Radak, Malbim citing Mahari: It is from Galus Yehoyachin. Every year Hashem gave to [Yechezkel] one Nevu'ah to rebuke them. Even though there were other Nevu'os amidst them, every year this was the first Nevu'ah ? in year Plonis? Each was with Bnei ha'Golah, or their Zekenim. The first was in the fifth year (1:2). In the sixth year "Ziknei Yehudah were sitting in front of me" (8:1). Now in the seventh year, Ziknei Yisrael came.

Radak, Malbim citing Mahari: This is a hint that Yerushalayim will be destroyed at this time ¹ . It was Hashgachah that they come on that day to hear rebuke, for the Mikdash was destroyed due to the sin and their fathers' sins.

Rashi: For their needs. If He will not heed us, we will not be punished, for He sold us, and He has no [claim] against us. If a master sold his slave, or a man divorced his wife, one has no claim on the other. We learn from the reply at the end of the Parashah "veha'Olah Al Ruchachem?" (32).

Radak: They were Tzadikim ¹ who were exiled with Yehoyachin. Yechezkel was unsure if they came to ask if they will return to Eretz Yisrael.

Radak citing Seder Olam 26: The Zekenim are Chananyah, Misha'el and Azaryah ² . Perhaps they came to ask about what will happen to the remnant in Eretz Yisrael ? whether or not they will be exiled. Yechezkel answered "hab'Derech Avoseichem Atem Nitme'im" (30), for those who were exiled to Bavel did not serve idolatry in Galus.

Malbim citing Mahari: They wanted to pray for the Mikdash, that it not be destroyed. Hashem answered in the negative (3) - their Tefilah will not be accepted.