New International Version I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed. New Living Translation Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles in Tel-abib, beside the Kebar River. I was overwhelmed and sat among them for seven days. English Standard Version And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Chebar canal, and I sat where they were dwelling. And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. Berean Standard Bible I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Berean Literal Bible And I came to the captivity at Tel-abib, those dwelling by the River Kebar, and I sat there where they were sitting, and I sat there seven days being desolate in their midst. King James Bible Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. New King James Version Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. New American Standard Bible Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there for seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them. NASB 1995 Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them. NASB 1977 Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Telabib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them. Legacy Standard Bible Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them. Amplified Bible Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the River Chebar at Tel Abib. I sat there for seven days [in the place] where they were living, overwhelmed with astonishment [by my vision and the work before me]. Berean Annotated Bible I came to the exiles at Tel-abib (mound of the flood) who dwelt by the River Kebar (far-off). And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Christian Standard Bible I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were living by the Chebar Canal, and I sat there among them stunned for seven days. Holman Christian Standard Bible I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were living by the Chebar Canal, and I sat there among them stunned for seven days. American Standard Version Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. Contemporary English Version When I was back with the others living at Abib Hill near the Chebar River, I sat among them for seven days, shocked at what had happened to me. English Revised Version Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there astonied among them seven days. GOD'S WORD® Translation I went to Tel Abib, to the exiles who lived by the Chebar River. I sat there among them for seven days. I was stunned. Good News Translation So I came to Tel Abib beside the Chebar River, where the exiles were living, and for seven days I stayed there, overcome by what I had seen and heard. International Standard Version I came to the exiles at Tel-abib by the Chebar River and sat down among them for seven days, appalled. NET Bible I came to the exiles at Tel Abib, who lived by the Kebar River. I sat dumbfounded among them there, where they were living, for seven days. New Heart English Bible Then I came to them of the exiles at Tel Aviv, that lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. Webster's Bible Translation Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Kebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. World English Bible Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel Aviv who lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I come to the expulsion, at Tel-Ahib, who are dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are dwelling I also dwell [for] seven days, causing astonishment in their midst. Berean Literal Bible And I came to the captivity at Tel-abib, those dwelling by the River Kebar, and I sat there where they were sitting, and I sat there seven days being desolate in their midst. Young's Literal Translation And I come in unto the Removed, at Tel-Ahib, who are dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are dwelling I also dwell seven days, causing astonishment in their midst. Smith's Literal Translation And I shall go to the captivity, the hill of the green ears, those dwelling at the river Chebar, and where they are sitting there, I shall sit there seven days, being astonished in the midst of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I came to them of the captivity, to the heap of new corn, to them that dwelt by the river Chobar, and I sat where they sat: and I remained there seven days mourning in the midst of them. Catholic Public Domain Version And I went to those of the transmigration, to the stockpile of new crops, to those who were living beside the river Chebar. And I sat where they were sitting. And I remained there for seven days, while mourning in their midst. New American Bible Thus I came to the exiles who lived at Tel-abib by the river Chebar; and there where they dwelt, I stayed among them distraught for seven days. New Revised Standard Version I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who lived by the river Chebar. And I sat there among them, stunned, for seven days. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I came to the exiles at Tel-akib, who dwelt by the river Chebar, and I stayed there astonished among them seven days. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I entered the captivity at Telakiv that dwelt on the River Kebar, and I dwelt there seven days, as I was speechless among them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and I sat where they sat; and I remained there appalled among them seven days. Brenton Septuagint Translation Then I passed through the air and came into the captivity, and went round to them that dwelt by the river of Chobar who were there; and I sat there seven days, conversant in the midst of them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Ezekiel Eats the Scroll…14So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. 