Connect Ezekiel 36:18 with other scriptures about God's justice and mercy. Justice Displayed in Ezekiel 36:18 “So I poured out My wrath on them because of the blood they had shed on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols.” (Ezekiel 36:18) • God’s response is not impulsive anger; it is measured, covenant-grounded justice. • Two specific charges—violence (“blood they had shed”) and idolatry (“defiled…with their idols”)—show that sin against people and sin against God are inseparable in His courtroom. God’s Unchanging Standard of Justice • Genesis 6:7—The flood: “I will blot out man…for I am grieved that I have made them.” Justice reaches all creation when wickedness fills the earth. • Exodus 34:7—He “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” The same God who revealed His name to Moses stands behind the verdict in Ezekiel. • Psalm 89:14—“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” His government never shifts to accommodate sin. • Nahum 1:3—“The LORD…will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” A direct echo of Exodus, underscoring continuity. • Romans 2:5-6—Future judgment: “God will repay each one according to his deeds.” New-Testament confirmation that divine justice is still active. Mercy in the Midst of Judgment • Exodus 34:6—Right before warning of punishment, God calls Himself “compassionate and gracious.” Justice and mercy are introduced together. • Lamentations 3:22-23—“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed.” Even after Jerusalem’s fall, mercy limits judgment. • Isaiah 30:18—“The LORD longs to be gracious…for the LORD is a just God.” Longing to show grace is not at odds with being just. • Psalm 103:8-10—He “has not dealt with us according to our sins.” Mercy modifies what perfect justice could demand. • Micah 7:18—He “does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion.” Delight in mercy shapes His response to repentant hearts. • Ezekiel 36:21-23—Just three verses after 36:18, God promises restoration “for My holy name’s sake.” Mercy rises out of zeal for His own holiness. Justice and Mercy Intersect at the Cross • Romans 3:25-26—God “did this to demonstrate His righteousness…so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.” Justice satisfied; mercy released. • Isaiah 53:5-6—Punishment that brought us peace fell on the Servant. Justice executed, mercy delivered. • 2 Corinthians 5:21—“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” The substitute bears wrath so believers receive righteousness. Walking in the Light of Both Attributes • Repent quickly—because the One who “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” also stands ready to forgive (1 John 1:9). • Trust Christ completely—He alone resolves the tension between God’s justice and mercy (John 3:36). • Pursue holiness—since God restores “for My holy name’s sake,” our lives are to showcase that name (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Extend mercy—those forgiven much are called to forgive much (Ephesians 4:32), reflecting the character of the God who balanced wrath with grace in Ezekiel 36. |
    |