Judgement on Israel is Near
May 25, 2020
Commentary
In this chapter Ezekiel predicts the complete destruction of Judah. The wicked and proud will finally get what they deserve. If it seems as though God ignores the evil and proud people in our day, we can be assured that a day of judgment will come, just as it came for the people of Judah. God is waiting for sinners to repent but when his judgment comes, “none of them shall remain.” What we decide about God now will determine our fate then.
Judah’s day of judgment had arrived. There would be no delay, for the nation’s arrogance and violent, bloody deeds demanded punishment. The Lord would repay His people for their sins and show them no mercy. His judgment would be thorough and inescapable. Plague and famine would kill those inside Jerusalem, while enemy swords would slay those in the surrounding country. The few survivors would flee to the mountains in terror and mourn their fate. They would discard their silver and gold, realizing that it could not save them. The enemy would plunder their wealth and desecrate the temple. Not even the nation’s religious and civil leaders, including the king himself, would be able to ward off this day of judgment.
The nation of Judah trusted in its prosperity and possessions instead of in God. The people of Jerusalem took great pride in their buildings. The temple itself was a source of pride (Ezekiel 24:20,21), This pride was crushed when the evil and godless Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem’s houses and holy places. Whenever we begin to trust in jobs, the economy, a political system or military might for our security, we put God in the back seat. If we are going through a humiliating experience. God may be using that experience to weed out pride in our life (v. 24).
Application
The people of Jerusalem took great pride in their buildings. This pride was crushed when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. If I go through a humiliating experience, God may be using that experience to weed out pride in my life.