Ezekiel 16:1-14

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_16:1-14.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 16:1–14"
+date = "2023-04-09"
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+
+### [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.