Ezekiel 11:15
Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.
Ezekiel 11:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Prophet Ezekiel is being addressed as "Son of man" and is being informed that his own people, the Israelites, have rejected the Lord and have claimed the land for themselves. The use of repetition in the verse, "thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly" emphasizes the closeness of the relationship between Ezekiel and his people. Despite this close bond, the people of Jerusalem have turned away from the Lord and have chosen to distance themselves from Him. They have made a claim to the land that was given to them by the Lord, disregarding their spiritual connection and covenant with Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the importance of staying faithful to God's teachings.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is addressed as 'Son of man' by God, emphasizing his humanity and frailty. The term 'thy brethren' refers to the people of Israel, specifically those of Ezekiel's lineage and kin, showing a close familial connection. The repetition of 'thy brethren' underscores the bond between Ezekiel and his fellow Israelites. The phrase 'unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the Lord' reveals the spiritual estrangement of the people from God, as they have willingly distanced themselves from Him. The assertion that 'unto us is this land given in possession' suggests a sense of entitlement and pride among the people of Jerusalem, believing that they alone deserve God's favor and the land promised to them. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel, reminding them of their sin and turning them back to God in repentance.
Ezekiel 11:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel, all of them, [are they] unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from Jehovah; unto us is this land given for a possession.
World English Bible
“Son of man, your brothers, even your brothers, the men of your relatives, and all the house of Israel, all of them, to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Go far away from Yahweh. This land has been given to us for a possession.’”
Douay-Rheims
Son of man, thy brethren, thy brethren, thy kinsmen, and all the house of Israel, all they to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said: Get ye far from the Lord, the land is given in possession to us.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Sonne of man, thy brethren, euen thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel, wholy are they vnto whome the inhabitants of Ierusalem haue said, Depart ye farre from the Lord: for the lande is giuen vs in possession.