To understand the historical context of these chapters, we need to remember that Ezekiel was already one of the early captives who had been deported to Babylon in the first wave of the Exile, but most of the people of Judah were still in the Promised Land: and although Jerusalem had experienced severe suffering, it was still there. So when Ezekiel offered the prophecies in these chapters, he saw that the time of its destruction was coming very near. “Thus says the Lord: I am coming against you, and will draw my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from you both righteous and wicked” (Ezekiel 21:3). “I will pour out my indignation upon you, with the fire of my wrath I will blow upon you. I will deliver you into brutish hands, those skillful to destroy. You shall be fuel for the fire” (21:31-32).

It’s quite a vivid description of the sinfulness of the city of Jerusalem. Everyone was focused on their own self-interest, ignoring the needs of aging parents, immigrants, widows, and orphans (22:7), and lax about worship (22:8). Plus violence (22:9) and rampant perverted sexuality (22:11) and usury (22:12). “Can your courage endure, or can your hands remain strong in the days when I shall deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it. I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you through the countries, and I will purge the filthiness out of you” (22:14-15).

If it were possible, the allegory of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, is even more stark (23:2-49). These two represent the capital cities of the two kingdoms: Samaria capital of Israel, and Jerusalem capital of Judah. Their faithlessness against Yahweh – their idolatry – is described as constant promiscuous adultery, running after one false lover after another. But judgment is coming soon. The “assembly” – which will turn out to be the Babylonian army – “shall repay you for your lewdness, and you shall bear the penalty for your sinful idolatry; and you shall know that I am the Lord God” (23:49).

In our present day, the prophets for each of the two main partisan groups are quick to pounce on and denounce the sins of their opponents: the liberals decrying social and economic sins, the conservatives decrying personal and sexual sins. Both sides seem to miss Ezekiel’s obvious point: our whole culture is so lost, so dismissive of God’s call, so certain we can do whatever our side thinks is right, without any consequences.

* * * * *

Help us, O God! We are so sure that the wickedness of our opponents is very great, and so reluctant to see that we too are deeply involved in the sins of our land. Apart from your grace, we are all inescapably lost. Move us to repentance; change our hearts; teach us to follow you forever.

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!