diff --git a/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_16:1-14.md b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_16:1-14.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a5de741 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_16:1-14.md @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ ++++ +title = "Ezekiel 16:1–14" +date = "2023-04-09" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel16.1-14) + +This whole chapter has the tone of a judicial hearing, but is an analogy of +God's covenant relationship with Israel. He presents His case by describing the +origins of Jerusalem, their relationship, and her betrayal. The analogy used is +that of an abandoned child that the Lord finds and provides for and eventually +marrying when she is of age. + +Before Israel invaded the land of Canaan, Jerusalem was a pagan city of the +Amorites, Hittites, and other groups. Similarly, Abraham and his family were +pagans worshipping false gods before he was called by the Lord to journey to +the land promised to him and his descendants. The Lord describes an infant +abandoned in the field, not even washed off or cared for in any way. He takes +pity on her and causes her to live and flourish. I've had trouble interpreting +this bit, but I think I've come up with something that makes sense. The girl +represents the people of Israel, but the very beginning of their history, where +they cannot survive on their own may just be Abraham and Sarah, who could not +have children on their own. The Lord takes this family and causes it to grow +with Isaac and then Jacob and his sons. Twice the Lord says, "Live!" which +could be a number of specific events, but may be Isaac's birth and the +flourishing of the people when they lived in Egypt in spite of Pharaoh's +intent. + +The girl grows up into a woman, and the Lord sees her again and makes a +marriage vow and covenant with her. He washes and clothes her, giving her very +fine raiment and feeding her delicacies. She becomes a queen, famed for her +beauty. This is absolutely referring to the time of Moses when the covenant is +made with Israel, through the time of Solomon's reign, in which he amasses +great wealth through the Lord's blessing. The queen of Sheba remarked on how +well his servants looked when she visited to hear his wisdom. (_2 Kings 10:8_) + +Next time, we will see what comes after the "but" that starts verse 15. + +* * * + +Your compassion is great for those who have done nothing to deserve it.