7:1-4
One of the features of Ezekiel is that most of the prophecies are in prose, rather than poetic form, unlike most of the other prophets where poetic is the norm. You can see the difference in your Bible by the form that the text is presented in. In this chapter the poetic form is used. This is much more repetitive, saying similar things again and again, and using quite graphic language. It is useful for us to appreciate the need for this. Jerusalem was God’s city, and the temple was God’s temple. The common view, and one that was held by the rulers and the priesthood, was that God would not allow His city or temple to be desecrated. We see this in Jeremiah, eg Jer 7:4. God needs to completely disavow of them of this delusion. He is far more concerned about their moral behaviour and whether or not they trust in Him (the two are intrinsically connected).
This is not simply a penalty for breaking a rule. We see that there is deep emotion involved in all this. But this is not uncontrolled emotion, it is not uncontrolled rage. As well as being deeply emotional, it is also perfectly rational and righteous. This is the wrath of God!
“I will not look on you with pity”. They will now receive the full penalty of their disobedience.
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