If we were at a movie theater, what I’m about to share would be like the Preview of Coming Attractions.
Chapter 24 marks the lowest point in Judah’s history, spanning the years 590–587 BC. After this chapter, the focus shifts to several chapters detailing the sins of Judah’s neighboring nations and God’s judgment upon them.
But there’s good news ahead—a hopeful conclusion awaits in the book of Ezekiel. We’ll still need to journey through some challenging moments before reaching the uplifting parts of the story.
As we consider chapter 24, please take a moment to watch today’s YouTube video, where Rudy Ross provides insights into the significance of the 10th day of the month in the first verse. He outlines why the number 10 is such an important marker in Jewish thought.
In the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me:
Mortal, write down the name of this day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day.
And utter an allegory to the rebellious house and say to them: Thus says the Lord God (Ezekiel 24.1-3).
I have presented Ezekiel’s allegory (24.3-13) as a summary in bullet form.
- Symbolic Illustration of Judgment vv. 3-5):
- A pot is set on the fire with water.
- Choice pieces of meat, including the best parts, are placed in the pot.
- The pot is heated, and the meat and bones are boiled.
The people who remained in Jerusalem after the exile of 597 BC saw themselves as God’s chosen ones, much like the choice pieces of meat in the pot. In contrast, they regarded the exiles taken to Babylon as mere scraps.
However, as we continue to read this allegory, we see that God had a very different message for them.
- Declaration of Woe (vv. 6–8):
- The Lord condemns the “bloody city” (Jerusalem) for its uncleanliness and bloodshed.
- Bloodshed is openly exposed on bare rock, not buried or concealed.
- The shedding of blood provokes God’s wrath and vengeance.
Shedding blood is often associated with acts of war or violence in the streets. However, it can also refer to unjust judicial decisions that deprive vulnerable people of their rights and inflict significant harm upon them.
In 2024, a more subtle form of “shedding blood” may occur through the practice of sportswashing. This term refers to efforts by nations, particularly in the Arab world, to improve their image by leveraging major sports events and partnerships.
The NBA, World Wrestling Entertainment, professional golf, and Formula One have become platforms for Arab nations to divert attention from domestic and international human rights issues.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a supporter of both the war in Sudan and the Emirates NBA Cup. This serves as just one example of how Arab nations use sports to enhance their image while diverting attention from more contentious issues.
I encourage you to explore this further by researching the concept online, considering its broader implications as you reflect on the idea of shedding blood. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024
- Further Judgment Pronounced (vv. 9–11):
- The Lord intensifies judgment, likened to heaping logs on the fire.
- The pot and its contents are thoroughly burned, symbolizing the destruction and purging of impurity.
- The pot itself is heated until its impurities and residue are consumed.
- God’s Displeasure with Continued Filth (vv. 12–13):
- Despite efforts to cleanse Jerusalem, its corruption remains.
- God’s fury will not be satisfied until justice is fully carried out.
- The city is described as being resistant to purification, necessitating severe judgment.
Despite all of God’s efforts to cleanse His people in Jerusalem, even the so-called “choice ones” who remained could not be purified. Their defilement persisted.
In the chapters ahead, we’ll see that they were no different from the nations around them and equally deserving of God’s judgment.
The question for us today is this: Are we willing to examine ourselves critically and ask, how are we like the people of Jerusalem in 590 B.C.?
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, Rus Wismer, and I discussed this on YouTube today. It can be found on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 