21:1.2
The diatribe from God against Israel continues. “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries”. It is significant that Jerusalem and the sanctuaries (the temple?) are singled out. The people thought God would defend Jerusalem and the temple, His dwelling place! But, of course, the glory had departed from the temple. They failed to realise that God dwells with His people, and if His people reject Him He will not defend them. What really mattered to God was their faithfulness, trust and obedience, and they were sadly lacking in all three areas. Today we can make similar mistakes, when we put the focus on a building or a project, rather than God working in His people. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Prov 4:23). So Ezekiel is to prophesy against the land of Israel.
21:3-5
“I am against you”. It was part of common lore that battles involved a “god” being against the people. God is against the people of Israel. The sword, though in Babylon’s hands, was ultimately coming from the Lord. “Both the wicked and the righteous” indicates the extent of the invasion, it would affect all. This is further expressed in the phrase “from south to north”. “And all flesh shall know that I am the Lord”. It is a prime concern of God that the world will know that He is the Lord.
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