ILLUSTRATIONS OF JUDGMENT
Ezekiel 4-7

Introduction:     God used His prophet as a living illustration for His people. Ezekiel’s life became an object lesson for the disobedient. He was a “living epistle” from God to them.

(2 Cor 3:2-3) "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: {3} Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart."

I.          A SIEGE DRAMATIZED (4:1-17)

            A.        The Judgment Of Jerusalem (vv.1-3)

            B.         The Judgment Of Judah (vv.4-8)

Ezekiel alternated sides facing the Northern kingdom then the Southern. 390 days on his left side (1 day= 1 year) about the time span of the divided kingdom 40 days on his right side may represent the reign of Manassah before he repented. Ezekiel’s actions depicted Judah ’s sins, but could not remove them.

            C.        The Judgment Of Famine (vv.9-17)

Depiction of conditions during the siege.

II.         A SHAVE DRAMATIZED (5:1-6:14)

            A.        The Destiny Of The People (vv.1-4)

            B.         The Causes For Judgment

·        Rebellion (vv.6-7)

·        Idolatry (vv.8-9)

·        Defilement (v.11)

·        Adultery (6:8-10)

III.       THE SENTENCE OF JUDGMENT (7:1-27)

            A.        The People Will Be Taken Away (v.11)

            B.         The Economy Will Be Ruined (vv.12-14)

C.                 The Society Will Be Splintered (vv.15-16)

D.                 The City Will be Plundered (vv.21-22)

E.                  Their Property Will Be Taken By Foreigners (vv.21-22)

Conclusion:       God’s wrath has a purpose. When Israel chose not to respond to His Word or His prophets, the Lord sent His wrath so that they would know Him. Certainly, it is wiser to come to God by responding to His Word. 7 times Ezekiel spoke of God’s desire that His people would know Him (Ezk.6:7, 10, 13.14; 7:4, 9, 27). This word “know” is more than just knowing facts but is knowledge gained by personal experience. If people do not choose to know God as Savior, then they will know Him as judge. The Lord wants the world to learn of Him, and we are letters that He sends so they can know.