Ezekiel 14-16

Ezekiel 14

Elders come to Ezekiel to  inquire of the LORD.

• God reveals the real issue: “These men have taken their idols into their hearts.”
• They set up stumbling blocks within themselves.
• God refuses to answer them- they are estranged

God commands: “Repent and turn away from your idols.”

• Anyone who clings to idols but still seeks God will face judgment.
• God will set His face against that person.

If a prophet gives a deceptive message, God allows the deception.

• Both prophet and inquirer will bear their guilt.

God lists three righteous men:

• Noah
• Daniel
• Job

Even if they were present, they could only save themselves.

Judgment described through four disasters:

1. Famine
2. Wild beasts
3. Sword
4. Pestilence

A Remnant Will Survive

• Survivors will come out of Jerusalem.
• Their behavior will confirm that judgment was justified.

Ezekiel 15

 The Useless Vine

• Vine wood is useless for construction. It cannot even make a peg.
• If burned, it becomes even more useless.
• Israel is compared to a vine branch.

Just as vine wood is thrown into fire, Jerusalem will face destruction.

Ezekiel 16

This chapter is a long allegory describing Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride.

Abandoned Infant

• Jerusalem is pictured as a newborn abandoned in a field.
• God passes by and says, “Live.”
• The child grows and flourishes.

God rescued and nurtured Israel.

Marriage Covenant

• God covers her nakedness.
• Makes a covenant with her.
• Adorns her with jewelry, fine clothing, and beauty.

Jerusalem becomes a queen among nations.

Proud Harlot

• She trusts in her beauty.
• Uses God’s gifts to worship idols.
• Sacrifices her children.
• Pursues foreign nations.
• She made payments to men 

Judgment on the Unfaithful Wife

• Lovers turn against her.
• Public shame and exposure.
• Violence and destruction.

Jerusalem’s “sisters”:

• Samaria
  • Did not commit half of Israel’s sins
• Sodom
  • Genesis 18-19
• Jerusalem is said to be worse than both.

Future Restoration

God promises eventual restoration:

• Sodom restored
• Samaria restored
• Jerusalem restored

Despite betrayal, God says: “I will remember my covenant with you.”

Application

God cares about the condition of our hearts, not just our outward religion. Idols can live inside us even when we appear to seek God. Like the vine in chapter 15, our lives were meant to produce fruit for Him….without that, we lose our purpose. Ezekiel 16 reminds us that everything good we have comes from God’s grace, so spiritual unfaithfulness are a betrayal of His kindness.