Is there any doubt about why God is doing what he is doing in these chapters of Ezekiel? Two things are repeated over and over again. The people of Israel did “detestable”things. At least 19 times this is how the Lord describes the rebellion of Israel. They did more than not follow the Lord, they followed after the gods of other nations and did detestable acts. There behavior is described in many ways. Rebellious, wicked, rejecting the Lord, not following his decrees, defiling the sanctuary, deceiving and misleading the people, adulterous hearts, turning away, to name only a few. But detestable is the prominent description. God was reviled by what he saw and heard the people doing. And so his judgment comes severely to match the severity of their rebellion. And the purpose of his wrath, besides bringing punishment for their deeds… so that they would know that he is Lord! This is the other phrase repeated over and over again in these chapters. At least 13 times the Lord speaks through Ezekiel giving the pronouncement of the judgement but always so that “they will know that I am the Lord.” God’s judgment amazingly is not only used to punish sin, it is used to offer grace. It is a tool in the hands of God to help bring us to repentance. This is what the new testament teaches also. The judgment of God leads us to repentance! Experiencing life without God’s favor (experiencing his removal of favor brings trouble) causes us to realize we need his favor and to return to seek it. This is another example of the benevolence of God shown even through great pain and suffering–through judgment. There is hope for those who turn to the Lord, no matter what they have been through, not matter how much they have rebelled. In a whisper, in a moment, God can bring his grace to wherever we are.
Though the violence of Ezekiel is hard to read. We must read it remembering the detestable acts of those whom God had showered his love and grace upon. They were running as fast as they could away from God. This would lead to their final destruction. God’s wrath upon them, actually made it possible for some to avoid that destruction. For some, it would turn them back to God.
Ezekiel asks two times in these passages if God is going to destroy them all and leave no remnant? The first time the Lord does not answer (9:8). But the second time (11:13) God answers in 11:17-20. As has always been the case through time and through all those who spoke for God… he promised that he would not forsake them permanently but that he would always leave a believing remnant so that he could keep his promise of an eternal kingdom where he would rule and his people would live with him in harmony and great abundance of life.
Keep your eyes on the tender and constant compassion of the Lord, who always finds a way no matter how detestable our sin! If we repent, if we turn to him, if we will obey his word, there is hope!