Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

This section contains a parable and some sign-acts, all to do with judgment. 

In the parable, Ezekiel sets his face against the southland to prophesy against the forests (20:45–48). The message is actually for the people in the southern kingdom of Judah, all of whom will be affected by the fire of God’s judgment. Yet the people either do not understand or take his message lightly (20:49). The message is reinforced in the next section, this time declaring the sword will be used as the means of God’s judgment (21:1–5). Ezekiel then performs a sign-act, grieving and groaning to enact the suffering because of the terrifying judgment (21:6–7). 

A sword is then prepared for slaying (21:8–17). Again Ezekiel is to cry in anguish for the sword will strike God’s people, both prince and people alike. God’s judgment is indiscriminate, slashing to the right and left. Yet the slaying will come to an end when God’s fury is satisfied (21:17). 

Ezekiel is asked to perform another sign-act, revealing who will wield the sword (21:18–27). The prophet is to mark a forked road for the king of Babylon to take: either to Jerusalem or to Rabbah of the Ammonites. The king then uses pagan divination to determine which road to take, which ironically leads to the will of God. It is thus clear that behind the siege and destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar stands the judgment of God (21:24, 27). Part of the judgment will be that Zedekiah is stripped of his royalty (21:25–26). 

God’s judgment extends beyond Judah, however (21:28–32). Although Ammon was bypassed previously, it too will suffer for it is among the wicked (21:29; cf. 21:25). Finally, Babylon, the sword itself, will return to the land where it was created. Here it will be judged with a furious annihilation (21:30–32). 

Reflection

Shockingly God uses evil worldly powers to fulfill His purposes. Indeed, He uses wicked, lawless men to bring forgiveness and righteousness to humankind (Acts 2:23). Nonetheless, that does not mean those evil powers will escape His judgment (see Hab. 2:6–20).