Ezekiel 20:1-44

The Elders of Israel came to Ezekiel to inquire of God but God told Ezekiel He would not be inquired of by them.  The reason for God’s refusal is explained in a sermon that might be titled, “The Abominations of the Fathers.”  It is a history of the idolatry of God’s people in five periods of Israel’s history.

·        v5-9: The idolatry began while they were still in Egypt.  The specific instance God speaks of here is unclear in the Pentateuch but Ezekiel mentions it elsewhere (Ezek. 23:3,19-21) and Moses and Joshua also refer to it (Lev. 18:3; Josh. 24:14).  What is clear in the story of the exodus is that God was acting for His name’s sake.  The grand purpose seen so often in Ezekiel, “you shall know that I am the LORD” was used with equal frequency in Exodus (Ex. 6:6,7; 7:5,17; 8:10,22; 9:14,16,29; 10:2; 11:7; 14:4,18).  God would have poured out His fury on Israel IN Egypt, but for His name’s sake He refrained (Ezek. 20:8-9).

·        v10-17: Though God had delivered Israel from Egypt, and then given them His laws to live by and Sabbaths so they knew they were His set-apart people, they still reverted to their idolatry with the Golden Calf (Ex. 32:7-14).  Again, God was set to pour out His fury on the people but after Moses’ intercession He again refrained, “for My name’s sake” (Ezek. 20:14). 

·        v18-26: The generation of the “Golden Calf” refused to enter the land so God determined none of them would enter but would die in the wilderness.  After 40 years the new generation again committed idolatry in the matter of Baal Peor (Num. 25; Deut. 4:1-4).  A third time God says He was ready to pour out His fury but withdrew His hand for His name’s sake.  Nevertheless God said that eventually He would deliver them up to the nations where these people who rejected His laws would live under the bad laws of the Gentiles.

·        v27-29: Once in the land, the idolatry continued over and over.  

·        v30-32: Now, in the present, the people of Ezekiel’s day are accused of committing the same abominations as their fathers.  Thus God will not be inquired of them (v32) and now God’s fury will be poured out (v33-34).

The sermon concludes with a promise that God will again bring His people out of the nations and the experience of His fury will bring about their cleansing (v35-38).  Their worship will be acceptable, a sweet aroma and they “shall know that I am the LORD” (v39-44).  

Remember, this is written for our admonition.  May we turn from the rebellion that is a continual repeating of a refusal to honor God.  Further, may we hear God when He seeks to gain our attention through our trials!  Every knee shall bow.  All will know that I AM THE LORD!