Unfaithful Bride, Broken Kingdom, and Personal Responsibility Before God
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 5
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 248 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. These chapters highlight God’s dealings with Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness, Judah’s failed leadership, and the principle of individual responsibility before the Lord. Ezekiel 16 paints a striking picture of God’s covenant love betrayed by His people, comparing Jerusalem to an adulterous wife who chased after idols and foreign alliances. Ezekiel 17 uses a parable of two eagles and a vine to explain Judah’s political rebellion against Babylon and God’s promise of ultimate restoration through His kingdom. Finally, Ezekiel 18 emphasizes that each person is accountable for their own sin, rejecting the belief that children are punished for their parents’ sins. Together, these chapters reveal God’s holiness, His call to repentance, and His desire to restore those who turn back to Him.
Ezekiel 16
Ezekiel 16 is a powerful allegory where God describes Jerusalem as an abandoned infant whom He rescued, nurtured, and raised into beauty. Out of His love, God entered into covenant with her, making her His bride, but she turned to idolatry and immorality, becoming like an adulterous wife. She prostituted herself with surrounding nations, giving away her beauty and blessings to idols rather than honoring the God who gave them. The chapter details her detestable practices, including child sacrifice, highlighting the depths of her unfaithfulness. God declares that judgment will come as her lovers turn against her, stripping away her false security. Yet at the end, God promises that He will remember His covenant and restore her with mercy, showing His unending faithfulness even in the face of betrayal.
Ezekiel 17
Ezekiel 17 presents a parable about two eagles and a vine. The first eagle, representing Babylon, takes the top of a cedar (Judah’s king) and plants it in fertile soil, symbolizing King Jehoiachin’s exile and Zedekiah’s appointment as a vassal. The vine, however, bends toward the second eagle, representing Egypt, showing Judah’s attempt to rebel against Babylon by seeking Egypt’s help. God declares that this rebellion will fail, and Zedekiah will be punished for breaking his oath. Yet the chapter concludes with hope: God promises to take a tender sprig from the top of the cedar and plant it on Israel’s mountain, symbolizing the Messianic kingdom. This prophecy points to Christ as the righteous Branch who will bring justice, life, and shelter to all nations.
Ezekiel 18
In Ezekiel 18, God confronts the false proverb that children suffer for their parents’ sins, declaring that each person is responsible for their own actions. He explains that the righteous will live, but the wicked will die, regardless of family heritage. If a father sins but his son turns to righteousness, the son will not bear the father’s guilt; likewise, a righteous father cannot save a wicked son. God emphasizes that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they repent and live. The chapter closes with a passionate call to repentance, urging people to turn from sin and receive a new heart and spirit. This teaching highlights God’s justice, mercy, and the personal responsibility each individual has before Him.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 16
In Ezekiel 16, God reveals Himself as a loving, covenant-keeping God who rescues, nurtures, and adorns His people. He portrays His tender care by describing how He found Jerusalem abandoned like an infant and raised her into beauty. Yet when His people betrayed Him, He showed His holiness and justice, declaring judgment against their unfaithfulness. The lesson is that God’s love is faithful and sacrificial, but He will not overlook betrayal or idolatry.
Although no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, His nature aligns with Jehovah Elohim (the Lord God) who is both a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper. Even when His people are unfaithful, He remains true to His promises and ultimately points to restoration. The lesson here is that we must honor God’s covenant love by living faithfully and avoiding spiritual adultery with idols or worldly pursuits.
Ezekiel 17
In Ezekiel 17, God reveals His sovereignty over nations and kings, showing that He raises up and brings down rulers according to His will. He judges Zedekiah’s rebellion against Babylon because it was ultimately rebellion against God’s own covenant. Yet, He ends the parable with hope by promising to plant a tender sprig that will grow into a great cedar, pointing to His future Messianic kingdom. The lesson is that God is faithful to His word, both in judgment and in the promise of salvation.
No explicit Hebrew names are used in this chapter, but God’s character reflects El Elyon (God Most High), who rules over kings and nations with supreme authority. He also reveals Himself as the One who brings forth the Branch—a Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ. The lesson is that human schemes and alliances will fail, but God’s kingdom endures, reminding us to trust His sovereign plan rather than relying on our own strength.
Ezekiel 18
In Ezekiel 18, God reveals Himself as just, fair, and merciful. He corrects the false belief that children are punished for their parents’ sins, emphasizing that each person is accountable for their own choices. At the same time, He shows His compassion by declaring that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires repentance and life. The lesson is that God calls us to personal responsibility, repentance, and the pursuit of righteousness.
Though no direct Hebrew names are given here, God’s character reflects Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness), who sets the standard for holiness and justice. His words also display His heart as Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals), offering new hearts and spirits to those who turn back to Him. The lesson is that God invites us to repent and live, showing that His justice is always balanced with mercy and grace.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 16 reveal God’s faithful and covenant-keeping love toward His people?
What does God’s judgment in Ezekiel 16 teach us about His holiness and intolerance of spiritual unfaithfulness?
How does Ezekiel 17 demonstrate God’s sovereignty over kings and nations?
What does God’s promise of planting a “tender sprig” in Ezekiel 17 reveal about His redemptive plan?
In Ezekiel 18, how does God show His justice in holding each individual accountable for their own sin?
What does God’s declaration in Ezekiel 18—that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked—teach us about His mercy?
How do these three chapters together reveal God’s balance of justice, holiness, love, and mercy?
Questions About Themes:
What is the significance of Jerusalem being compared to an adulterous wife in Ezekiel 16?
How does the parable of the two eagles and the vine in Ezekiel 17 illustrate Judah’s misplaced trust in foreign alliances?
What does Ezekiel 17 teach us about God’s promise of a future Messianic kingdom?
In Ezekiel 18, why does God reject the proverb that children bear the guilt of their parents’ sins?
How does the theme of repentance run throughout these three chapters?
What do these chapters collectively teach about the dangers of idolatry and rebellion against God?
How do judgment and restoration function together as central themes in Ezekiel 16–18?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways do we today risk committing “spiritual adultery” like Jerusalem in Ezekiel 16?
How can we guard against giving God’s blessings to idols—things or pursuits that take His rightful place in our lives?
When have you been tempted to trust in your own plans or alliances, like Judah in Ezekiel 17, instead of resting in God’s sovereignty?
How does the promise of God planting the “tender sprig” encourage your hope in Christ’s kingdom today?
How does Ezekiel 18 challenge you to take personal responsibility for your faith and choices?
In what ways does God’s desire for repentance over judgment motivate you to turn away from sin?
What practical steps can you take this week to walk faithfully with God and reflect His righteousness in your life?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
Comments