15I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Cross References I came to the exiles at Tel-abib Jeremiah 29:1 This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 Kings 24:14-16 He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. / Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. / The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle. 2 Kings 25:11 Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population. who dwelt by the River Kebar. Ezekiel 1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:3 the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him. Psalm 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. And for seven days I sat where they sat Job 2:13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was. Genesis 50:10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. Numbers 12:15 So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again. and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Ezra 9:3-4 When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. / Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. Lamentations 2:10 The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. Daniel 10:8-9 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Lamentations 3:28-29 Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. / Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope. Daniel 4:19 For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies! Nehemiah 1:4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Treasury of Scripture Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelled by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. that dwelt Ezekiel 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 10:15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. sat Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days. Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. Psalm 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Jump to Previous Abib Appalled Astonied Astonished Astonishment Captivity Causing Chebar Consternation Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Exiles Full Kebar Midst Overwhelmed Removed River Sat Seated Seven TelJump to Next Abib Appalled Astonied Astonished Astonishment Captivity Causing Chebar Consternation Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Exiles Full Kebar Midst Overwhelmed Removed River Sat Seated Seven TelEzekiel 3 1. Ezekiel eats the scroll4. God encourages him 15. God shows him the rule of prophecy 22. God shuts and opens the prophet's mouth I came to the exiles at Tel-abib Ezekiel joined the Jewish captives settled at Tel-abib in Babylon after Jerusalem’s earlier deportations. Tel-abib means “mound of the flood” or “hill of ears of grain,” suggesting renewal or growth amid desolation. Living in exile, they faced the loss of their land, temple-centered worship, and national security, yet they remained the people to whom God would speak through His prophet. Jer 29:1 This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet… who dwelt by the River Kebar. The Kebar was a canal in Babylon near the area of Nippur, where exiled Judeans were established. Far from Jerusalem, the captives were nevertheless not beyond God’s presence or His authority. Ezk 1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month,… And for seven days I sat where they sat Ezekiel remained with the people in their grief and shock. His seven days of silence reflected the depth of their calamity and prepared him to deliver God’s message among them. Job 2:13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days… and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Ezekiel was deeply affected by the condition of the exiles and by the burden of his calling. The judgment that had brought them to Babylon was severe, and the warnings he would soon proclaim carried eternal weight. Ezr 9:3-4 When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions. 2. Exiles The Israelites who were taken captive and lived in Babylon. They represent a people in distress, longing for their homeland and God's deliverance. 3. Tel-abib A settlement by the Kebar River where the exiles resided. The name "Tel-abib" can be translated as "hill of spring," symbolizing a place of new beginnings amidst desolation. 4. Kebar River A canal or river in Babylon where the exiles settled. It serves as a geographical marker of their captivity and separation from Jerusalem. 5. Seven Days A period of time Ezekiel spent among the exiles, reflecting a complete cycle of time in Hebrew culture, often associated with creation and rest. Teaching Points Empathy in MinistryEzekiel's action of sitting among the exiles for seven days highlights the importance of understanding and sharing in the burdens of those we minister to. The Weight of God's Calling Ezekiel's overwhelming experience reminds us that carrying God's message can be a heavy responsibility, requiring reliance on His strength. Hope in Exile Even in places of captivity and despair, God is present and working. Tel-abib, meaning "hill of spring," symbolizes hope and renewal. The Significance of Time The seven days Ezekiel spent with the exiles signifies a complete period of reflection and preparation, emphasizing the need for patience and readiness in God's work. Community in Suffering Ezekiel's presence among the exiles underscores the importance of community and solidarity in times of hardship. