“With hooks they put him in a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon; they brought him into custody, that his voice should no more be heard on the mountains of Israel.” (Ezekiel 19:9)
This chapter is dedicated to lament, a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. The Lord gave Ezekiel two word pictures to illustrate Israel’s situation, which was the reason for lamenting. Both images – a lioness that lost her cubs and a vine whose shoots were burned up – were used to illustrate the downfall of the line of Judah. Due to their unfaithfulness, the Lord raised enemy nations who would cut off the cubs (princes) or burn the shoots of the vines (princes) and take Judah into exile.
For those aware of God’s promises toward Judah concerning a future, this would surely appear to be a reason for lamenting, not unlike the situation of a barren senior citizen couple named Abraham and Sarah. Both situations suggested that God was wrong or defeated in some way. Yet … if we hang on, we will see that God shines through. Abraham and Sarah will have a baby – even in their old age – and the lion of the tribe of Judah will come forth.
So, while it is appropriate to lament the specific circumstance of exile – and the reason that led to it – we would be in error to think God’s plan came unraveled. Let’s hang on and see what is to come.
Father, help me to have enduring faith, one that lasts through difficult circumstances and my own sin. Amen.
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