Highlights:
Each person is clearly accountable for their own choice to be saved (Ezek. 14:12-23). A breathtaking, tragic account of the love and faithfulness of God to Judah and her inconsiderate attitude (chap. 16). We must guard against spiritual adultery.
Although the Israelites regularly offered sacrifices to God, they also worshiped the heathen idols of other nations. As the judgment of God for their idolatry, the Israelites were brought under the control of Nebuchadnezzar, who took thousands of them captive. Once again, certain elders of Israel (Ezek. 14:1) came to consult Ezekiel, as if they desired to know the will of God. But the Lord revealed their hypocrisy to Ezekiel, saying: These men have set up their idols in their heart. .. . . Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations (detestable practices). . . . That the house of Israel . . . may be My people, and I may be their God (14:3,6,11).
To illustrate their one purpose as the people of God, the Lord presented a parable to Ezekiel: How is the vine tree (the grapevine which was often used by God to illustrate the Israelites) more than any tree . . . of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin (stake) of it to hang any vessel thereon? Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel (15:2-4; also Gen. 49:22; Deut. 32:32; Ps. 80:8-11; Jer. 2:21; Hos. 10:1). Every Israelite knew that the grapevine was valued only for its fruit and was worthless for making anything useful or of lasting value.
The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel (Is. 5:7). Ezekiel also spoke of the vine as representing Israel, chosen of God to let the world know there was only One True God, who would bless all who honored Him by keeping His Word. But the vine had failed to produce fruit; consequently, the only alternative was for it to be uprooted and cast into the fire (Ezek. 15:4,7).
This was a word picture of the Israelites being uprooted from the promised land and forced to live in Babylon.
The righteous judgment of God upon those in Jerusalem had to be consistent with the great privileges they had willfully misused. But the principles of God's Word are still true today. No whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (Eph. 5:5-6).
Thought for Today:
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt. 5:44).
Christ Revealed:
In the everlasting Covenant (Ezek. 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Agreement) (Heb. 8:6).
Word Studies:
16:8 I spread My skirt over thee =symbolic of a covenant of marriage (Ruth 3:9; Deut. 22:30); 16:25 opened thy feet =offered yourself as a harlot; 16:30 imperious whorish woman =shameless prostitute; 16:31 eminent place =prominent public location; thou scornest hire =you refused a fee; 16:43 fretted me =provoked me to anger.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bob Filner (CA), Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT), and Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY) • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and the Lord will free you from your fears (Ps. 34:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 9
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18
