Ezekiel 20:33–44

Read the passage.

In a way, the Lord has decided to repeat history with Israel. Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years for their disobedience and disbelief when it was time to enter Canaan, so the current generation will be in the “wilderness of the peoples” (v. 35) for God to judge. Again the rebellious members of the nation will be left behind and not enter the land just as only Joshua and Caleb were the only ones of their generation to see the Promised Land.

Again God will be the king over His people and rule over them, once He has winnowed out the ones unwilling to bend the knee and serve Him. He will restore to the holy mountain the worship that the house of Israel had once offered to Him. God’s holiness will be manifested, and the people will shudder with shame at the wicked deeds they had done in the light of that holiness. But God will not treat them as they deserve, because of His name’s sake. His mercy redirects His justice and wrath so that His character is not marred, and the people will know who the Lord is.

You have blessed us with the full counsel of Your word so we no longer have to wonder why or how You have done some of the things You have done.