Ezekiel 24
Dear RTB’ers,
Each of the last two days I have posted a closing: I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it. (v. 17:24b) Today the Lord speaks these words even more emphatically: I am the LORD. I have spoken; it shall come to pass; I will do it. I will not go back; I will not spare; I will not relent; according to your ways and your deeds you will be judged, declares the Lord GOD. (v. 14) Lest there be any confusion as to the Lord’s intentions…
I found myself moved by God’s instruction to Ezekiel when he is about to lose his wife: Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. (v. 16) He is asking Ezekiel not to mourn over his wife’s sudden death. As I have often asked, I put myself into that story – and I felt something like a deep hurt within me. Losing a spouse is difficult enough, but to not lament over that sudden loss – what a challenge that would have been for Ezekiel. But the Lord’s charge to him was all about Jerusalem; my Study Bible said that Ezekiel’s wife died on the same day that Jerusalem was burned. Behold, I will profane My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul… (v. 21b) For the Israelis, their pride in their temple, their yearning to return there after their exile – it would all be gone. What a loss for them!
Another tough chapter…
Blessings.