Ezekiel 14 Commentary
Just in case we thought we are safe without the physical objects called idols, Ezekiel makes it clear: “These men have set up idols in their hearts.”
Idolatry happens in the heart. Evil practices are a natural manifestation of the presence of idolatry in the heart. The LORD looks at the heart and passes judgment based on the condition of the heart.
You cannot have both. When an idol takes residence in an individual’s heart, there is no room for the Creator God. But the story isn’t over yet. The LORD God mounts an attack against the idols to win back the human soul.
The LORD’s formula to win back the soul is complex in the immediate context. But when looked at from the lens of the New Testament, we have a better understanding. The LORD would speak by Himself instead of the prophets. The message would be the same and the objective won’t change: Repent; then they will be the LORD’s people and the LORD will be their God – a happy family once again!
There is a further hint. Before these good times, no prophet would be able to save the situation. There would be no other intervention. Noah and the salvation that the LORD ordained against the flood won’t repeat itself. The wisdom of Job and his impossible endurance represents the thought that humanity can save itself by wisdom and endurance. Daniel may represent excellence of execution but that too won’t count.
We can pick two points from this chapter: the sinful heart of man and the failed mediation. And reacting to this sad state of affairs, the LORD intervenes by answering to the condition of humanity. Not by the prophets, or failed human capabilities or effort – righteousness, wisdom, or endurance.
Yes, the LORD would speak through His Son – the son who is the exact image of the Father. Hebrews 1 verses 1 to 3.
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