Connect Ezekiel 20:17 with another instance of God's mercy in the Old Testament. Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 20:17 “Nevertheless, My eyes spared them from destruction, and I did not bring them to an end in the wilderness.” • The chapter rehearses centuries of Israel’s rebellion. • God had every right—according to His own covenant terms (Leviticus 26:14-39; Deuteronomy 28:15-68)—to wipe out the nation. • Instead, He literally “spared” them, preserving His people for the sake of His name (Ezekiel 20:9, 22). A Twin Portrait of Mercy: The Golden Calf Crisis (Exodus 32:9-14) “And the LORD relented from the disaster He had said He would bring on His people.” (Exodus 32:14) • Israel had scarcely received the Ten Commandments before breaking the first two. • God announced, “Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them.” (Exodus 32:10). • Moses interceded, pleading God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 32:11-13). • God “relented,” showing the same mercy later echoed in Ezekiel 20:17. Parallels That Tie the Two Passages Together • Both settings feature blatant national idolatry. • In each, total destruction was a genuine, stated option. • God’s mercy flowed from His covenant faithfulness, not their worthiness (Numbers 14:18-20; Deuteronomy 9:6). • The sparing of Israel preserved the line through which the Messiah would come (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 11:1). Layers of Mercy on Display 1. Patience—He delays judgment to give space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9, principle seen here long before Peter). 2. Intercession—Moses’ prayer in Exodus foreshadows the Mediator who “always lives to intercede for us” (Hebrews 7:25). 3. Purpose—By preserving Israel, God upheld His own reputation among the nations (Ezekiel 20:44). Living Implications • Sin still carries real consequences; yet God’s default toward His covenant people is mercy. • Remembering past mercies fuels present obedience (Psalm 103:2). • Just as Israel’s survival depended on divine forbearance, so individual salvation rests entirely on God’s gracious initiative (Ephesians 2:4-5). Key Takeaways • God’s mercy is not an isolated flare-up; it threads consistently through the Old Testament narrative. • Ezekiel 20:17 and Exodus 32:14 stand as matching bookends, proving that even when rebellion peaks, grace can rise higher. |
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