Ezekiel 20:21-49
Q.1. Why did God refuse to hear Judah’s requests and why was He forced to reward their treachery? – (Ezk.20:21-32)
Ezekiel summarised all Israel’s infidelities against the Lord. He had given them good laws and instructions concerning the Sabbath, so that – if a man observes them, he will live (Ezk.20:21). He had shown them great patience. Yet they continually turned to other gods and profaned the Lord’s name among the nations, though God had warned them that if they did this, He would remove them from the land. They did not altogether forsake God but added other gods ‘just in case’ – the ultimate insult. (Ezk.20:22-30). For that reason – I also gave them over to statutes and rules that were not good and could not give them life (Ezk.20:25 c.f. Rom.1:21,25, 28; 7:7). God explained that by their actions Israel proved they needed a Saviour for – When you offer your gifts and when you cause your sons to pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day (Num.20:26). He declared … As I live, I will not be inquired of by you (Ezk.20:31). In grace, God would chastise them, and thus not allow them to fall so low as to be like the surrounding nations (Ezk.20:32-33).
Q.2. What message did God’s treatment of unbelief in the wilderness send to the people of Ezekiel’s day? – (Ezk.20:33-38, 45-48)
The people were to recognize that just as God had delivered the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt, He would once more regather the scattered nation, judge and purge them, and bring them into a Covenant relationship, just as He is doing today (Ezk.20:33-38). In the meantime, Judah would be removed from the land as surely as Israel had been taken into captivity (Ezk.20:45-48). The people ignored the warning, claiming that Ezekiel was speaking in riddles (Ezk.20:49).
Q.3. What astounding turn-around did God foretell about the tribes of Israel? – (Ezk.20:39-44)
Ezekiel foreshadowed an unbelievable event when God will gather all Israel from among the nations, He has sent them – For on My holy mountain, on the high mountain of Israel,” declares the Lord God, “there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land; there I will accept them and there I will seek your contributions and the choicest of your gifts, with all your holy things (Ezk.20:40). God will prove Himself holy with the rebellious nation – 42 And you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the land which I swore to give to your forefathers. 43 There you will remember your ways and all your deeds with which you have defiled yourselves; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the evil things that you have done. 44 Then you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord God (Ezk.20:42-44). What a pardoning God we have.