The saying “like mother, like daughter” dates back to 590 BC (see Ezekiel 16.44), and there’s likely a similar expression for men, such as “a chip off the old block.” Ezekiel uses this imagery to underscore the persistent sin of God’s people during that period.
In Israel’s history, Samaria and Sodom were infamous symbols of sinful and corrupt behavior. Ezekiel’s audience must have been shocked to hear themselves placed in the same category as these regions and even identified as one of their “sisters” (Ezekiel 16.46).
Even more shocking was the idea that Judah’s behavior had surpassed the sinful conduct of these two notorious nations.
You not only followed their ways and acted according to their abominations; within a very little time you were more corrupt than they in all your ways (Ezekiel 16.47).
Ezekiel identified Sodom’s sin only to emphasize the fact that Israel’s sin was more serious.
This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease but did not aid the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16.49).
Sodom and Gomorrah are most often recognized for the sin of homosexuality. Ezekiel does not cite homosexuality as the reason for Sodom and Gomorrah’s judgment. Instead, he highlights sins that, in some circles, might be considered more socially acceptable.
(1) Pride
(2) Excessive Food Consumption
(3) Prosperous Ease
(4) Lacking in Social Empathy
Looking at Ezekiel’s list, I realize that none of the four items he mentions would disqualify someone from serving as a pastor, Sunday school teacher, deacon, or leader of a major Christian organization.
Even though these qualities may not be prominent issues within Christian circles, they appear to be very important to the Lord. Consider His words in the parable of the Last Judgment.
While there’s a positive focus in the parable, Ezekiel’s message emphasizes the negative side, so I will also highlight Jesus’ warnings on these matters.
“Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’
Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’” (Matthew 25.41-45).
When people think about the sin of Sodom, Genesis 18-19 comes to mind, and Ezekiel 16 may not even be on our radar screen. This follows a pattern that I’ve seen in 50 years of ministry: the church tends to emphasize the sins that we don’t tend to commit.
I’ve preached enough funerals for people who overdosed from drugs that one of my friends has jokingly called me “the pastor of the drunks.” I take it as a compliment, as some of my closest friends are recovering addicts.
During one of the funeral sermons, I mentioned one of my fellow seminary students who was grossly overweight. He happens to be the pastor of a large church and is occasionally on television. If that pastor were to die from obesity, he would be hailed a hero and would be welcomed, thankfully so, into heaven.
What is the difference between these two friends who were addicts – one to food and the other to drugs? In the eyes of the world, one is seen as a pariah, while the other is considered a hero.
A friend of mine, who also struggled with weight and was speaking about addiction, once said, “I carry my addiction everywhere I go. It’s right in front of me,” as he pointed to his stomach.
The point I’m trying to make is that we can’t pick and choose which sins to emphasize while ignoring others. When God’s Word calls out specific sins, we need to take them seriously.
I’m grateful for my overweight friend who is humble enough to point to his stomach and acknowledge his struggle. I need to do the same, as do those who read my blog.
May God grant us the grace to repent and let His Word find a true place in our hearts.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 