The Gospel According to Ezekiel, Chapters 19-20

Recap: The Righteous Life from Ezekiel 18

The righteous person lives with a current non-participation in sin and an impossibility of future participation in sin. This is marked by an indicative "no" to present sin—absolutely not participating now—and a double "no" to future sin, which is utterly impossible for them.

We are not claiming sinlessness, as that would make God a liar (1 John 1). Instead, we confess our sins to God, homologating—saying the same as God about our sin. The righteous abstain actively and aggressively from sin opportunities.

In contrast, the wicked lack "no" in their vocabulary; sin is possible and pursued. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, as Ezekiel 19 will illustrate through fallen princes of Israel.

Ezekiel 19: A Lament for the Princes of Israel

Chapter 19 is a lamentation—a dirge, a funeral song—for the princes of Israel. It paints Judah as a lioness rearing cubs who become destructive lions, captured and exiled: one to Egypt, another to Babylon. Then Judah is a fruitful vine, plucked up in fury, dried by the east wind, consumed by fire in a dry land.

Ezekiel 19:1-14 (paraphrased summary: Lioness rears cubs who devour men, captured in pits to Egypt and Babylon; vine planted by waters, fruitful, but uprooted, withered, no scepter remains. This is a lamentation.)

This dirge creates despair over failed kings, heightening need for a coming King—better, permanent, perfect. Leadership not like Christ leads to calamity. Israel's sin and leaders alienate from God, unlike the utopian third temple vision later in Ezekiel, where believers dwell free from sin with God.

Trust only Christ, not human leaders or things. God uses sovereignty to foster dependency, as the law does—raising the bar impossibly high to drive us to brokenness: "Lord, I need you."

The lioness is Judah. First cub: Jehoahaz, son of Josiah (reformer who purged idolatry via Deuteronomy, but died fighting Pharaoh Neco unnecessarily). Neco captured Jehoahaz to Egypt (Jeremiah prophesied his death there).

Second cub: Jehoiakim, installed as Egypt's vassal, later rebelled after Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC). Nebuchadnezzar captured him to Babylon. Zedekiah then ruled as Babylon's vassal, now broken, leading to exile.

Key issues: not listening to God, turning to idols and Egypt. This brings calamity. Our problems stem from sin—not listening to God continually, seeking quick fixes over Bible study and sanctification. We prefer "one-step" solutions, not Genesis-to-Revelation obedience.

Ezekiel 20: Elders Inquire, God Refuses

In the seventh year, fifth month (August 14, 591 BC), elders inquire of God. But God rejects them:

Ezekiel 20:3-4
"Will you judge them, son of man? Make known the abominations of their fathers."

These exiled elders love sin, idols in hearts. God will not answer due to their lifestyle. Fellowship with God ties directly to how we live (1 John 1).

1 John 1:5-10
If we say we have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie... If we walk in the light... we have fellowship... If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive.

Biblical fellowship is not casual hangouts but living rightly—ongoing confession and repentance, not walking in sin. God is no cosmic genie; he is sovereign Lord, demanding obedience as in Leviticus' holiness code. Salvation secures us (perseverance of saints), but daily conduct matters—confession, not just laundry-list prayers.

God's History of Mercy Despite Rebellion

God recounts Israel's history to expose abominations:

1. Egypt: God chose Israel, swore "I am the Lord your God," promised the land, commanded "cast away idols." They rebelled. God withheld wrath for his name's sake, brought them out.
2. Wilderness (first generation): Gave statutes, ordinances for life; Sabbaths as sanctification sign. They rebelled, profaned Sabbaths. God withheld annihilation for his name.
3. Wilderness (second generation): Warned not to follow fathers' ways. They rebelled again. God withheld wrath, but swore scattering among nations. Gave "not good" statutes (e.g., child sacrifice via bad exegesis of consecration, importing Canaanite practices).

Ezekiel 20:6-13 (excerpt)
"I said... cast away detestable things... do not defile with idols... But they rebelled... I acted for my name's sake."

Sabbath: grace-day to enjoy God, freed by double manna portion. Jesus is our Sabbath (Hebrews)—permanent freedom to worship.

Lessons from Israel's Example (1 Corinthians 10)

1 Corinthians 10:1-14
These things happened as examples... Do not be idolaters... nor act immorally... nor test the Lord... Flee idolatry.

Exodus wanderings warn us: churchgoers (Israel's ekklesia) judged for unbelief, idolatry, immorality, grumbling despite God's provision. Wilderness forced dependence for sanctification, but they rebelled, craving creation over God.

In trials, don't grumble, act immorally, or test God. See wilderness as sanctification—God refining for holiness, future bliss. His plan: a holier you. Don't mistake withheld judgment as approval (2 Peter 3:9—patient for repentance).

God's name/reputation drives mercy: he delays wrath to display justice, mercy, holiness (Isaiah 48:9-11).

Isaiah 48:9-11
"For my own sake... how can my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another."

Live for God's fame: repent, depend. Our lives reflect his name—positively or profaning it. God invades to protect his glory.