Study From the Book of Ezekiel,20

                                    Study From the Book of Ezekiel,20

Today is the twentieth part of this series where we study chapter 20. Here we pick up two biblical principles and their lessons which are useful in biblical counselling

The social context was that of exiled elders came to Ezekiel to obtain a divine explanation of current events. They wanted to know if Egypt would save Judah from the Babylonians.

God explains to Ezekiel that the elders of Israel had forfeited any right to inquire of Him due to the abominations of their fathers. All people are responsible for their sins, and this does not mean that these Hebrews were paying for sins their ancestors had committed. Instead, the present generation of Hebrews in exile had clearly shown their failure to learn practical lessons from history as they had continued to repeat their ancestors’ sins.

The chapter ends with hope of that God promised to restore Judah and to judge their enemies.

Structure:   

Verses 1-32: the rebellions of Israel.

Verses 33-44: God will restore Israel

Verses 45-49: fire in the forest.

Principle 33, verse 20:14 “—But I acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out.”

Lesson 33: God rescued the stiff-nicked Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, not because they deserved it, but as a demonstration of His grace and mercy. He wants the world to both see and enjoy His love and goodness.

Principle 34, verse 20:44: “---Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways nor according to corrupt doings, O house of Israel, says the Lord God.”

Lesson 34: If God did not deal with us on the basis of His mercy and grace, none of us would have any hope of a happy future. But because He acts according to His loving nature, we have the brightest future imaginable.1/1/2023