Have you come to inquire?

In Ezekiel 20:3b, God poses a rhetorical question when some elders seek His counsel through the prophet Ezekiel. His response is unequivocal, “I will not be inquired of by you.”

This echoes a similar encounter in Ezekiel 14:3 when God responded with a solemn oath, “As I live.” In both instances, God discerned the elders’ true intentions – their inquiries were mere hypocrisy. They professed allegiance to God while embracing worldly values and rebelling against His Word through disobedience. Their allegiance was divided, seeking answers that conformed to their desires.

In our own lives, we often approach God with preconceived answers aligned with worldly values. When we do so, the Lord responds, “I will not be inquired of by you.” It serves as a poignant reminder to examine our hearts before coming before the Lord. God knows the motives within us, so before we say, “Speak, Lord, and I will obey,” may we sincerely assess our intentions and align ourselves with His divine will.