Ezekiel 11:1-25, NLT
Ezekiel 11
Judgment on Israel’s Leaders
1Then the Spirit lifted me and brought me to the east gateway of the Lord’s Temple, where I saw twenty-five prominent men of the city. Among them were Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders among the people.
2The Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city.
5Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and he told me to say, “This is what the Lord says to the people of Israel: I know what you are saying, for I know every thought that comes into your minds.
7“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: This city is an iron pot all right, but the pieces of meat are the victims of your injustice. As for you, I will soon drag you from this pot.
13While I was still prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah suddenly died. Then I fell face down on the ground and cried out, “O Sovereign Lord, are you going to kill everyone in Israel?”
Hope for Exiled Israel
14Then this message came to me from the Lord:
16“Therefore, tell the exiles, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I have scattered you in the countries of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile.
18“When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols.
The Lord’s Glory Leaves Jerusalem
22Then the cherubim lifted their wings and rose into the air with their wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered above them.
24Afterward the Spirit of God carried me back again to Babylonia,*11:24 Or Chaldea. to the people in exile there. And so ended the vision of my visit to Jerusalem.