Study 10 From the Book of Ezekiel is: Ezekiel
16
In this vivid allegory the
prophet seeks to break down the pride of Jerusalem. She appears as the bride of
the Lord God, who loved her from infancy, and did everything for her, but whose
love she had required with persistent and shameful idolatry. The chapter falls
into four sections (i) Jerusalem as a child and as a bride (verses 1-14); (ii)
her sin (verses 15-34) (iii) her judgment (verses 35-52); (iv) her restoration
(verses 53-63).
1.
What
was God’s complaint against Jerusalem?
With verse 22 and 32, cf. Dt. 32:15-18. Notice also that God regards her
sin as greater than that of Samaria and of Sodom. Verse 46-52 and cf. Mt.
11:23, 24.
2.
How
may the teaching of this chapter be applied to one who has been truly
converted, but has backslidden? What can we learn here for our warning of the
peril and folly of the sin of unfaithfulness? Cf. Je. 2:13, 19; Jas. 4:4-10.
