Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

This chapter concludes Ezekiel’s vision that began in chapter 8. In it, we find a foretaste of God’s imminent judgment, yet also evidence of God’s grace. 

Ezekiel is asked to prophesy judgment against the public officials who remained in Jerusalem after the deportation of 597 BC (vv. 1–13). The sentiment in the city is that everything is safe, secure and under control. They are like the meat in a cauldron, protected by the city walls (v. 3), or so they think, but they have another thing coming. Violence they have committed and violence they will suffer. Indeed, the walls will be no protection, as God will judge them for the sins they have committed (vv. 9–12). 

Even as Ezekiel is speaking, one of the leaders drops dead before the prophet’s eyes (v. 13). This is a foretaste of God’s judgment that will fall upon the leaders and the rest of the people in Jerusalem. Again the generally stoical prophet responds by asking if God is going to destroy the whole remnant (cf. 9:8). God’s answer before was implied, but this time it is unambiguous. God will show grace to the exiles in at least four ways (vv. 14–21). He will:  

1. Still be with them as their ‘sanctuary’.  
2. Gather them from distant lands and return them to the Promised Land.  
3. Give them a new heart and a new spirit, enabling them to turn away from idolatry and to obey Him.  
4. Accept them as His covenant people again (cf. Exod. 6:7; Lev. 26:12). 

Just as Ezekiel is given a foretaste of God’s imminent judgment (vv. 1–13), he is also asked to present a foretaste of God’s future grace in the restoration of Israel (vv. 14–20). This hope is fleshed out in the final section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 33–48). Even amid the overpowering message of judgment, God is still faithful to His covenant promises. Even before His judgment has fully begun, He offers a message of hope.

Reflection

Thank God for His covenant faithfulness, which extends to us today. All God’s promises are ‘Yes’ in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).