20:39-44
They were desperate to worship their idols, so God says, “OK, go ahead and do it, but you will regret it”. One day they would learn and profane God’s name no longer. There will come a time when Israel is filled with people who truly worship the Lord. Jesus told the woman at the well that one day people would worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Instead of being a stench in God’s nostrils, they would become a fragrant incense. This would also prove the holiness of God. God is often mocked by the world, but one day the absolute wisdom of His ways will be made evident to all. At this time His people will be ashamed of their past actions and ways. So we see here a restoration of Israel, but one which deals overtly with their sinfulness. Salvation does not involve any overlooking of sins.
20:45-49
This is something of an addendum to the rest of the chapter. Ezekiel is foretelling of a conflagration in the south. This is presumably to demonstrate the validity of the words he has spoken. For the people were rejecting his words saying “isn’t he just telling parables”. I.e. they were not taking words seriously.
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