Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

Ezekiel is asked to perform another sign-act (vv. 1–4). This time he is to cut off the hair on his head and his beard. Of the hair, one-third will suffer punishment by fire, one-third will be struck by the sword and one-third will be scattered in the wind. Yet there is also a hint of mercy: a few strands of hair are to escape both this punishment and a second burning. This points to the fact that a remnant of those in Jerusalem will be spared, although they too will suffer punishment and refinement (v. 4). 

Among all the nations, Israel had a privileged position (Exod. 19:5–6). The nation was meant to be the center of God’s purposes for the nations. If they obeyed the law, they would be admired for their wisdom and understanding (Deut. 4:6–8). They were meant to be a showcase nation, revealing God’s character to the world and bringing the nation's blessing (Gen. 12:1–3). Yet they hadn’t lived up to their identity and calling. In fact, their wickedness was judged to be worse than all those around them (vv. 6–7). 

God’s response to Israel’s disobedience will be in the sight of the nations, as a warning to them (v. 8). For an Israelite, it would have been terrifying to hear God say, ‘I myself am against you’ (v. 8). He declares that He will execute a judgment unlike any in the past and any that will be again (v. 9). This judgment is outlined in specific detail: famine, wild beasts, pestilence and sword (vv. 10–12, 16–17). It encompasses the full house of divine curses for covenant disobedience (cf. Lev. 26:14–39). What will happen to God’s people will be a horror and an object lesson for the observing nations (v. 15). 

Christians, as the Israel of God (Gal. 6:16), are also to live up to our identity and calling. We too are a chosen people, a holy nation, called to declare God’s praises to the nations (1 Pet. 2:9–10).

Reflection

We still live in and among an observing world. So we must live according to our identity and calling. Yet we also need to heed the warnings for those who fail in these (Rev 1:9–3:22).