Year 9, Day 136: Ezekiel 10

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Ezekiel 10 gives a mixed bag with respect to its message.  In the end, the chapter is a sad chapter.  God’s presence departs the temple.  He leaves His holy house, which Solomon built for Him.  He leaves because the people have fallen into idolatry and no longer desire relationship with Him.  He leaves because that is what the people seem to want, according to their actions.

This chapter isn’t all bad news, though.  God tells the man in linen to gather coals and spread about the city.  At first, this sounds ominous.  This sounds like God is calling for judgment and retribution.

However, this isn’t necessarily the case.  First of all, remember that the unrighteous have already been judged in the prior chapter.  Therefore, what reason is there to bring fire in an act of judgment?

Second, remember that in the Old Testament fire is not a symbol of destruction but purification.  The man in linen has already gone out to mark those who are not to be destroyed.  It makes sense that these same people would need purified instead of being destroyed.  This chapter feels like God’s plan of redemption beginning, not God bringing out His wrath.

The people have come under judgment.  Many of the righteous have already been removed to Babylon and Assyria.  Those who are still in Jerusalem can be purified.  This is why God leaves the temple.  His people are scattered to the winds.  It makes sense that for the purification process to begin properly, then God would need to go to His people.

Maybe this chapter isn’t quite as sad as it appears at first.

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