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 3:15?2. How does Ezekiel 3:15 illustrate the importance of empathy in ministry work? 3. What can we learn from Ezekiel's response to the exiles in Tel Abib? 4. How does Ezekiel 3:15 connect with Jesus' compassion in the Gospels? 5. How can we apply Ezekiel's example of "sitting among them" today? 6. What role does patience play in understanding others, as seen in Ezekiel 3:15? 7. What is the significance of Ezekiel sitting among the exiles for seven days in Ezekiel 3:15? 8. How does Ezekiel 3:15 reflect the emotional state of the prophet during the exile? 9. Why does Ezekiel remain "overwhelmed" among the exiles, as stated in Ezekiel 3:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 3? (15) I came to them of the captivity at Telabib.--Ezekiel now leaves the place where he had been, and comes to Tel-abib, which is described as still by the same "river of Chebar," and which signifies the "mound of ears (of grain)," and was probably a place of especial fruitfulness, but which cannot be further identified. It appears to have been the central place of the captivity. I sat where they sat is an expression of so much difficulty in the Hebrew, that it has given rise to various readings in the manuscripts, and to a marginal correction which has been followed by the English. Probably the vowel-pointing of the first word should be changed, and it will then read, "and I saw where they sat." Remained there astonished among them seven days.--Comp. Daniel 4:19; Ezra 9:3-4. The word implies a fixed and determined silence. "To be silent was the characteristic of mourners (Lamentations 3:28); to sit, their proper attitude (Isaiah 3:26; Lamentations 1:1); seven days, the set time of mourning (Job 2:13)." By this act the prophet shows his deep sympathy with his people in their affliction. This week of silent meditation among those to whom he was commissioned to speak corresponds, as already said, to the week of the consecration of his fathers to their priestly office (Leviticus 8). Such a season of retirement and thought has been given to other great religious leaders--to Moses, in his forty years of exile; to Elijah, in his forty days in Mount Horeb (1Kings 19:4-8); to St. Paul, in his journey to Arabia (Galatians 1:17); and to our Lord Himself, when He went into the wilderness after His baptism. . . . Verse 15. - At Tel-Abib, etc., We now enter on the first scene of the prophet's ministry. The LXX. leaves the proper name. The Vulgate rightly translates it as acervus novarum frugum, the "mound of ears of corn" (the meaning appears in the name of the Passover month, Abib). Luther gives, strangely enough, "where the almond trees stood, in the mouth Abib"). Jerome's suggestion, that here also there was a nomen et omen. and that those who shared Ezekiel's exile were regarded as the "firstfruits" of the future, is at least ingenious, and finds some support in Psalm 126:5, 6. The place has not been identified, and its position depends on that of the river with which it is connected (see note on Ezekiel 1:1). The word "Tel" is commonly applied to the mounds formed out of masses of ruins, which are common all over the plains of Mesopotamia. The name in this case may suggest that the earth had gathered over it, and that it was cultivated. I sat where they sat, etc. The ministry begins not with speech, but silence. Our Western habits hardly enable us to enter into the impressiveness of such a procedure. The conduct of Job's friends (Job 2:13) presents a parallel, and as Ezekiel seems to have known that book (Ezekiel 14:14, 20), he may have been influenced by it. Like actions meet us in Ezra 9:3-5; Daniel 4:19. Ezekiel 3:15 shows the prophet entering fully into the life and grief of his fellow exiles. He journeys to their ruined settlement, sits silently among them for a complete seven-day cycle, and is overwhelmed by the glory-filled, judgment-laden task God has given him. The verse teaches that faithful servants of God must identify with those they serve, absorb the weight of God’s message, and wait on the Lord before speaking—because only then can they convey heaven’s Word with authenticity and compassion.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew I cameוָאָב֨וֹא (wā·’ā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the exiles הַגּוֹלָ֜ה (hag·gō·w·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1473: Exile, exiles at Tel-abib אָ֠בִיב (’ā·ḇîḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8512: Tel-abib -- 'hill of grain', a place in Babylon who dwelt הַיֹּשְׁבִ֤ים (hay·yō·šə·ḇîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry by אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the River נְהַר־ (nə·har-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity Kebar. כְּבָר֙ (kə·ḇār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3529: Chebar -- a river of Babylon And for seven שִׁבְעַ֥ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number days יָמִ֖ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day I sat וָֽאֵשֵׁ֔ב (wā·’ê·šêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that where שָׁ֑ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither they sat יוֹשְׁבִ֣ים (yō·wō·šə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry and remained וָאֵשֵׁ֥ב (wā·’ê·šêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry there שָׁ֛ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither among them, בְּתוֹכָֽם׃ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre overwhelmed. מַשְׁמִ֥ים (maš·mîm) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy Additonal Resources Ezekiel 3:15 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 3:15 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 3:15 Bible.com Ezekiel 3:15 NIV |
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