Daniel 4

Daniel 4:1

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:2

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:3

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:4

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:5

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:6

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:7

Introduction

This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

The Bloody City

This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.

God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.

This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.

The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.

The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.

Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.

They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).

Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.

As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.

The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.

In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.

He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.

Daniel 4:8

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:9

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:10

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:11

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:12

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:13

The Melting Furnace

Immediately follows a new speaking of the LORD as a continuation of what He has just said (Ezekiel 22:17). He tells Ezekiel that He compares those “who are of the house of Israel” to the dross of precious metal that comes to the surface when the fire is hotly heated (Ezekiel 22:18; cf. Psalms 119:119; Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22; 25; Jeremiah 6:27-30). Dross that comes to the surface can be scooped up from the precious metal and cast away. Israel, that is the ungodly mass, will be revealed by the judgment as worthless dross and will be scooped up and cast away.

When the Babylonian forces enter Judah, the inhabitants of the land will flee within the walls of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:19). Jerusalem then becomes the melting furnace and God’s judgment becomes the melting process. The people of the land who fled to Jerusalem and all who are already in Jerusalem are compared to five metals (Ezekiel 22:20). They are gathered in the midst of Jerusalem as in a furnace, in which they will melt. With them, however, no Son of Man enters the furnace, as with the friends of Daniel (Daniel 3:25).

He has gathered His people into the furnace. It is also He who kindles the fire, God Himself. He will blow on them with the fire of His wrath and melt them (Ezekiel 22:21). Again He says that they will be melted in the midst of the city (Ezekiel 22:22). By this they will know that He has poured out His wrath on them.

Daniel 4:14

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:15

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:16

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:17

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:18

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:19

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:20

The Wicked Land

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel again (Ezekiel 22:23). He – again called “son of man” – is to speak to the land and not just to Jerusalem about their shameful behavior (Ezekiel 22:24). Because of their refusal to cleanse themselves, the land remains unclean. Therefore, it has received no rain and is barren. Instead of fruit for the LORD that they themselves can enjoy, His wrath comes upon them.

All sections of the people are involved in the unfaithfulness to God. First the prophets are mentioned (Ezekiel 22:25). They, who are to call God’s people to return to Him, as ‘colleague’, secretly make ‘price agreements’ to enrich themselves on the people. They act like a roaring lion tearing apart prey. So cruelly do they deal with God’s people for the sake of wealth and valuables they take from the people. They murder to the point that many women become widows.

The second category are the priests (Ezekiel 22:26). They are to present and live out the law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7), but they adapt the law and break it themselves. They do not give God the gifts sanctified to Him, but use them for themselves (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16). As priests, they should know better than anyone what the distinction between holy and profane is (Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 11:47), but to them it is no matter of concern. Mixing of good and evil is a common thing for them, as long as it benefits themselves.

They don’t turn just a blind eye with regard to keeping the sabbath, but they close both their eyes. What God has said about the sabbath does not interest them at all. God is not being sanctified in their midst, but profaned.

The princes, the rulers, are no better than the categories already mentioned (Ezekiel 22:27). Instead of protecting the citizens and standing up for their rights, they think only of themselves. They cruelly engage in self-enrichment. The comparison to wolves in the midst of God’s people is telling. They tear apart their prey only to shed blood. This is how they destroy people, with the purpose of profiting from it.

Once again, the prophets come into play (Ezekiel 22:28). This category is characterized by falsehood, the previous by violence (Ezekiel 22:25). They make themselves look pretty, they act as if nothing is wrong. They moderate themselves to speak in the Name of the Lord GOD, while seeing nothing but false visions and divining lies. They say what people like to hear instead of presenting the terrible reality and calling for repentance. What they say, the LORD has not spoken, let that be clear!

The last category is the people of the land (Ezekiel 22:29). This group is no better than the previous categories who have some responsibility, but imitate them in their outrageous behavior. The people of the land also indulge in oppression and robbery. Poor and needy and foreigners are the victims who are robbed of their property without pity.

