Ezekiel 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Elders of Israel come to inquire of Yahweh (vv. 1-3). Yahweh commands Ezekiel to judge them by recounting Israel’s history of rebellion. He recalls how He chose Israel and led them out of Egypt (vv. 4-10). God gave Israel His statutes and Sabbaths, but they rebelled against Him in the wilderness, leading to His anger (vv. 11-15). Because of their idolatry, He declared that they would be scattered among the nations (vv. 16-24). Yahweh mentions that He even gave them statutes that were not good due to their actions (vv. 25-32). He promises to gather them again with a mighty hand and bring them into the bond of the covenant (vv. 33-39). Finally, Yahweh expresses His intent to restore Israel, requiring their offerings and making them know Him (vv. 40-49).

Key verse

“I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.”
Ezekiel 20:37 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 20:1–3 Elders Seek Yahweh's Guidance
Ezekiel 20:4–10 Israel's History of Rebellion
Ezekiel 20:11–15 God's Laws and Rejection
Ezekiel 20:16–24 Consequences of Idolatry
Ezekiel 20:25–32 Statutes and Polluted Gifts
Ezekiel 20:33–39 Divine Judgment and Gathering
Ezekiel 20:40–49 Restoration and Future Hope

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Yahweh tell Ezekiel to make the elders know?
What does Yahweh say about the land in v6 that He promised Israel?
In v26, why does God say He gave them statutes that were not good?
In v31, what does Yahweh mean by 'pollute yourselves with all your idols'?
When have you felt like you were following the traditions of your 'fathers' as in v30?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 20: Isaiah 43, Psalm 106, Isaiah 48.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 21.