Last week we looked at the first of three parables. This last Sunday my pastor defined a parable is an earthly example with a heavenly message. I love that definition. In Chapter 15 the Lord described a vine that does not produce fruit, therefore the vine alone is not worth anything. To review there are four basic reasons for the fall of Jerusalem:
- 1. People’s stubbornness. (Chapter 12)
2. People listened to false prophets (Chapters 13-14)
3. Nation was useless. (Chapter 15)
4. Nation’s history of unfaithfulness (Chapter 16)
In Ezekiel 16 we read about the parable of the unfaithful wife. Judah is compared to a prostitute lacking any sense of gratitude for the Lord’s favor upon them or for His blessings and provisions. In Ezekiel 16:1-6 Jerusalem was described as an unwanted baby who was left to die at birth, but eventually became a woman and God clothed her with the finest linens and jewelry. Her beauty was such that she became a Queen (Ezekiel 16:8-14).
This chapter in Ezekiel is one of the most shocking because Ezekiel not only describes the brutal violence but also his shocking use of sexual language. But remember this chapter is an extended metaphor portraying God’s judgment on the nation.
Unfortunately despite all her blessings she (Jerusalem) did some detestable things:
- 1. Became a prostitute and used the jewelry God had given her to make idols.
2. The food God gave her was offered as incense to idols.
3. The sons and daughters were offered as sacrifices to idols.
Even the nations around Jerusalem were shocked by Jerusalem’s behavior and blatant disrespect of God. God turned Jerusalem over to the surrounding nations because His wrath was being poured out.
God compares Jerusalem to Samaria and Sodom. “She is like her sisters, Samaria and Sodom.” Only Jerusalem didn’t just commit the same abominations, she did worse (Lamentations 4:6).
But even with their multitude of sins:
Psalms 16:45 says:
For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
After the wrath of God has been poured out, they will be humbled, they will receive what they deserve, and they will have paid for their sins. God will not break his covenant, but pour out his mercy and prepare for the new covenant He will establish. (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Despite their detestable sins, God had mercy. God is faithful-he kept his covenant. God is truth-he never breaks his word. God is just-he can not allow sin to go nonpunishable, yet God pours down his mercy upon us.
Past Posts on Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 1-3
Ezekiel 4-7
Ezekiel 8-10
Ezekiel 11
Ezekiel 12-13
Ezekiel 14-15
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Bless you for this study.
Bless you for this study.
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