Ezekiel 22:14 “Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.”
Just like in the chapters and chapters of calls to return and repent, God is laying out chapters and chapters of “this is why you are facing My judgement.” As one who incessantly asks “Why?” in any given situation, I can appreciate His thoroughness. He doesn’t want anyone confused about why this judgement is coming.
Ezekiel 22:15 “I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you through the countries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness.”
And just like the promise, chapter after chapter, that if they repent and return, He will restore right relationship, this alerting of judgement, chapter after chapter, also contains hope—in verse 22. Commentary says: “As terrible as the burning of Jerusalem and exile would be, it would purify Israel even through the judgement.” This judgement is another attempt to draw their hearts back to Him.
Ezekiel 22:16 “‘When you have been defiled in the eyes of the nations, you will know that I am the Lord.’”
God of hope, Thank You for Your compassion and grace. Thank You for Your desire for relationship, for communion. Thank You for explanations that we don’t deserve, for hope that we desperately need, for love beyond our wildest dreams. Help us to seek You, to put You first Always. Draw us closer. Amen.
Ezekiel 22:22 “‘As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the Lord have poured out my wrath on you.’”
Have a blessed day.