The Barber Of Babylon Series

In verse 3 Ezekiel was instructed to take a few strands of hair and ‘bind them in his skirt.’ This act is a sign of close affiliation. This action refers to the lower flowing ends of a person’s robe. The bottom of the robe would be tucked into the belt for walking or running and could be used to carry things.

There are two groups within this display. One represented a small remnant of faithful people who God would preserve. Others within this last group would also face death. Being a Jew made you public enemy #1 and the evil of the world would react against them.

Probably the scariest verse in the bible is from Matthew 7: 22 – 23 which says, “22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Like we read in today’s passages, the Jews thought that they would escape death. People who think they are Christians but in reality are not ‘Saved’ face a fate far more serious that being killed. They may be left out of Heaven and eternal life. Our Lord Jesus Christ said this in Matthew 10: 27 - 28, 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The apostle Paul instructs us in 2 Corinthians 13: 5 to examine ourselves about our position in Christ Jesus our Lord, “5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”

Some teachers see verse 4 as a purifying fire and not a judgmental fire. However, from all the Scripture so far given to date in the book of Ezekiel, I tend to see this verse as a continuation of God’s Judgment on His rebellious people. When part of the remnant will have ‘fire’ go after them, according to verse 12, it represents the famine and pestilence that follows after war. It affected the city of Jerusalem and would have a continuing effect on survivors.

The Lord spoke to the people through Ezekiel as he pointed to his model city. ‘This is Jerusalem’. I have set her in the midst of the nations. You do not need to be a brain surgeon to see this sure and true fact. Little Israel, the size of New Jersey, was placed right in the center of all the nations. Look at a map, and you will see that it is a land bridge between different continents. However having this key piece of real estate does not come without a price. Such a privileged position also comes along with responsibilities. Sadly, Israel failed in those responsibilities of being a light to the other nations.

Our Precious Holy Spirit has given His people ordinances and statutes. These were the laws delivered by God to His people in order to live life successfully. The Scriptures ( Bible ) instead of being obeyed were cast aside in order for their sinful passions to rule. Since they had known the truth and had forsaken it, it thus made their actins even more despicable than the nations that surrounded them The Lord tells the Jews that their wickedness had become so great that they even surpassed the evil of the pagan nations that surrounded them. He said they could not even keep the limited moral laws those other nations sill applied to their citizens’ lives. This should have convicted His people that their rebellion had caused them to wholly reject His Ordinances and Commandments.