Pelatiah

Biblical Account

Pelatiah appears only in chapter 11 of the book of Ezekiel. In a vision, Ezekiel was lifted up by the Spirit and brought to the east gate of the Temple in Jerusalem, where he saw twenty-five men gathered. Among them were Jaazaniah the son of Azur and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah. The text calls them "princes of the people," that is, leaders who governed the people, or high officials (Ezekiel 11:1).

God declares that these are the men who devise mischief and give wicked counsel in the city. They said, "This city is the caldron, and we be the flesh," regarding themselves as secure (Ezekiel 11:2–3). As Ezekiel prophesied judgment against them, Pelatiah died. Ezekiel then fell upon his face and cried out, "Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?" (Ezekiel 11:13).

Significance Within Scripture

Pelatiah's death is read as a sign that the word of judgment against Jerusalem's leaders would indeed be fulfilled. In the passage that follows, God answers Ezekiel's cry, promising to gather the scattered exiles again and to give them "one heart" and "a new spirit" (Ezekiel 11:14–20; Ezekiel 11:19–20). The account of Pelatiah thus serves as a bridge between judgment and the promise of restoration for the remnant. Pelatiah is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Issues

• Vision and reality: At this time Ezekiel was among the exiles in Babylon, and the scene he witnessed took place "in the visions of God" (Ezekiel 8:3). Interpreters therefore differ on whether Pelatiah actually died in Jerusalem at about that time or whether his death should be understood as part of the vision. The text does not address the question directly.
• The twenty-five men: Ezekiel 8:16 also mentions about twenty-five men worshiping the sun at the temple. Some interpreters identify them with the group in chapter 11, while others regard them as a different group, since those in chapter 11 are described as princes.
• Meaning of the name: The name Pelatiah is commonly interpreted as "the LORD has delivered." Some commentators note the contrast that the death of a man whose name means "one who is delivered" moved Ezekiel to lament the fate of the remnant.
• Others with the same name: The same name appears in 1 Chronicles 3:21 (a son of Hananiah), 1 Chronicles 4:42 (a son of Ishi, of the tribe of Simeon), and Nehemiah 10:22 (one of those who sealed the covenant). These are different individuals from the Pelatiah of Ezekiel.

In the Korean Church

Sermons or Sunday school lessons devoted specifically to Pelatiah are rare. He is usually mentioned as background in preaching on Ezekiel 11, especially on the promise of "a new heart and a new spirit."