Ezekiel 16
-Chapter 16 is a long expose on the conditions which caused
God’s fury on Jerusalem set in the context of His covenant oath and promise to
them as His bride, rescued from nothingness, brought to brilliance, and then fallen
to apostasy. The LORD’s purpose is stated in the beginning of this section, “Son
of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations (Ezekiel 16:2).” God had taken
this city from the origins of the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, from
obscurity and disdain to make her His people with life and abundance. God
bathed her and washed her anointing her with oil for purification. He clothed
and covered her with His blessings and commitment out of love and affection. He
adorned her with ornaments, with gold and silver. He fed her with extravagant
foods and made her exceedingly beautiful. He advanced her to royalty and her
fame went forth among all the nations and kingdoms of the earth, “for it was
perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” God declared (Ezekiel
16:3-14).
-But Jerusalem trusted in her own beauty and forgot the ways
of her Redeemer. She played the harlot and began to practice paganistic
abominations to the extent that she surpassed what had happened historically in
Samaria (which was judged by God in the Assyrian conquest) and Sodom (which was
judged by God in total destruction, Genesis 18:16-19:29). God was disgusted
with her vile lewdness and nakedness in idolatry and promised now to execute
His fury because of her unfaithfulness. “You have borne the penalty of your
lewdness and abominations,” the LORD declared in righteous judgment, and “I
will also do with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath by
breaking the covenant (Ezekiel 16:15-59).”
-Nevertheless, God will remember His side of the covenant
displaying His attribute of complete and abiding faithfulness. His guarantee
was everlasting. He will keep the established covenant with His people, and
they “shall know” that He indeed is the LORD who saves them in complete
forgiveness by the end. So, there is a purpose in their humiliation, shame, and
degradation (Ezekiel 16:60-63).
-*Application* We tend to forget the faithful mercies and
goodness of our great God and Savior. We tend to go our own way and neglect the
spiritual things of God that will keep us on the right path. His consequences
are sometimes the ONLY thing that will straighten us out and bring us back to
where we need to be in obedient dependence on Him. It is at our point of
brokenness that we find forgiveness and restoration from a perfect Redeemer.
Verse to Memorize:
Ezekiel 16:62-63
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