Ezekiel 8–11

Why Jerusalem Was Conquered

Ezekiel 8–11 contains an account of a vision the Lord gave Ezekiel. Ezekiel was one of many Jews taken captive in the Babylonians’ earlier attacks on Judah. This vision helped the exiles (people who were in captivity in Babylon) know what happened to Jerusalem and why it happened.

Ezekiel 8 tells about the wickedness of the people of Jerusalem, including their religious leaders. Ezekiel 9 records that the Lord had an angelic messenger “mark” the righteous to protect them from destruction (like the Passover in Egypt). Ezekiel 10 makes it clear that the Lord permitted Jerusalem’s destruction. Ezekiel 11 provides some hope for future generations by prophesying that the Lord would gather His people back to their promised lands and renew their covenant relationship.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Ezekiel 8–11.

1. The Gathering

   1. Find the phrases “will I” and “I will” in Ezekiel 11:16–20 to help you make a list of what the Lord said He would do for His covenant people.

   2. How are you a part of what is spoken of in these verses, or how is the Lord fulfilling these promises today?

2. Explain the Phrases

   Read Ezekiel 11:19 and describe what you think the difference is between a person with a “stony heart” and a person with a “new spirit” and a “heart of flesh.”