Ezekiel 16:35-63

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jerusalem’s Adultery and Shame

In the first part of Ezekiel’s parable in chapter 16, there is an analogy between Jerusalem and an adulterous wife. In the second part of the parable, the analogy is between Jerusalem and her sisters, the cities of _____________ and ________. Why were these two particular cities used in the analogy?
Under the Law, any city that was proven to be given over to idolatry was to be put to the edge of the sword and burned (Deuteronomy 13:12-16). What judgment did God bring upon Jerusalem that would fit this description?
What was the foundational cause of Jerusalem’s wickedness?
God demonstrated great mercy toward Jerusalem in spite of their great sinfulness. His promise of restoration of Jerusalem and Israel was manifest in what way?
We are told in this chapter that upon receiving the promise of restoration, Jerusalem/Israel will finally remember their past sinful ways. Describe their reaction to the memories of the past.

In the second part of the parable here in chapter 16, Jerusalem’s sisters are identified as the cities of Samaria and Sodom. Samaria was to the north of Jerusalem, Sodom to the south, with Jerusalem being like the “middle” sister; Both Samaria and Sodom had been prominent and well-known cities like Jerusalem; and both of these cities had been judged for their evil and wicked ways.
The judgment “by sword and by fire” that God allowed against Jerusalem was the conquering and destruction of the city by the powerful Babylonian armies (vs 40, 41).
The bottom-line cause of Jerusalem’s wickedness was that they had not remembered the days of their youth (v 43). They had forgotten how God had blessed them, and they had forgotten the covenant God had made with them.
God said He would establish a new covenant with the Jewish people, and restore His special people not only to the land but also to the Lord (vs 60-63).
The reaction of the Jewish people to God’s marvelous mercy will be twofold. First, they will remember their past, and then, having remembered the grievous sinfulness of their past, they will be ashamed.

How far does God go in His patience, or how long will He wait to bring judgment against the wickedness of a nation? Discuss the sinful ways of the country you are living in and the sinful actions of the country that may bring God’s judgment. Could God’s judgment already be underway?

If you are in a situation where you think you have fallen too far into sin for God to restore, or if you know a friend in that situation, are you willing to turn back to the Lord in shame and confession and receive His forgiveness, or encourage your friend to do the same? As you receive His forgiveness in Christ, the Lord will save you and restore you.

“‘And I will establish My covenant with you. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be ashamed because of your shame, when I provide you an atonement for all you have done’, says the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16: 62, 63