| |
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary points out the emphasis of holiness in this chapter. There are specific details of what was expected by God in regards to being holy.
Within Ezekiel’s new temple, there would be a higher standard of holiness. No longer would someone like King Ahab be able to confiscate the vineyard of Naboth for personal gain (1 Kings 21). Justice and righteousness are rivers that flow from the ocean of holiness. And as we read in the previous chapter, holiness can only be found by drawing near to God. It’s a simple equation, really. Those who were far from God revealed it by taking advantage of others and selfishly exploiting the less fortunate.
Holiness, however, is more than just justice and righteousness. Although there were places and people in the OT who were set apart to be holy, we must be reminded that all Christians are called to holiness. That does not mean you are holy at church and different everywhere else. It means that Jesus has infiltrated every part of your life in all places and situations. This is not accomplished in our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit and our love relationship with Jesus Christ.