Study Desk

"You people might say, ‘The Lord isn't fair!' But listen, family of Israel. I am fair. You are the ones who are not fair!

The people of Israel said, "That's not fair! The Lord isn't fair!" "I am fair! You are the ones who are not fair!

You must tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: On the day I chose Israel, I raised my hand to Jacob's family and made a promise to them in Egypt. When I let them know who I was, I raised my hand and said, "I am the Lord your God."

"‘I told the family of Israel to throw away their horrible idols. I told them not to become filthy with those filthy statues from Egypt. I said, "I am the Lord your God."

I also told them about all the special days of rest, which were a special sign between us. They showed that I am the Lord and that I was making them special to me.

I am the Lord . I am your God. Obey my laws and keep my commands. Do the things I tell you.

Show that my days of rest are important to you. Remember, they are a special sign between us. I am the Lord , and these days show you that I am your God."

I let them make themselves filthy with their gifts. They even began to sacrifice their own firstborn children. In this way I would destroy them. Then they would know that I am the Lord .'

You are giving the same kind of gifts. You are putting your children in the fire as a gift to your false gods. You are still making yourself filthy with these filthy idols today! Do you really think that I should let you come to me and ask me for advice? I am the Lord God . By my life, I swear that I will not answer your questions or give you advice!

I will remove all those who turned against me and sinned against me. I will remove them from your homeland. They will never again come to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord ."

Then you will know that I am the Lord . You will know this when I bring you back to the land of Israel, the land I promised to give to your ancestors.

Family of Israel, you did many evil things, and you should be destroyed because of them. But to protect my good name, I will not give you the punishment you really deserve. Then you will know that I am the Lord ." This is what the Lord God said.

Say to the Negev Forest, ‘Listen to the word of the Lord . This is what the Lord God said: Look, I am ready to start a fire in your forest. The fire will destroy every green tree and every dry tree. The flame that burns will not be put out. All the land from south to north will be burned by the fire.

Then I said, "Oh, Lord God ! If I say this, the people will say that I am only telling them stories."

Say to the land of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord said: I am against you! I will pull my sword from its sheath. I will remove all people from you—the good and the evil.

Then everyone will know that I am the Lord . They will know that I have pulled my sword from its sheath. My sword will not go back into its sheath again until it is finished.'

Will you be brave then? Will you be strong at the time I come to punish you? I am the Lord . I have spoken, and I will do what I said!

But Jerusalem, you will become unclean. And the other nations will see all these things happen. Then you will know that I am the Lord .'"

In that city, you will be like silver melting in a fire. Then you will know that I am the Lord , and that I poured out my anger on you.'"

"Son of man, speak to Israel. Tell her that she is not pure. I am angry at that country, so that country has not received its rain.