Ezekiel Chapter 5-6 Lecture

Introduction

Last week we discovered how Ezekiel was called to warn Israel of her impending judgment through seige. We also looked at how Ezekiel points back to a prophet Moses gave and forward to a prophecy that Jesus would ultimately give. The connection and parallels identify how God interacts with His people.

Explanation of the Passage

Ezekiel 5:1-4: The Message of A Prophet’s Haircut

Everything in the book of Ezekiel reminds us of the the location of the prophet and the nation of Israel. The book is intentional about showing the Israel’s exile into Babylon. Therefore, the reference to a sword is a reference to a Babylonian weapon. Using it as you would a barber’s razor demonstrates the conditions in which Israel would find themselves (ref. Isaiah 7:20). More specifically, they will use the sword of their enemy to cut their hair.

During ancient times, shaving one’s hair was a symbol of mourning. Furthermore, setting the hair on the scales was a way of speaking of judgment. This scale would determine the four outcomes in the following verses. When Ezekiel cut his hair, he was demonstrating five things that will occur after the siege:

1/3 of the population would be burned in the city (Ezekiel 5:2).

1/3 of the population would be killed by sword in fighting around the city (Ezekiel 5:2).

1/3 of the population would be scattered among the nations and would be controlled by hostile forces (Ezekiel 5:2).

From the survivors a remnant would be preserved (Ezekiel 5:3).

From the survivors a portion would be thrown into the fire (Ezekiel 5:4).

Ezekiel 5:5-17: Jerusalem on Trial

One of the things that is expressed in this portion of Ezekiel’s criticism is the voice of Samuel who warned Israel of their desire of a king (1 Samuel 8:4-9, c.f. Ezekiel 5:5-6).

Interestingly, Ezekiel reveals that God intentional placed Jerusalem in the center of the world to be a light. However, they became worse than any of the other nation. Their actions that comparable to the behavior of the nations will warrant them to be treated as the other nations.

The Three Charges Against Israel (Ezekiel 5:7)

Insubordination

Not continued in the commandments and ordinances they received.

Not continued in the commandments and ordinances of the other nations.

The reason for Israel’s judgment is their treatment of the temple (Ezekiel 5:11).

Ezekiel 5:11-17 demonstrates the judgments of God.

Ezekiel 6:1-7: The High Places Destroyed

Chapter 6 begins with the second reason for Israel’s judgment. Israel was guilty for their worship in un-designated areas. The key thing here to notice is mountains, hills, and valleys.

Old Testament 9:1-27: Saul and Samuel Meet

high place. The high place (Hebrew: bamah) is a place of worship where an altar is functioning. It is typically not an open-air shrine but an indoor facility, housing sacred furniture and precincts large enough to accommodate a priesthood (we cannot assume that all of them were on high ground). The Mesha Inscription shows that such shrines were also part of Moabite worship. Possible examples have been found at sites such as Megiddo and Nahariya.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 6

rivers—literally, the “channels” of torrents. Rivers were often the scene and objects of idolatrous worship.

Ezekiel 6:8-10: Israel’s Restoration Through a Remnant

However, there’s a end to Israel’s suffering. The suffering is actually a means of chastisement, which is intended to show the justice and faithfulness of God.

Remnant: The remnant means a “a remainder or rest; those left over.”

Literally, there would be some that would literally be unbothered.

Ezekiel 6:11-14: The Reason for Jerusalem’s Destruction

God destroyed Jerusalem, because this was the place where they committed the abominable acts. Its destruction was a way of letting the nation of Israel that they cannot do with God’s space whatever they want to do.