21:13-17
We now get more dramatisation. Ezekiel is to clap his hands and bring the sword down three times. This is to stress that this will be a complete destruction of Jerusalem. Again, this is not a warning, God is not playing about. Many will die (“a sword for great slaughter”), and hearts will melt. Every gate of the city has a sword assigned to it, there is no escape, so safe places. “I will satisfy my fury”. Is God like this? Yes He is, for He knows the incredible damage that has been done by Judah’s sin. The damage is not just the direct sins committed, it is the blessing that has not come to the surrounding nations because Israel rebelled against God. We are meant to influence the nations, not the nations influencing the church.
21:18-23
Generals would often cast lots when a decision had to be made. This is what the arrows, teraphim and liver are referring to. “Examining the entrails”. During the invasion there would come a point where the Babylonian army would stop and decide whether to invade Jerusalem, or Ammon. Lots would be cast and Jerusalem would be the chosen target, but some would think this was surely a mistake. However, it is God who is in control, and He has decided that it is time for judgement on Jerusalem, so the Babylonians would attack Jerusalem. It may seem to the observer that decisions are made either by Babylon or by pure chance, but in reality it is the Lord’s decisions that are being fulfilled. Even the casting of lots is in the Lord’s hands (Prov 16:33).
No comments:
Post a Comment