What lessons can we learn from God's command to "bring a mob"? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 23:46 “This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Bring a mob against them and consign them to terror and plunder.’” In Ezekiel 23, the two adulterous sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), picture the northern and southern kingdoms. Having spurned the LORD for idols and foreign alliances, they now face His decisive judgment. Why Would God Order a Mob? •The “mob” is the gathering of hostile nations (v. 47) the LORD will marshal as His instrument of justice. •Isaiah 10:5; Habakkuk 1:6; Revelation 17:16 show the same pattern—God can steer even godless powers to carry out His purposes. •The command is literal: actual armies would overrun the cities, strip them, and expose their shame (Ezekiel 23:22-30). Lessons About God’s Character •Holiness Cannot Be Mocked –Leviticus 19:2—“Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” –When His people scorn holiness, He vindicates His name (Ezekiel 36:22-23). •Perfect Justice, Never a Knee-Jerk Reaction –God had warned for centuries through prophets (2 Kings 17:13-18). Judgment is measured, not impulsive. •Sovereign Over History –Daniel 2:21—He “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” –Even a “mob” moves only at His word (Proverbs 21:1). •Discipline With Redemptive Purpose –Hebrews 12:5-11—discipline produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” –After exile, a purified remnant would return (Ezra 1:1-5). Lessons About Sin •Spiritual Adultery Is Treason –Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” –Ezekiel 23 graphically portrays idolatry as marital unfaithfulness. •Sin Blossoms Before It Blows Up –James 1:15—desire conceives, gives birth to sin, which “brings forth death.” –Samaria’s compromise spread south to Jerusalem; unchecked sin always expands. •Judgment Begins With God’s People –1 Peter 4:17—“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” –Covenant privilege brings covenant accountability (Amos 3:2). Practical Take-Aways for Today •Guard Your Heart From Subtle Idols –Colossians 3:5 labels greed, lust, and covetousness as idolatry. •Take God’s Warnings Seriously –Regularly let Scripture search you (Psalm 139:23-24). •Remember God’s Sovereignty in World Events –What looks like chaos may be God steering history toward His purposes (Romans 8:28). •Rest in Christ, Who Bore Our Judgment –Isaiah 53:5—He was crushed for our iniquities; the “mob” of wrath fell on Him so repentant sinners can be forgiven. •Live Distinctly, Displaying God’s Holiness –Matthew 5:16—let your light shine so others glorify the Father. Closing Thoughts Ezekiel 23:46 is a sober reminder: the LORD’s patience has limits, His holiness is non-negotiable, and His sovereignty is absolute. Yet even His hardest judgments are aimed at restoring a people who will love Him with an undivided heart (Jeremiah 31:33). |
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