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More Ezekiel commentaries
Ezekiel 13:1-9
False Prophets Condemned
Ezekiel 13:10-23
The Wall That Will Fall
Ezekiel 14:1-11
Idolatry Will be Punished
Ezekiel 14:12-23
Judgment on Persistent Unfaithfulness
Ezekiel 15:1-8
The Outcast Vine
Ezekiel 16:1-14
God’s Love for Jerusalem
Ezekiel 16:15-30
Jerusalem’s Harlotry
Ezekiel 16:31-43
Jerusalem’s Adultery
Ezekiel 16:44-63
A Symbol of Total Corruption
Ezekiel 17:1-24
Two Eagles and the Vine
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God’s Love for Jerusalem
Ezekiel 16:1–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
In the grand scheme of Muslim nations, Malaysia is still considered to be one of the most progressive and modern Muslim democracies. The Malaysian Constitution has been criticized as self-contradictory by analysts who point to the fact it both defends freedom of religion an … More
Few nations have possessed the proud national consciousness of Israel. Patriotic feeling burned brightly. Israel’s past made it impossible for her to be indifferent to the elements of greatness in her history. Ezekiel, however, did not share her pride. One commentary said he traced her history through three stages-"foundling child,” “unfaithful spouse” and “abandoned prostitute.”
The Lord used an allegory to illustrate the ingratitude and unfaithfulness of Jerusalem’s citizens. Originally Jerusalem was a Canaanite city, populated by Amorites and Hittites. It was like an unwanted baby, thrown into a field and left to die from exposure. However, the Lord preserved the child’s life. Later, after she had grown into a mature, young lady, the Lord entered into a marriage covenant with her. He clothed her with beautiful garments, provided her with food, and made her a queen. Ezekiel tells Israel’s life story from God’s point of view. God first came across Israel as an abandoned baby, unwashed and unloved (vv. 1-6). He blessed her with life and, when she came of age and beauty, made a marriage covenant with her (vv. 7-8). This was the covenant at Mount Sinai when God gave Israel his law. He was an adoring, considerate and generous husband who shared his splendor with her (vv. 9-14).
Application
Even though I am a sinner who deserves punishment, just like Israel and Jerusalem, God loves me and brings joy and peace into my life for which I praise Him.
Ezekiel 16:1-14 (English Standard Version)
Again the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth are of the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. And as for your birth, on the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you, nor rubbed with salt, nor wrapped in swaddling cloths. No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you out of compassion for you, but you were cast out on the open field, for you were abhorred, on the day that you were born. "And when I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you in your blood, 'Live!' I said to you in your blood, 'Live!' I made you flourish like a plant of the field. And you grew up and became tall and arrived at full adornment. Your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown; yet you were naked and bare. "When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became mine. Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. And I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your wrists and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen and silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour and honey and oil. You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. And your renown went forth among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through the splendor that I had bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD."
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