Ezekiel 20
-For the third time in this book, the elders come to Ezekiel
to hear a word from the LORD given through His prophet. This comes in the
seventh year of the captivity, which would date it right around the year 590
B.C.. The word came in the fifth month on the tenth day (Ezekiel 20:1). This
word concerned God’s displeasure with the elders of the house of Israel, and
their audacity to inquire of Him when they really should have known in their
hearts why the LORD was angry enough to bring incredible judgment upon them.
The text goes through a historical synopsis of their rejection and rebellion
against their covenant keeping God. In Egypt, coming out of Egypt, and in the
wilderness, God speaks of His frustration in terms of their disobedience, His
sworn vengeance, and His mercy to overlook their transgressions with
repetitional phrasing for emphasis. His emphasis was on their failures to walk
in His ordinances, follow His statutes, and keep His Sabbaths. His mercy and
continued blessing was exhibited solely for His good Name among the nations,
not for Israel’s merits (Ezekiel 20:2-27).
-When God finally did bring them into the land of promise,
the children of Israel continued in their defiance by worshipping idols on
“every high hill and every leafy tree,” plus they desecrated their covenant
position by making their firstborn “sons to pass through the fire (paganistic
child sacrifice).” They offered unholy sacrifices, presented provocation in
their offering, made soothing aroma, and poured out drink offerings to foreign
and false gods. God necessarily took His stand with them to make them unable to
carry on in this manner. They had no right to inquire of Him as He developed
and carried on His ultimate Kingdom plan. In other words, God was saying that Israel
would not be allowed to act like the barbarian nations of the world serving
wood and stone (Ezekiel 20:28-32).
-Now God’s word turns to hope and expectation for His preferred
future as He plainly lays out the return to the Holy Land in days to come
(Ezekiel 20:33-44). Because He is alive and unstoppable, with a mighty Hand and
an outstretched Arm with wrath poured out, He alone will be King over His
people. He, Himself, in His unalterable providence will bring Israel back into
the land from among the nations after He has again dealt with them severely in
the wilderness and in judgment face to face. They will be made to pass under
the rod, and then He will bring them back into the bond of the covenant. He
will purge all the rebellious at this point and those who transgress against
Him. This all is done so that all will KNOW that He is the LORD God (Ezekiel
20:9, 12, 20, 26, 38, 42, 44). They will then be accepted back on His holy
mountain as they listen, no longer profaning with their gifts and idols. The
whole house of Israel will serve the LORD, and He will receive them, their
contributions, their choicest gifts, and their holy things as a soothing aroma
that is completely righteous. He will prove Himself holy among them in the
sight of all the nations. The people will at that time loathe themselves for
their past sins and remember their evil ways and deeds unto repentance and
restoration.
-Ezekiel at the end of the chapter has a few words of
prophecy towards the areas of the south in Israel toward the Negev. A fire will
be kindled in them that will consume every green tree and dry tree. The blazing
flame will not be quenched and the whole surface from the south to the north
will be burned by it. “All flesh will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it
shall not be quenched (Ezekiel 20:45-48).” Ezekiel’s expression in the last
verse of the passage exposes his exasperation and discouragement with those who
refused to listen well to what the LORD was saying. He foreshadowed Jesus
Christ as he spoke in parables that were not discerned by the unbelieving
(Ezekiel 20:49). At this time, God did not respond to the prophet’s
disappointment, but as we will see in the chapter, He goes right into further
prophecy.
-*Application* A couple of thoughts here that pertain to us
relevantly. Our Christian day of rest, which is typically on a Sunday should be
set aside in careful rest, refocus, and remembrance of the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. Further, God will get His way every time. Our job is to come into
conformity with His plan and purpose for ensured eternal blessing. Lastly, have
a believing-discerning heart when the Word of God is being spoken. Open up your
heart, soul, and mind to the things of God and let His Spirit give you the understanding
you will need to keep His messengers encouraged.
Verses to Memorize:
Ezekiel 20:33, 42
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