In Ezekiel 14:3 in the King James Version of the Bible, it reads, "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?"

This verse is a powerful reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of true repentance. The prophet Ezekiel, known for his vivid visions and prophetic writings, is addressing the people of Israel, specifically the elders who have come to inquire of the Lord. In this passage, Ezekiel is speaking on behalf of God, who is expressing his displeasure with the people's actions and their insincere seeking of divine guidance.

The phrase "Son of man" is a direct address to Ezekiel as a representative of humanity, emphasizing his role as a messenger of God. The term "son of man" is also used in the New Testament, particularly by Jesus, to signify his humanity and his identification with humanity as a whole.

The verse begins with Ezekiel pointing out that the men in question have "set up their idols in their heart." This phrase is metaphorical, indicating that the people have placed their trust, devotion, and desires in things other than God. This is a direct violation of the first commandment, which states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). The idolatry mentioned here goes beyond physical idols and encompasses anything that takes the place of God in a person's heart and life.

The idols in the heart can be material possessions, personal ambitions, relationships, or even one's own ego. By placing these things above God, the people have effectively made them stumbling blocks of their iniquity. The term "stumbling block" signifies that these idols not only lead the people away from God but also cause them to fall into sin and spiritual destruction.

The phrase "put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face" suggests that the people are not only aware of their sinful actions but also willingly choose to engage in them. They have allowed their sinful desires and choices to become a constant temptation and obstacle in their lives, hindering their relationship with God and leading them further into disobedience.

In questioning, "should I be inquired of at all by them?", God is highlighting the irony and hypocrisy of the people seeking guidance and intervention from Him while simultaneously embracing idolatry and sin. The underlying message is that true repentance and a genuine desire to seek God's will are essential for a meaningful and effective relationship with Him. The people in question are not seeking God sincerely but are instead looking for a quick fix or an easy way out of their troubles without truly turning away from their sinful ways.

The themes of idolatry, repentance, and sincerity in seeking God's guidance are central to this verse. The context of Ezekiel's message to the people of Israel is one of warning and admonition. The nation of Israel had a history of turning away from God and embracing the worship of false gods and idols, leading to their downfall and exile. Ezekiel's prophecies and teachings sought to call the people back to true worship and obedience to God, emphasizing the need to forsake idolatry and turn their hearts back to Him.

Symbolically, the idols in the heart represent the inner struggles and conflicts that individuals face in their walk with God. They serve as a reminder that true devotion to God requires the surrender of our desires and the complete trust in His sovereignty. The stumbling blocks of iniquity symbolize the barriers that stand in the way of a closer relationship with God, hindering spiritual growth and intimacy with Him.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 14:3 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the necessity of genuine repentance in seeking God's guidance. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and ensure that nothing comes between them and their devotion to the Lord. The verse also underscores the importance of sincerity and humility in approaching God, emphasizing that true seeking of God's will requires a genuine turning away from sin and a wholehearted dedication to Him.