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Ezekiel was a unique and inspired writer that often used abstract visuals to drive home deep spiritual principles. Although the topic is horrific, this chapter is a prime example of this. Take, for instance, his description of God’s wrath being unleashed by the clapping of hands.
Therefore, son of man, prophesy and clap your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword for massacre, a sword for great massacre— it surrounds them!
Ezekiel 21:14 HCSB
The metaphor of a sword was ultimately being controlled by God but it would come in the form of Israel’s enemy. In this way, God was sovereign over the evil nations that surrounded His people. He could use evil to bring about repentance and restoration to hearts that were willing.
The consequences of sin are not pleasant to talk about. If we minimize them, we disarm the power of grace and insult our Savior who paid a horrendous price for us to be free. In this chapter, we read of God’s hatred for sin. But we also have the pleasure of seeing His entire plan unfold throughout the entirety of Scripture.