Ezekiel 16-19
These chapters contain one of the foundational concepts of God’s Word: “The Principle of Responsibility.”
In chapter 16, the Lord assigns responsibility for all that is to come upon “unfaithful Jerusalem” to the people themselves. The allegory Ezekiel creates, comparing Jerusalem to a much-loved and wonderfully redeemed child, who grows up to become a prostitute, is graphic and uncomfortable reading. Trouble is coming “because you...exposed your nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers, and because of all your detestable idols...” Ezekiel declares. The responsibility is theirs. Yet, even so, Ezekiel prophesies a restoration!
Chapter 17 contains another story of two great eagles and a vine: two superpowers, Babylon and Egypt, and lowly little Israel. If you remember, God had warned Israel’s leaders through Jeremiah to submit to Babylon (God’s chosen agent) and not look to Egypt for help. When Zedekiah disobeyed this directive (v. 7), he, Ezekiel prophesied, would be carted away to Babylon anyway! The responsibility was his!
Chapter 18 states the Principle of Responsibility clearly: “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” (v. 20) Parents don’t die for their kids’ sins; children don’t die because of the parents’ sins. People, all people, are responsible for their own sin. And any sinner who repents finds life and forgiveness from the Lord! “Why will you die, O house of Israel,” Ezekiel cries, “God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone!” (vv. 31-32)
Despite “The Principle of Responsibility”, chapter 19 is a poetic lament for the fate of the leaders of Israel. We’re not to take delight when people are forced to take responsibility for their own sin.
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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