What lessons can we learn from Israel's exile about God's holiness and justice?

◄ Lessons on God's holiness from Israel's exile? ►

Setting the Scene: Israel’s Exile in a Single Verse

2 Kings 17:18: “So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained.”

Holiness Undermined: Why Exile Became Inevitable

• Sin left unrepented always escalates (2 Kings 17:9-12).

• God’s warnings are real and repeated (17:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

• His holiness cannot coexist with ongoing rebellion (Leviticus 11:44; Habakkuk 1:13).

Justice Displayed: What the Exile Reveals about God

1. Justice is patient but certain (2 Peter 3:9).

2. Justice is proportional—measured by covenant terms (Leviticus 26).

3. Justice is personal: “He removed them from His presence” (Psalm 51:11).

4. Justice preserves a remnant for redemption (Micah 5:2).

5. Justice warns future generations (1 Corinthians 10:6-12; Romans 11:22).

Hope Tempered with Warning: Lessons for Us Today

• Pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).

• Heed God’s voice while there is time (Hebrews 3:7-13).

• Revere both His kindness and sternness (Romans 11:22).

• Trust His faithfulness to judge and to restore (Jeremiah 31:31-34).