Tuesday, February 25 – Ezekiel 20, 21

1. What did the LORD give Israel as a sign between Him and them? (Ezekiel 20:12)

2. What did the LORD ask of Israel? (Ezekiel 20:19-20)

3. What three methods of divination did Nebuchadnezzar use to decide whether to attack Jerusalem or Rabbah? (Ezekiel 21:21)

The elders of Israel came to Ezekiel to inquire of the LORD, but God refused to answer because they had persistently ignored His commands. Seeking more light while rejecting previous revelations is presumptuous. Instead of responding to their inquiry, God recounted Israel’s repeated disobedience alongside His faithfulness and mercy.

God reminded Israel of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reaffirming His promise to bring them into the Promised Land. While still in Egypt, He commanded them to abandon idolatry, yet they refused. Despite their rebellion, God preserved them and led them out of Egypt for His name’s sake.

Even after deliverance, Israel clung to idolatry, worshipping both God and false idols. God restrained His judgment to uphold His name among the nations. This reflects a common human struggle: professing faith while still holding onto worldly desires.

God delivered Israel, gave them His law, and set apart the Sabbath as a sign. The Sabbath reminded them of creation, sanctification, and deliverance from slavery. However, Israel profaned the Sabbath, leading to severe consequences. The Sabbath is still a sign and a blessing for God’s people. In a world that believes in evolution or godless creation, the Sabbath still today is a reminder of the power and purpose of the Creator.

Even in the rebellion of His people, God still offered them mercy: “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.” (Ezekiel 18:30). He doesn’t want the destruction of the wicked, but calls them to repentance.

The prophet was weary as the people dismissed his words as mere parables.

Chapter 21 is known as the Song of the Sword because it emphasizes God’s impending judgment upon Jerusalem. God’s sword of judgment was drawn against Jerusalem. This judgment would affect both the righteous and the wicked.

The LORD’s sword was prepared for swift and decisive destruction. This was a warning that judgment was inevitable due to continued disobedience.

Nebuchadnezzar used pagan divination methods to determine whether to attack Jerusalem or Rabbah. Though these methods were superstitious, God sovereignly directed events to ensure Jerusalem’s destruction.

Zedekiah, the last Davidic king before the Babylonian exile, was condemned for his rebellion. God declared: “Take off the turban, remove the crown… Overthrown, overthrown, I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until He comes whose right it is, and I will give it to Him.” (Ezekiel 21:26-27) This Messianic prophecy points to Jesus Christ, the true and rightful King.

Ezekiel 20 and 21 provide both a warning and a message of hope. They remind us that disobedience leads to judgment, but repentance leads to restoration. Though Israel had rebelled, God still extended His mercy.

Today, God calls us to turn away from sin and commit fully to Him. He desires our complete devotion, not divided loyalty. Let us heed His call, remembering that true security is found not in the things of this world but in Jesus Christ, our rightful King and Savior.

May you have a blessed and prosperous day!