- Sun Jul 02, 2017 3:49 pm
#230180
The prophet Ezekiel stressed the absolute majesty of God. Ezekiel said that whatever God does to or for man is motivated by zeal for His own holy Name. Ezekiel was called to be a prophet during the exile in Babylon.
205. Ezekiel Chapter 20 In the seventh year, on the tenth day of the fifth month (August 14, 591 B.C.), some of the elders of Israel came to consult the LORD and sat down before me (Ezekiel). Then the word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel and say to them.....<Here God reviews His works to the elders and how God contemplated punishing the people for sins, but always relented for the sake of His Name>
verses 8-9 (God speaking) But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen to Me; none of them threw away the detestable things that had held their eyes, they did not abandon the idols of Egypt. Then I thought of pouring out My fury on them and spending My anger on them there in the land of Egypt; but I acted for My Name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they were, in whose presence I had made Myself known to them, revealing that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt.
verses 13-14 But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the desert. They did not observe My statutes, and they despised My ordinances that bring life to those who keep them. My sabbaths, too, they desecrated grievously. Then I thought of pouring out My fury on them in the desert to put an end to them, but I acted for My Name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose presence I had brought them out.
verses 19-22 I am the LORD, your God: observe My statutes and be careful to keep My ordinances; keep holy My sabbaths, as a sign between Me and you to show that I am the LORD, your God. But their children rebelled against Me: they did not observe My statutes or keep My ordinances that bring life to those who observe them, and My sabbaths they desecrated. Then I thought of pouring out My fury on them, of spending My anger on them in the desert; but I stayed My Hand, acting for My Name's sake, lest it be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose presence I brought them out.
verses 39-40 As for you, house of Israel, thus says the LORD GOD: Come, each one of you, destroy your idols! Then listen to Me, and never again profane My holy Name with your gifts and your idols. For on My holy mountain, on the mountain height of Israel, says the LORD GOD, there the whole house of Israel without exception shall worship Me; there I will accept them, and there I will claim your tributes and the first fruits of your offerings, and all that you dedicate.