What does Ezekiel 11:2 mean?

"Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:" - Ezekiel 11:2

"Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:" - Ezekiel 11:2

Ezekiel 11:2 (KJV) states: "Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city."

The book of Ezekiel is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, and it contains prophecies and visions given to the prophet Ezekiel during the time of the Babylonian exile. In this particular verse, the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel and identifying a group of people who are causing trouble and giving wicked counsel in the city of Jerusalem.

The phrase "Son of man" is used throughout the book of Ezekiel to address the prophet himself, emphasizing his human nature and his role as a representative of the people. In this context, it serves to remind Ezekiel of his purpose and calling as a messenger of God.

The men described in this verse are not only engaging in mischief but are also advising others to do the same. Their counsel is described as wicked, indicating that it goes against the laws and moral principles established by God. This is a serious offense in the eyes of the Lord, as the leaders and influencers in a community have a responsibility to guide others in righteousness and uphold justice.

In the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse is situated within a series of prophecies concerning the judgment of Jerusalem and its leaders. The city has become corrupt, and its rulers are leading the people astray, engaging in idolatry and other sinful practices. God is using Ezekiel to reveal the scope of their transgressions and to warn of the impending consequences.

The theme of divine judgment and the consequences of unrighteousness is central to this verse. The Lord observes the actions and motivations of these men and holds them accountable for their wrongdoing. This serves as a reminder that God's justice is unwavering and that those who lead others into sin will face punishment.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the portrayal of Jerusalem as a city in turmoil, led astray by its own inhabitants. The city, traditionally seen as the dwelling place of God, has become tainted by wickedness and rebellion. The corrupt counsel of these men represents the perversion of leadership and the erosion of moral values within the community.

Furthermore, this verse echoes broader biblical themes of the responsibility of leadership and the consequences of moral decay. The Bible consistently emphasizes the role of leaders in guiding others towards righteousness and warns of the dangers of following false counsel. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive influence of wicked advisors and the importance of seeking guidance from Godly sources.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 11:2 (KJV) carries weighty implications for both individual and societal behavior. It highlights the accountability of leaders, the consequences of unrighteous counsel, and the pervasiveness of sin within a community. It is a sobering reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the dangers of following those who lead others astray. Ultimately, it points to the unchanging nature of God's justice and the importance of upholding moral integrity in all areas of life.

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Ezekiel 11:2 Artwork

Ezekiel 11:2 - "Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:"

Ezekiel 11:2 - "Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:"

"Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:" - Ezekiel 11:2

"Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:" - Ezekiel 11:2

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 39:11

Ezekiel 39:11

Ezekiel 39:11

Ezekiel 39:11

Ezekiel 1:10-11

Ezekiel 1:10-11

Ezekiel 11:11 - "This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:"

Ezekiel 11:11 - "This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:"

Ezekiel 11:14 - "Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 11:14 - "Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 11:19 in pointillism style with no text

Ezekiel 11:19 in pointillism style with no text

Ezekiel 28:11 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 28:11 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 17:11 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 17:11 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 11:4 - "¶ Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man."

Ezekiel 11:4 - "¶ Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man."

Ezekiel 25:11 - "And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 25:11 - "And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 47:11 - "But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt."

Ezekiel 47:11 - "But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt."

Ezekiel 40:11 - "And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits."

Ezekiel 40:11 - "And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits."

Ezekiel 32:11 - "¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee."

Ezekiel 32:11 - "¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee."

Ezekiel 11:3 - "Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh."

Ezekiel 11:3 - "Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh."

Ezekiel 11:25 - "Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me."

Ezekiel 11:25 - "Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me."

Ezekiel 11:6 - "Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain."

Ezekiel 11:6 - "Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain."

Ezekiel 21:11 - "And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer."

Ezekiel 21:11 - "And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer."

Ezekiel 11:8 - "Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 11:8 - "Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 18:11 - "And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,"

Ezekiel 18:11 - "And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,"

Ezekiel 11:22 - "¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above."

Ezekiel 11:22 - "¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above."

Ezekiel 11:9 - "And I will bring you out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you."

Ezekiel 11:9 - "And I will bring you out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you."

Ezekiel 39:11 Valley of Hamongog east of the dead sea in Israel

Ezekiel 39:11 Valley of Hamongog east of the dead sea in Israel