Day 230, August 18 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Ezekiel 20–22
The Purpose of Purging
Purging means removing. We may use the word to describe clearing impurities from our bodies. It’s also used for the smelting of metals—extremely hot kilns separate the impurities so the residue can be removed. In a political sense, we might use the term for getting rid of corrupt politicians. In a spiritual sense, fiery trials are sometimes necessary for purging the sin and corruption out of our souls. Our natural tendency is to resist punishment or purging. Should we?
The Need for Purging
An abbreviated history of Israel demonstrates the need for the LORD to purge all his people from their land.
God had been more than fair with her. He delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and protected and provided for her in the desert wilderness. Nevertheless, Israel was rebellious. God forgave her, but only her children were able to enter the Promised Land. Then, God defeated her foes and allowed her to take possession of it.
When they entered the land, the LORD said that if Israel would be obedient, she would never fail to have a king sit on the throne, God would defeat her enemies, and he would give her great wealth and peace. Israel, however, adopted the customs and idol worship of her neighbors.
Then God allowed the division between the tribes to form two kingdoms. Finally, the LORD had enough of Israel and Judah! He allowed Assyria to conquer the northern kingdom and Babylon to conquer the southern kingdom.
At the time of Ezekiel’s prophecies, the vast majority of people in the land of Israel were removed. They were exiled in Babylon, and some were exiled in Egypt and other countries. Babylon appointed Zedekiah as a vassal king over the remaining citizens of Jerusalem.
The exiles deceive themselves into believing Jerusalem will survive this trial. They also believe that the Jewish refugees and the temple treasuries will soon return to their homeland.
A Ridiculous Request
One day the elders come to Ezekiel to inquire of the LORD to seek his favor, even though they are still worshipping idols in Babylon. They have not repented at all! God is angry and refuses to allow them to ask anything of him.
God will discipline them by keeping them in Babylonian captivity for seventy years. After that, they will realize their wrongs and repent. Then the LORD will deliver them.
While the elders in Babylon try to negotiate with God, Jerusalem continues her evil behavior. The priests profane God’s holy name in the way they carry out their duties and the offerings of unclean animal sacrifices. The people and priests despise God’s ways and do not observe the Sabbaths. Instead, they practice every kind of imaginable evil. Their actions are deplorable!
Purged by Blood
God tells Ezekiel to face toward Jerusalem and preach against it. Then Ezekiel prophesies the death of most of the residents of Jerusalem by the sword of Babylon. This happens in 586 B.C. with Babylon’s final attack.
Jerusalem has become desolate, and her leaders and people have become worthless. They are like corrupt metal residue when precious metals are smelted in a fiery kiln. Already, God has tried to get her attention through famine, plagues, and two Babylonian attacks, but she will not listen.
Does Anyone Care?
God says,
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD,” (Ezekiel 22: 25-31, NIV).
What false hopes are some of us hanging on to? Do we think God will never discipline us just because he is patient with us now? When we are in trouble, will we make an urgent plea to him like the elders of Israel? Will we try to talk the LORD out of executing punishment on us? Will we try the patience of Almighty God?
Purging comes for those who are continually disobedient. Because God is holy, just, and righteous, he will purge evil to show us he is the Sovereign LORD. He rules, not us.
Hope
Is there no hope for Israel? There is hope. God says that soon (after her discipline is complete and she repents), he will restore Israel to her land, not for her sake, but for his sake (Ezekiel 20). The LORD keeps his promises.
Since the days of Abraham, God had promised to give his people their land forever (Genesis 17:7-8). Temporarily, because of Israel’s disobedience and God’s holiness, he suspended his promise. Someday, Israel will get a permanent inheritance and an everlasting king, Jesus Christ. All Israel will be saved.
Although most of us are not Jewish, we, too, are offered a changed heart when we turn to God from our sins. Jesus came to provide us with forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life.
Like the Israelites, we, too, are offered an eternal covenant. It is tied, not to the earthly promised land of Canaan but to the promised land of heaven and everlasting life.
However, we Christians are disciplined in this life if we persist in disobedience. God loves us too much to let us continue in sin—we must be purged of wickedness and be spiritually clean for God’s blessings to be on us! We must not bring shame to his name by our words or actions.
The Apostle John writes, If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9, NIV). This is a message of hope!
Discussion
Why was there a need for purging in Israel? Is there a need for it in our life today? Why or why not?
Why is it ridiculous for some people to ask God for help?
Is there a need for someone to stand in the gap in our society? How?
What hope is there for Israel’s future? What hope is there for ours?
Endnote: Insights on interpretation with these Scriptures are provided by The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp.1259-1263)
A Sabbath is a time of rest. The Israelites were to rest on the seventh day of the week, at certain times during their feasts, and the land was to lie at rest every seventh year––no planting, tending, or harvesting. They were to rely on the LORD to supply their needs.
Focus Verse
Psalm 51:10 (NIV) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
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A Look Ahead: When is something Not Worth Saving? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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