.
Ezekiel 14 1 Word Analysis
- "Then": This conjunction signifies the immediate progression from a previous event or statement, linking the narrative flow.
- "came": (Hebrew: bo) - This verb denotes movement, arrival, or entrance.
- "certain": (Hebrew: `ephesh - although this is a textual variation often considered in scholarly contexts for similar verses, in most Masoretic texts, it implies "some" or "a number of" without specifying how many.) This suggests a selection or a segment of the larger group of elders, not necessarily all of them.
- "of": (Hebrew: min) - Indicates origin or part of a larger group.
- "the elders": (Hebrew:
ziqenim) - Refers to older men, respected individuals, and those in positions of authority or leadership within the community. This can include tribal leaders, judicial officials, and community representatives. - "of Israel": (Hebrew:
Yisrael) - Designates the people of the covenant, the descendants of Jacob. - "unto me": (Hebrew:
elai) - Directly indicating the destination of their movement towards Ezekiel. - "and": (Hebrew: wau) - A conjunction connecting two actions.
- "sat": (Hebrew: yashav`) - Implies settling down, taking a seat, and remaining in a place.
- "before me": (Hebrew:
liphn_ay) - Literally "to my face," signifying a direct and deliberate presentation or appearance before the prophet.
Words-group analysis
- "certain of the elders of Israel": This phrase highlights that specific representatives of the leadership, not the entire populace or even all the elders, have approached Ezekiel. It emphasizes a targeted interaction with those in positions of influence and responsibility. Their coming implies a potential desire for divine guidance or a need to understand the Lord's dealings, even if their hearts may be divided.
- "came unto me and sat before me": This combination of actions paints a picture of a formal encounter. Their physical presence and seating arrangement suggest a posture of presenting themselves to hear what the prophet has to say. This action, on its surface, shows a degree of respect for the prophetic office, although the subsequent message will scrutinize their motives and inner condition.
Ezekiel 14 1 Bonus Section
The narrative in Ezekiel is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The elders represented the continuity of leadership and a lineage of faith, yet they are presented as coming to Ezekiel in a time of national crisis. This situation echoes the perpetual struggle of God's people throughout scripture: a tension between outward religious observance and inner devotion. The act of "sitting before" a prophet was not merely a physical positioning; it conveyed an expectation of receiving authoritative divine communication. This verse serves as a precursor to a critical indictment against those who might outwardly appear to seek God but are inwardly corrupted by the very practices God has forbidden, particularly idolatry, which is a betrayal of the covenant and the exclusivity of worship due to the Lord alone.
Ezekiel 14 1 Commentary
This verse establishes a scene where the leadership of the exiled community seeks out Ezekiel. Their approach signifies a crucial moment, a transition from observation to direct engagement with the prophet’s messages. The fact that elders—those responsible for guiding the people—come before him is significant. It suggests that the gravity of their situation is acknowledged, prompting them to seek divine counsel, even if indirectly through the prophet. The context immediately following this verse will reveal the core issue: the presence of persistent idolatry within their hearts and lives, questioning their genuine intention in seeking the Lord. It is a stark reminder that external acts of seeking without a pure heart can be futile.