What parallels exist between Ezekiel 16:35 and warnings in the New Testament? Setting the Stage: Ezekiel’s Accusation “Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!” (Ezekiel 16:35) Key Elements in Ezekiel 16:35 • “Therefore” – judgment follows deliberate unfaithfulness • “O prostitute” – graphic label for spiritual adultery • “Hear the word of the LORD” – urgent summons to listen before punishment falls Parallel New Testament Themes 1. The same summons to listen • “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15) • “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:29) – Both echo Ezekiel’s insistence that God’s rebuke must be heard and heeded. 2. Spiritual adultery exposed • “You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” (James 4:4) • “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel… she is leading My servants into sexual immorality.” (Revelation 2:20) – Jerusalem’s prostitution in Ezekiel mirrors the church’s potential betrayal of Christ through worldliness or false teaching. 3. Inevitable judgment for unrepentant infidelity • “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment.” (Hebrews 10:26-27) • “I will cast her on a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer intensely, unless they repent.” (Revelation 2:22) – As in Ezekiel, God promises specific, severe consequences when covenant people persist in spiritual prostitution. 4. The harlot imagery climaxing in Revelation • “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters.” (Revelation 17:1) • “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great!” (Revelation 18:2) – Ezekiel’s language about a prostitute city foreshadows Revelation’s ultimate picture of worldly rebellion facing final wrath. Shared Call to Hear and Repent • Ezekiel 16:35 – “Hear the word of the LORD!” • Revelation 3:19 – “Be zealous and repent.” The consistent thread: before judgment falls, God lovingly yet firmly appeals for repentance. Grace within the Warning • Ezekiel later promises restoration (16:60) • 1 John 1:9 offers cleansing to confessing sinners Judgment is real, but mercy still extends to all who turn back. Take-Home Reflections • God views idolatry and world-love as marital betrayal. • He repeatedly commands His people to “hear” before He strikes. • Old and New Testaments present one united voice: listen, repent, remain faithful, and escape certain judgment. |
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