And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.
God commands: "get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them." The phrase "them of the captivity" identifies Ezekiel's specific audience—Jewish exiles in Babylon. This demonstrates God's pastoral concern for His displaced people; He sends a prophet to minister in their affliction. The repetition "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" (from 2:5) emphasizes faithful proclamation regardless of reception. God's Word must be spoken even when rejection is certain. This reflects divine sovereignty in salvation: God determines who will hear, while the prophet's responsibility is obedient proclamation.
Historical Context
The exiles at Tel-abib by the Chebar canal (593 BC) represented the cream of Judean society—nobles, craftsmen, warriors, and royalty (2 Kings 24:14-16). Their physical captivity mirrored deeper spiritual bondage to idolatry and unbelief. Archaeological discoveries of the Murashu archives document Jewish life in Babylon, confirming substantial exile communities. These exiles initially expected quick return to Jerusalem, resisting Ezekiel's message of prolonged judgment. God sent a prophet to fellow captives to minister in their own language and context—a pattern of incarnational ministry where messengers identify with their audience.
Questions for Reflection
How does God's sending of a prophet to exiles demonstrate His covenant faithfulness even in judgment?
What does Ezekiel's identification with "the children of thy people" teach about effective cross-cultural ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands: "get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them." The phrase "them of the captivity" identifies Ezekiel's specific audience—Jewish exiles in Babylon. This demonstrates God's pastoral concern for His displaced people; He sends a prophet to minister in their affliction. The repetition "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" (from 2:5) emphasizes faithful proclamation regardless of reception. God's Word must be spoken even when rejection is certain. This reflects divine sovereignty in salvation: God determines who will hear, while the prophet's responsibility is obedient proclamation.