John Calvin Commentary Ezekiel 14:1-3

"Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?" — Ezekiel 14:1-3 (ASV)

Here Ezekiel relates a noteworthy event. For this was not a mere vision, but a real transaction, since some of the elders of Israel came to him for consultation. He says that he sat, as people who are perplexed and astonished by evils are accustomed to do when they see no remedy.

The gesture, then, that the Prophet describes was a sign of anxiety and despair. A person wishing for an answer is said to sit before another; but since it is probable that they disputed among themselves about how to begin, and did not immediately discover how they should commence, they therefore became anxious to consult the Prophet.

Ezekiel, indeed, might have been touched and softened by pity when he saw them seeking God in this way. For this was a sign of repentance when they turned to the true and faithful servant of God. But since they had no sincerity, the Prophet was warned in time against supposing they came with sincerity.

Therefore, God instructs His servant not to yield too easily when he sees these men coming to be disciples. But He shows their hypocrisy, because superstition still reigned in their hearts; indeed, they desired openly to violate God’s law, and they did not disguise this feeling whenever the opportunity arose.

First, he says they have set up idols in their hearts; by these words he means that they were addicted to superstition, so that idols held a high rank in their hearts. Just as Paul exhorts the faithful that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, may rule in their hearts (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15), so, on the other hand, the Prophet says that these men had given supreme sway to idols.

Again, an implied comparison between God and idols must be noted. For God has established the seat of His rule in our hearts; but when we set up idols, we necessarily endeavor to overthrow God’s throne and to reduce His power to nothing. Therefore, the most heinous crime of sacrilege is shown here in these men who caused idols to rise above their hearts. For from this it follows that all their senses were drowned in their superstitions.

He adds, they placed the stumblingblock of their iniquity before his face. By this second clause, he signifies their hardness and perverseness; as if to say, although the doctrine of the law was put before their eyes, yet they had no regard for piety and despised even God’s threats, as if God were not going to be their judge.

When, therefore, the sinner is not moved by any admonitions, is more than convicted of his impiety, and is compelled, whether he wills it or not, to suffer God’s anger, and yet afterward despises it, he is said to put the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face. For many go astray through error and thoughtlessness, because they do not think they can attempt anything against God.

But here Ezekiel expresses that there was a gross contempt of God in these men, and even a professed rebellion against Him. Now God asks, Shall I by inquiring be inquired of by them? Some translate this as, "Shall I, when consulted or asked, answer them?" But this interpretation seems to me too remote from the Prophet's meaning; and it is probable they understood it this way because they could not grasp what else the Prophet meant.

But God shows that this was astonishing, since these men dared to come forward and pretend to have some desire to inquire into the truth. Therefore, their audacity is shown here, because they did not hesitate to place themselves before God’s servant and to feign a regard for piety when they had none.

God says, therefore, can it be done? For this question expresses the absurdity of the situation. Its purpose, as mentioned before, is to make their wickedness all the more apparent in their daring to insult the face of God. For what is it, other than openly reproaching God, when impure men approach Him and wish to become partakers of His counsel? Meanwhile, they show by their whole life that they are most inveterate enemies of all heavenly doctrine.