From Ezekiel 9-12
The bible can get fairly graphic at times. They knew better than we do what swords did to people. The executioners however are given instructions not to kill those who ‘sigh and groan’ over the abominations. These people grieve over what is happening in the Temple and in their land. There are people who will be spared. Why, because they have remained faithful to the LORD, they know what pleases and grieves him. At this period in time they see a lot of what grieves and angers the LORD. God doesn’t kill those who are his. Do you think a mark on your forehead would be a good thing?
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
More judgement. But in the chapters we read there is some hope. Lets consider the first.
9 Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, “Bring near the executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand.” 2 And behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with his weapon for slaughter in his hand, and with them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing case at his waist. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar.
3 Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub on which it rested to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing case at his waist. 4 And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” 5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. 6 Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house. (Eze 9.1-6)
The bible can get fairly graphic at times. They knew better than we do what swords did to people. The executioners however are given instructions not to kill those who ‘sigh and groan’ over the abominations. These people grieve over what is happening in the Temple and in their land. There are people who will be spared. Why, because they have remained faithful to the LORD, they know what pleases and grieves him. At this period in time they see a lot of what grieves and angers the LORD. God doesn’t kill those who are his.
Story of Israel
The punishment of this idolatrous nation continues. But it would seem not all of them participate in the flood of debauchery. Nonetheless the outcome for this nation is secure.
Story of Jesus
The slight glimmers of hope in these chapters shine a bit brighter after life, death and resurrection of Jesus. As we see promised in these chapters, the LORD gives his people a new heart and a new spirit. They are instructed to please the LORD. In fact, by the Spirit they discern the will of the LORD. In this way they too have a mark on their foreheads, because they also know and see what grieves the LORD.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights
