Ezekiel
17 - Allegories
God
used allegories to arouse interest and capture attention. Jesus used parables
for the same purpose (matt. 13:10-17).
The
great eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) came to Jerusalem (Lebanon) and took to Babylon the
top branch of the cedar (King Jehoiachin). He left some of the seed (King
Zedekiah), which grew into a low vine. Zedekiah made a covenant to be loyal to
Babylon, but then he broke it and turned to Egypt for help. The king of Babylon
will come back and destroy the lowly vine of Judah.
The
Cedar represents the dynasty of David. One day God will take a lowly young twig
from David’s line (Jesus Christ) and will establish His glorious kingdom (Isa.
11:1-9). But before He can enter that glory, He must suffer for the sins of the
world.
“O
come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!”
Ezekiel
18 – Not of Fairness, but of Grace
Have
you ever accused God of not being fair? The Jews were doing that and quoting a
familiar proverb to argue their case (Jer. 31:29-30). If the fathers did the
sinning, why should their children do the suffering? Is not God unjust when He
punishes the children for the father’s sins?
But
God does not do that, nor does He take pleasure in sending judgment. He would
gladly forgive sinners if they would only repent. God judges individuals,
regardless of what their fathers have done. You cannot claim your father’s
righteousness, nor can you be punished for your father’s sin. You might be
punished by your father’s sin, but that is another matter (Deut. 5:9).
The
supreme need is for a “new heart and a new spirit,” which can only come through
faith in Christ. “Turn and live” is God’s loving call to sinners today. It is a
matter not of fairness but of grace.
Please
read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.
If
you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible
Dr.
David Jeremiah Study Bible.
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