Idolatry Will be Punished

Ezekiel 14:1–11
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At the beginning of this chapter a group of the elders in exile came to Ezekiel to seek counsel of the Lord (vv. 1-3). It appeared that they were finally been convinced that judgment was coming to their brethren still at Jerusalem. The context indicates that the question in their mind was whether God would spare Jerusalem for the sake of a few righteous within it. But these elders were not motivated by a pure heart. Though not outwardly practicing idolatry, they were still enamored with idolatry. God condemned these elders for worshiping idols in their hearts and then daring to come to God’s prophet for advice. On the outside they appeared to worship God, making regular trips to the temple to offer sacrifice, but they were not sincere. He saw their hearts and asked them to repent and turn from their multitude of idols. The Bible’s principle is that when a person or a nation is irreversibly set in a downward way, as it was in this case, God must bring judgment. However, God does it in grace in order that those in error will see their wicked way and turn to the Lord.

It seems that the people of Judah, though eager to accept the message of false prophets, considered the presence of a few God fearing men as an insurance policy against disaster (vv. 6-11). In a jam they could always ask God’s prophets for advice. But merely having God’s people around doesn’t help. Each person is responsible for his own relationship with God. God never turns from an individual who repents of his sin. He receives him in grace, no matter how vile his heart is. But those in Jerusalem were still openly and defiantly serving other gods. Judgment must be administered in such a case. God says I will set my face against that man that continues in his rebellious way, but He is ever open in grace to the one who repents (vv. 6, 8, 11)

It is easy for us to criticize the Israelites for worshiping idols when they so clearly needed God instead. But we have idols in our hearts when we pursue wealth, acceptance, reputation, or sensual pleasure with the intensity and enthusiasm that should be reserved for serving God.

Application

I must never let anyone or anything captivate my imagination or allegiance in such a way to replace or weaken my devotion to God.