Ezekiel 14

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel chapter 14 begins with a description of the elders of Israel coming to inquire of Ezekiel, but God reveals to the prophet that these elders are idolaters at heart, and thus, they will not receive a true word from God. The chapter then transitions into a discussion on the nature of idolatry and its consequences, citing the example of Noah, Daniel, and Job as righteous men who could only deliver themselves by their righteousness, not others. Ezekiel 14:12-23 explains that even if these three righteous men were in the land, they could not save it from God's judgment due to its wickedness. The chapter concludes with a message of judgment to the people and the land, emphasizing that God's actions are just and a demonstration of His holiness.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel chapter 14 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon, warning them of the impending judgment on Jerusalem and the land due to their idolatry and wickedness. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, which aims to call the people back to the true worship of God and to prepare them for the restoration that would come after the judgment.

Heart Application

This chapter calls believers to examine their hearts for any form of idolatry and to seek a deeper understanding of God's holiness and justice. It reminds us that our righteousness is not sufficient to save others but points to the perfect righteousness of Christ. Therefore, we should strive to live according to God's commands and trust in Christ for our salvation.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel chapter 14 talks about how the people of Israel were worshiping idols and how this made God very sad and angry. Even good people like Noah, Daniel, and Job couldn't save the bad people from God's punishment. The chapter teaches us that we should only worship the true God and follow His rules. As seen in Ezekiel 14:3, idols can lead us away from God, and in Ezekiel 14:14, even the righteousness of good men cannot save others.

Voices from the Church

“The sin of idolatry is one which, above all others, seems to provoke God to jealousy, and to stir His holy soul to its very depths.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“For as soon as men begin to consult with the devil, they are necessarily drawn aside from the truth of God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: The Elders' Inquiry (Ezekiel 14:1-5) — The chapter begins with a group of Israel's elders coming to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, but God reveals their idolatrous hearts.
2. The Condemnation of Idolatry (Ezekiel 14:6-11) — God condemns the practice of idolatry among the Israelites, warning them of severe judgment if they do not repent.
3. The Inability of Righteous Men to Save Others (Ezekiel 14:12-20) — The example of Noah, Daniel, and Job illustrates that even the most righteous among them can only save themselves by their righteousness, not others.
4. The Certainty of Judgment (Ezekiel 14:21-23) — God affirms that His judgment on Jerusalem is certain and that even the presence of righteous men cannot avert it.
5. Conclusion: The Lesson of Judgment (Ezekiel 14:24-27) — The chapter concludes with a message that God's judgment is a demonstration of His holiness and justice, serving as a lesson to those who would listen.

Core Doctrines

Total Depravity

The chapter illustrates the total depravity of humanity, as even the most righteous individuals are insufficient to save others by their righteousness alone, pointing to the need for a savior.

God's Holiness

Ezekiel 14 emphasizes God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that His actions, including judgment, are always righteous and just.

Justification by Faith

The insufficiency of human righteousness to save others indirectly points to the doctrine of justification by faith, where one's righteousness comes from trusting in God's provision, not human works.

The Necessity of Repentance

The chapter stresses the importance of repentance from idolatry and sin, calling the people to turn back to the true worship of God to avoid judgment.

Lessons from Ezekiel 14

1. The Dangers of Idolatry — Idolatry leads people away from the true worship of God and can result in severe judgment, as seen in the experience of the Israelites.
2. The Importance of Obedience — Living according to God's commands is crucial for avoiding judgment and receiving God's blessings.
3. The Necessity of Humility — Recognizing our sinfulness and the insufficiency of our righteousness is essential for seeking God's mercy and salvation.
4. The Role of Leaders in Spiritual Guidance — Leaders have a significant responsibility in guiding their communities spiritually and must be careful not to lead others astray through their own idolatry or sin.
5. The Hope of Restoration — Despite judgment, there is always the hope of restoration and redemption through repentance and faith in God's promises.

Themes from Ezekiel 14

1. Idolatry and Its Consequences — The chapter explores the theme of idolatry and its consequences, warning of the dangers of turning away from the true God.
2. The Holiness of God — Ezekiel 14 emphasizes God's holiness and justice, highlighting that His actions are always in line with His character.
3. The Insufficiency of Human Righteousness — The example of Noah, Daniel, and Job illustrates the insufficiency of human righteousness to save others, pointing to the need for divine intervention.
4. Judgment and Restoration — The chapter discusses the theme of judgment as a consequence of sin but also hints at the possibility of restoration for those who repent and turn back to God.
5. The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter underscores the importance of seeking God and His truth, rather than turning to idols or false prophets for guidance.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that we might be unaware of in our lives?
2. How does the concept of God's holiness impact our understanding of sin and judgment?
3. What does the example of Noah, Daniel, and Job teach us about the nature of human righteousness?
4. How should the certainty of God's judgment influence our daily lives and decisions?
5. In what ways can we apply the lesson of Ezekiel 14 to our personal relationship with God and our community?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 14

	Sermon	Description
	Job by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. He highlights the various trials and tribulations that Job faced, including the loss of his possessions, the
	Revival Series 6 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging and spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the church. He believes that it is crucial to not only physical
	The Wearing Down of the Saints by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people waiting in line to be prayed for and seeking a touch or word from a man instead of seeking God directly. The speaker refer
	Removing the Stumbling Blocks by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of removing stumbling blocks from our hearts and from the church. He warns that if we do not heed God's call to be honest and
	(Genesis) - Part 10 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the continuity of natural phenomena such as cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night for the past 4,000 years. He highlights that
	Prophecy of Jesus by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and draws parallels to the current state of society. He identifies five factors that contributed to t
	God Looks for Wholehearted People by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to stand in the gap and hold to the highest standards of God's Word, not seeking personal reputation but solely desiring to reflect
	Job #1: The Crisis by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of Job and explains that they will focus on one main lesson from the book. The first session covers chapters 1 and 2, which are titl
	A Cry for Repentance and Revival by Edgar Reich	This sermon by Edgar Reich is a powerful cry for repentance and revival, emphasizing the need for humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. The
	True Repentance by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will never allow us to face trials beyond our ability to bear, likening trials to resistance training for spirit

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 14

In Ezekiel 14, Matthew Henry notes the severe judgment that awaits those who practice idolatry, emphasizing that even the righteousness of notable figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job cannot save others. He highlights the importance of repentance and turning away from idols, stressing that God's judgments are always just and a demonstration of His holiness. Henry also draws parallels between the idolatry of the Israelites and the spiritual idolatries of his contemporaries, urging believers to examine their hearts for any form of idolatry and to seek a deeper understanding of God's holiness and justice, as seen in Ezekiel 14:3 and 14:12-14. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?