Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BC, illustrating God’s messages to a people far from their homeland. Here, the prophet warns them about merely listening without obeying. Emphasizing their hypocrisy, he states: “They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them” (v.31). In this line, the LORD is confronting a community that appears outwardly attentive, but inwardly remains unchanged. Their gatherings may look pious, yet beneath the surface, they fail to honor Him with genuine devotion, reflecting an old struggle in Israel’s history—hearts that hear but do not follow James 1:22).
Ezekiel continues, explaining that the people “do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain” (v.31). The word “lustful” here is a strong term that highlights their deep-seated inclinations toward selfish pursuits. The exiles, though facing hardship in Babylon, still harbored inward greed and personal ambition, prioritizing material gain over true obedience. Their outward profession stood in stark contrast to their inner loyalty, which chased the idols of self-interest. Bridging this text to the New Testament, we see Jesus also admonishing listeners who merely profess faith with their lips while denying it by their lifestyle (Matthew 15:8).
Though Ezekiel was prophesying in the region of Babylon, which lay east of Jerusalem in modern-day Iraq, his message still resonates profoundly. By highlighting the difference between hearing and heeding God’s word, the prophet underscores the necessity of a transformed heart that acts on divine truth. This was a consistent challenge for God’s people as they navigated life under Babylon’s dominance. Ezekiel’s words remind them—and believers today—of a fundamental principle: Attentive listening should always be followed by sincere obedience.
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Ezekiel 33:31 meaning
Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BC, illustrating God’s messages to a people far from their homeland. Here, the prophet warns them about merely listening without obeying. Emphasizing their hypocrisy, he states: “They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them” (v.31). In this line, the LORD is confronting a community that appears outwardly attentive, but inwardly remains unchanged. Their gatherings may look pious, yet beneath the surface, they fail to honor Him with genuine devotion, reflecting an old struggle in Israel’s history—hearts that hear but do not follow James 1:22).
Ezekiel continues, explaining that the people “do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain” (v.31). The word “lustful” here is a strong term that highlights their deep-seated inclinations toward selfish pursuits. The exiles, though facing hardship in Babylon, still harbored inward greed and personal ambition, prioritizing material gain over true obedience. Their outward profession stood in stark contrast to their inner loyalty, which chased the idols of self-interest. Bridging this text to the New Testament, we see Jesus also admonishing listeners who merely profess faith with their lips while denying it by their lifestyle (Matthew 15:8).
Though Ezekiel was prophesying in the region of Babylon, which lay east of Jerusalem in modern-day Iraq, his message still resonates profoundly. By highlighting the difference between hearing and heeding God’s word, the prophet underscores the necessity of a transformed heart that acts on divine truth. This was a consistent challenge for God’s people as they navigated life under Babylon’s dominance. Ezekiel’s words remind them—and believers today—of a fundamental principle: Attentive listening should always be followed by sincere obedience.