Ezekiel 6-7

Ezekiel’s initial prophetic ministry is found in Ch. 4-7.  While Ch. 4-5 are built on object lessons, Ch. 6-7 are more preaching.  Here are a few things to note.

·        6:2; 7:2: God’s word through Ezekiel is often directed to specific areas of Israel, in this case the mountains where they worshiped idols at the high places and the land itself.  Of course, the wickedness God is judgment is found in the people.  But in the case of Israel, they were given a land as part of God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).  What they have done is use God’s blessing for their abominations.  Thus the judgment is so directed as to take away the blessing of God.

·        6:7: For the first time in Ezekiel we see this phrase, “Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”  It is four times in Ch. 6; over 80 times in Ezekiel it is said someone will know (learn) something through God’s work of judgment and grace, usually (over 60 times) that He is the LORD!  This reveals the overall purpose of God as He works in history.

·        6:8: The word “remnant” is a powerful word and concept in Scripture.  Here and often in the Prophets it is a reminder that God will judge Israel severely, but never will He completely cut them off.  Paul’s argument about a future for Israel in Romans 11 is built on this promise of a “remnant according to the election of grace” (Rom. 11:5).

·        Note again the term “fury” (6:12) and “sowing/reaping” as the essence of judgment (7:3-4, 27).  Perhaps you noticed the nearly identical passages in Ch. 7 (v3-4 and v8-9; cf. v27b).  This poetical form is meant to emphasize the central message of the passage that God will repay Israel for her ways.

For meditation, reread 7:19.  Do we not see ourselves in the people of Israel?  How often to we value that which does not satisfy.  Perhaps it is our silver and gold.  But perhaps it is our self-importance, our standing in some community, or the pursuit of our pleasures.  One thing that occurs when God disciplines His people is that the things of earth (1 John 2:17) become meaningless.  They are seen for what they are: as stumbling blocks of iniquity, things we worshiped in the place of God.  In the day of wrath these things would not satisfy so the people will toss them away like trash.

To have a proper view and respect for eternity will do this for us.  Whether we think of judgment to come or eternity with Christ, these thoughts will sharpen our priorities in this life.  Reading and studying books such as Ezekiel might sometimes seem burdensome with the constant message of judgment.  But keep in mind that these things are written for our own admonition (1 Cor. 10:11).  Meditate on the why’s and wherefore’s; receive God’s word that is able to save!