20:1 seventh year. This was probably the seventh year of their captivity (compare Ezekiel 1:2 and 40:1). The elders had come to inquire of Ezekiel at least twice before (Ezekiel 8:1; 14:1). All three times they were rebuked, for they continued to hope that God would restore them to the land, but they nevertheless continued in the same spirit of rebellion against His Word.