Today’s chapters are certainly filled with some pretty intense themes! In chapter 23 we once again see Israel and Judah’s idolatry likened to adultery, but in even more explicit terms than the past. In chapter 24, we see the siege begin on Jerusalem and the passing of Ezekiel’s wife which would end up serving as the basis for another prophetic denouncement, followed by chapter 25 where the Lord pronounces judgment upon many of the neighboring nations: Ammon, Moab, Seir, Edom and Philistia.
With a lot going on, something that stood out to me is how the Lord condemned these nations, largely following their response to Israel’s judgment and sin. Ammon rejoiced in the temple being profaned and Judah’s exile (25:3). Moab and Seir likened Judah to the rest of the nations (25:8). Edom sought vengeance on Judah (25:12) and likewise Philistia acted with malicious vengeance towards Judah (25:15). Following these coming judgments, God concludes, “Then they will know that I am the LORD” (25:5,7,11,17).
These other nations rejoiced in Judah’s downfall. They rejoiced in Judah’s sin. They rejoiced in the judgment of God, not fully realizing that they stood under the same judgment. While as individuals we might not be living on the same national level, I do think the concept here can apply to us as well.
Sometimes, when we see others suffering, others fall, or we see others who are just downright sinners, we can end up judging them. We, to some extent, magnify the failures in the lives of others or give theological justification for their suffering because of that person’s sin. Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t call a spade a spade, but there is a huge element of humility that needs to come alongside this.
I think of a passage in Jesus’ earthly ministry, where Jesus addresses the crowds regarding suffering as a consequence for sin and he states,
“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”
Luke 13:2-5, ESV
Essentially, there were some who thought that these people were especially horrible sinners because of how they suffered death. Some Galileans were killed by Pilate, and in another instance a tower fell. These things didn’t necessarily happen because the people were worse sinners than others. Jesus points the finger at the crowd and tells them they are no better off than these. All fall short of the glory of God. All need to repent of their sin and find forgiveness. Not one of us is better than the others around us. It can be easy to point fingers at those who have sinned. It can be easy to point fingers at those who are suffering and say it’s a result of sin, that’s what Job’s friends did!
It’s much harder to accept that if it weren’t for the grace of God in my life, I would be under the same fate. If it weren’t for the grace of God in my life, I would fall to the same sin. Apart from the grace of God, I wouldn’t have breath in my lungs today.
When we see sin, suffering, or any of the like in the lives of others, we should humbly thank God for His grace and mercy towards us, instead of jumping to judgment or theological conclusions about why others have suffered as they have. Instead of magnifying the sin or suffering in the lives of others, we can humbly pray for them, and take heed ourselves lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12).
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