Then came certain of the elders of Israel to me: Some translations find it more natural to omit the connector Then (so Good News Translation), but others begin with “After that,” “One day” (Contemporary English Version), or “At another time.” The elders of Israel were the leaders of the Jewish exiles in Babylonia (see the comments on 8.1, where they are called “the elders of Judah”). It is not stated how many there were, where Ezekiel was at the time, or why they came to see him. As in 8.1, they may have come to Ezekiel’s house, but unless it is necessary for the discourse, it is best not to specify any place. The elders came to where Ezekiel was. There are some languages where the verb came would be understood to mean they came to where the readers are. If so, translators may say “went.” Good News Translation is most likely correct when it assumes that they “came to consult me [Ezekiel] about the LORD’s will” (similarly Contemporary English Version, Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Translators may include something to this effect if their language demands it. Revised English Bible has “visited me,” and Parole de Vie says “came to see me.”

And sat before me: After the Israelite leaders came to Ezekiel, they sat down in front of him (see 8.1). Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch adds that “they waited.”

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .