Ezekiel 16:44-63
Jerusalem’s relationship with the LORD made her sins all the more serious. In this respect, Sodom was less guilty than she was; so likewise was Samaria, although the object of deepest scorn on the part of the Jews (v. 52; John 4:9). Besides, we know that Satan sometimes causes those who are in relationship with God to fall lower than other people, for it is the Lord’s glory that he seeks to tarnish through their downfall. The sinful condition described in v. 49 must make us reflect: "pride, fulness of bread and abundance of idleness . . .", with selfishness as the inevitable consequence. It was from just such a point of departure that Sodom degenerated into the dreadful sins that led to its complete "overthrow" (2 Peter 2:6). Well, contrary to all expectation, vv. 60-63 teach us that such is not the final destiny that awaits the ungrateful Jerusalem. Her unfaithfulness has not altered the faithfulness of her divine Husband. The guilty city will once more be the object of even greater mercy than that shown to her at the beginning. We bow in wonder before the last words of this chapter, filled as the chapter is with so many crimes and abominations: ". . . when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God." (v. 63; Romans 11:33).