Question 1

Who is Pelatiah and why does his death in this vision matter?

Accepted Answer

Pelatiah is named as the son of Benaiah and one of the leaders in Jerusalem. In the vision he dies while Ezekiel is prophesying. This sudden death is a sign that God’s judgment on the city’s proud rulers is real and near, not just words. Ezekiel is so shaken that he falls on his face and cries out, afraid that God might wipe out the remaining people of Israel. Pelatiah’s death shows that high position cannot protect anyone from God’s justice when hearts are hard and His ways are ignored.

Question 2

Why does Ezekiel cry, "Wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?"

Accepted Answer

When Pelatiah dies in the vision, Ezekiel feels the weight of coming judgment and fears that God may finish off what is left of Israel. Many have already gone into exile, and now even leaders in Jerusalem are falling. His cry shows his deep love for his people and his struggle to hold together God’s promises and the harsh reality of their sin. God answers this cry by saying He still has a remnant and will be a sanctuary to them among the nations.

Question 3

What does it mean that God will be "a little sanctuary" for the exiles?

Accepted Answer

God says that although He has scattered His people among the nations, He Himself will be to them "a little sanctuary" where they have gone. This means His presence, care, and worship are not tied only to the temple in Jerusalem. Even far from home, in shame and loss, God is near to those who trust Him. He keeps a real, though small, gathered people who call on His name. Their exile is painful, but it is not the end of their relationship with Him.

Question 4

What is the promise of a "new heart" and "new spirit" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God promises to give His scattered people one heart and to put a new spirit within them. He says He will take away their stony heart and give them a heart of flesh. A stony heart is hard, cold, and closed to God. A heart of flesh is soft and ready to receive His word. This promise means God Himself will change them inside so they want to walk in His statutes and keep His rules. It points to deep inner renewal, not just outward reform.

Question 5

How are the exiles and the people still in Jerusalem viewed differently by God?

Accepted Answer

The people left in Jerusalem look down on the exiles and talk as if God has cast the captives off and given the land only to those who stayed. But God turns this upside down. He says the exiles are Ezekiel’s true brothers and the whole house of Israel in His eyes. To them He promises His presence, a future gathering, and a new heart. Those in Jerusalem who follow idols and detestable things will face judgment for walking after their own hearts.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about idolatry and God’s judgment?

Accepted Answer

The passage speaks of "detestable things" and "abominations," which are the idols and sinful practices the people have chosen over God. When God gathers His people, they will remove these things from the land. Those whose hearts keep chasing idols will have their own way paid back on their heads. This shows that God does not overlook stubborn sin. He is patient and offers renewal, but those who cling to idols instead of turning to Him will meet the consequences of their choices.

Question 7

What does this passage show about God’s character in times of judgment?

Accepted Answer

Here God is both firm and tender. He brings judgment on proud leaders and on those who walk after their idols. At the same time, He answers Ezekiel’s fearful prayer with comfort. He stays with His people in far countries, calls Himself their sanctuary, promises to gather them, cleanse the land of idols, and give them a new heart. So even when He disciplines, He does not forget mercy. He remains committed to having a people who are His and to whom He is God.

Question 8

How can this promise of a new heart and sanctuary help believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds believers that God is near even in hard places that feel like exile, when life is not as it should be. His presence is not limited to a building or a place. He is a sanctuary to those who seek Him, wherever they are. It also shows that real change comes from God giving a new heart, not from trying to fix ourselves. This can lead us to pray honestly for soft hearts, to turn from modern idols, and to trust His work in us over time.

Ezekiel 11:13

¶ And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord God! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

A Promise of Restoration

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Ezekiel 11:13

¶ And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord God! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

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