Daniel 4:21

No One Stands in the Gap

Then we hear the astonishment of the LORD at what He notices, namely, that there is no one who knows how to direct the people in the right direction (Ezekiel 22:30; cf. Isaiah 59:16a; Psalms 106:23; Jeremiah 5:1). Evil is so common that no wall can be build up to avert the judgment of God. There is no one to stand before Him as the representative of the people to keep Him from His intention. There is no intercessor to fill the gap that has been made in the wall of separation, through which idolatry flows in freely. There is no one to stop that flow. That is how common the apostasy is.

The LORD is so appalled at this that He “poured out” His indignation on them (Ezekiel 22:31). It is written here in the past tense, as if it had already taken place. The people are so unchangeable in their sinful behavior that He has put an end to them by the fire of His wrath. What they get is what they themselves have asked for. Their way comes down on their own heads. They reap what they have sown.

It is an exhortation for us to stand up for God’s rights in the midst of an apostate Christianity and to stand in the gap. We can pray that God in His grace will not let judgment come yet, but will bring many back to faithfulness to Him. That is one of the greatest benefits that we can bestow on God’s people and, above all, honor God with. The Lord Jesus is the great Intercessor and Mediator. He is our example and we may follow Him in this too.

Daniel 4:22

No One Stands in the Gap

Then we hear the astonishment of the LORD at what He notices, namely, that there is no one who knows how to direct the people in the right direction (Ezekiel 22:30; cf. Isaiah 59:16a; Psalms 106:23; Jeremiah 5:1). Evil is so common that no wall can be build up to avert the judgment of God. There is no one to stand before Him as the representative of the people to keep Him from His intention. There is no intercessor to fill the gap that has been made in the wall of separation, through which idolatry flows in freely. There is no one to stop that flow. That is how common the apostasy is.

The LORD is so appalled at this that He “poured out” His indignation on them (Ezekiel 22:31). It is written here in the past tense, as if it had already taken place. The people are so unchangeable in their sinful behavior that He has put an end to them by the fire of His wrath. What they get is what they themselves have asked for. Their way comes down on their own heads. They reap what they have sown.

It is an exhortation for us to stand up for God’s rights in the midst of an apostate Christianity and to stand in the gap. We can pray that God in His grace will not let judgment come yet, but will bring many back to faithfulness to Him. That is one of the greatest benefits that we can bestow on God’s people and, above all, honor God with. The Lord Jesus is the great Intercessor and Mediator. He is our example and we may follow Him in this too.

Daniel 4:24

Introduction

In Ezekiel 23, Ezekiel vividly paints the history of the sister kingdoms Israel and Judah. In Ezekiel 16, the LORD compared Jerusalem to a harlot. The same comparison is used in this chapter, but now for the entire nation. The emphasis in the previous comparison is on spiritual adultery with Canaanite idolatry. In addition, in Ezekiel 23 it is also about Israel’s political adultery, that is, on its political alliances with foreign powers. Ezekiel 16 emphasizes more the earlier history of Israel, while Ezekiel 23 emphasizes more the later history.

The chapter can be divided into five sections: 1. Introduction: Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:1-4). 2. The sin of Oholah (Samaria) (Ezekiel 23:5-10). 3. The sin of Oholibah (Jerusalem) (Ezekiel 23:11-21). 4. Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35). 5. Judgment on Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-49).

Oholah and Oholibah

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 23:1). The LORD is going to introduce to Ezekiel the political sins of His people in a parable of two women, two sisters (Ezekiel 23:2). This is the third time, after Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 20, that He deals with the history of His people. In the description in Ezekiel 16, we still find hope at the end of the chapter. That hope is missing in the description in this chapter. That the two women are daughters of one mother indicates that Israel was originally one people.

Yet from the time the people were in Egypt, they are represented as two women (Ezekiel 23:3). The actual tearing of the kingdom into two parts was preceded by a long time of inner division. This should be a warning to us to nip a spirit of division in the bud.

The two women take pleasure in the caresses of the Egyptians. The time in Egypt begins well. Joseph is viceroy. When Jacob and his sons come to Egypt, they are allowed to live in the best part of the land (Genesis 47:6; 11). When slavery comes, the people continue to benefit from the prosperity in Egypt. This prosperity gives a nice feeling. It makes slavery pleasant. Soon after they leave Egypt and the trials come, they even long to return to their stay in Egypt (Numbers 11:5; Numbers 14:2-4; Exodus 16:3).

