Bible in a Year Series - Day #246 - This post is part of a year-long series where we are reading chronologically through the Bible. Click here to learn more. You are most welcome to join along at any time.
Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Ezekiel 22-23.
For weeks now, we have been reading of God's contempt for the behavior of Samaria and Jerusalem.
We have seen the brokernhearted husband Hosea, and we have heard of the coming fire and brimstone of a great many prophets.
But, nowhere have I seen God's displeasure displayed in such sexually graphic ways.
Here God's allegory likens Oholah (Samaria), and Oholibah (Jerusalem) as two prostitute sisters. In this chapter, God describes the graphic horror of their behavior, and even recounts of their sexual longing for men with genitals like donkeys and horses.
I must admit, I was taken back by God's forthrightness in this allegory. In fact, as I was reading through this chapter, I felt dirty and like I was reading/seeing something that I shouldn't.
God doesn't need to defend his actions regarding Samaria and Jerusalem to you and me. However, in his desire to answer the many questions we would have, he makes it crystal clear how completely sordid and apart from God these people were.
Tomorrow, we shall again witness the destruction of Jerusalem, but his time through Ezekiel's eyes. Only this time, we are going to witness not only the destruction of God's bride, but God is also going to take Ezekiel's bride, the apple of Ezekiel's eye.
Ezekiel is going to feel the same pain as God.
I can't even begin to image such a day.
I'll say it again, it is impossible to read and attempt to understand this book without a great deal of wrestling with God in the mind.
