Ezekiel: For His Glory预览

Despite God’s strong message of judgment against Israel, we were still able to find glimpses of God’s mercy in the previous chapters. It is hard to find any such hope in this chapter. We can see at least three aspects of God’s judgment:  

1. It is imminent. ‘The end’ is repeated three times, so we can’t miss it, and the end is ‘now’ (vv. 2–3). God is not going to withhold His judgment this time, and His threat is ominous: ‘I will not look on you with pity or spare you’ (v. 4).  
2. It is just and personal. He will punish according to past conduct, especially detestable practices. The personal nature of divine judgment is highlighted by the use of the singular pronoun ‘you’ (not ‘you all’). Each person will be repaid according to the abominations they have committed (vv. 3–4, 8–9). Idolatry is mentioned (e.g. v. 20), along with sins committed against one another, namely bloodshed and violence (v. 23).  
3. It is wide-ranging in its scope and effect. It involves the whole of the land (vv. 2, 15); no people will be left (v. 11); commercial transactions will shudder to a halt (vv. 10–13, 19); military warfare will be useless (v. 14), and guidance from leadership will fail (v. 26). 

What will be the response of the people to this judgment? Some who escape to the mountains may be remorseful and repentant (v. 16). Others will feel shame and mourn (v. 18). Most will "wet their pants" in fear (v. 17). 

This is a terrifying picture of God’s comprehensive judgment. There comes a time when God’s judgment is all that is left for people, especially if there is sustained, persistent rebellion against Him. 

Some popular portrayals of God focus solely on His love and compassion. This chapter balances such a caricature by filling in attributes such as His holiness, justice, and wrath.

Reflection 

God has set a day for the final judgment of all people (Acts 17:31). Let’s tell people of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and urge everyone to repent and trust in Him while there is still time.