The LORD gives both women names and also says to whom those names belong (Ezekiel 23:4). The Hebrew word ohel, which means ‘tent’, is found in both names. Oholah means ‘her tent’ and Oholibah means ‘My tent is in her’. Oholah is an allusion to the self-willed religion (‘her tent’) of the ten tribe realm, represented by Samaria. We see this willfulness in the erection of the altars for the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Oholibah is an allusion to Jerusalem, where the temple of God (‘My tent’) stands and where He has dwelt.

Daniel 4:25

Introduction

In Ezekiel 23, Ezekiel vividly paints the history of the sister kingdoms Israel and Judah. In Ezekiel 16, the LORD compared Jerusalem to a harlot. The same comparison is used in this chapter, but now for the entire nation. The emphasis in the previous comparison is on spiritual adultery with Canaanite idolatry. In addition, in Ezekiel 23 it is also about Israel’s political adultery, that is, on its political alliances with foreign powers. Ezekiel 16 emphasizes more the earlier history of Israel, while Ezekiel 23 emphasizes more the later history.

The chapter can be divided into five sections: 1. Introduction: Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:1-4). 2. The sin of Oholah (Samaria) (Ezekiel 23:5-10). 3. The sin of Oholibah (Jerusalem) (Ezekiel 23:11-21). 4. Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35). 5. Judgment on Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-49).

Oholah and Oholibah

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 23:1). The LORD is going to introduce to Ezekiel the political sins of His people in a parable of two women, two sisters (Ezekiel 23:2). This is the third time, after Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 20, that He deals with the history of His people. In the description in Ezekiel 16, we still find hope at the end of the chapter. That hope is missing in the description in this chapter. That the two women are daughters of one mother indicates that Israel was originally one people.

Yet from the time the people were in Egypt, they are represented as two women (Ezekiel 23:3). The actual tearing of the kingdom into two parts was preceded by a long time of inner division. This should be a warning to us to nip a spirit of division in the bud.

The two women take pleasure in the caresses of the Egyptians. The time in Egypt begins well. Joseph is viceroy. When Jacob and his sons come to Egypt, they are allowed to live in the best part of the land (Genesis 47:6; 11). When slavery comes, the people continue to benefit from the prosperity in Egypt. This prosperity gives a nice feeling. It makes slavery pleasant. Soon after they leave Egypt and the trials come, they even long to return to their stay in Egypt (Numbers 11:5; Numbers 14:2-4; Exodus 16:3).

The LORD gives both women names and also says to whom those names belong (Ezekiel 23:4). The Hebrew word ohel, which means ‘tent’, is found in both names. Oholah means ‘her tent’ and Oholibah means ‘My tent is in her’. Oholah is an allusion to the self-willed religion (‘her tent’) of the ten tribe realm, represented by Samaria. We see this willfulness in the erection of the altars for the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Oholibah is an allusion to Jerusalem, where the temple of God (‘My tent’) stands and where He has dwelt.

Daniel 4:26

Introduction

In Ezekiel 23, Ezekiel vividly paints the history of the sister kingdoms Israel and Judah. In Ezekiel 16, the LORD compared Jerusalem to a harlot. The same comparison is used in this chapter, but now for the entire nation. The emphasis in the previous comparison is on spiritual adultery with Canaanite idolatry. In addition, in Ezekiel 23 it is also about Israel’s political adultery, that is, on its political alliances with foreign powers. Ezekiel 16 emphasizes more the earlier history of Israel, while Ezekiel 23 emphasizes more the later history.

The chapter can be divided into five sections: 1. Introduction: Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:1-4). 2. The sin of Oholah (Samaria) (Ezekiel 23:5-10). 3. The sin of Oholibah (Jerusalem) (Ezekiel 23:11-21). 4. Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35). 5. Judgment on Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-49).

Oholah and Oholibah

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 23:1). The LORD is going to introduce to Ezekiel the political sins of His people in a parable of two women, two sisters (Ezekiel 23:2). This is the third time, after Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 20, that He deals with the history of His people. In the description in Ezekiel 16, we still find hope at the end of the chapter. That hope is missing in the description in this chapter. That the two women are daughters of one mother indicates that Israel was originally one people.

Yet from the time the people were in Egypt, they are represented as two women (Ezekiel 23:3). The actual tearing of the kingdom into two parts was preceded by a long time of inner division. This should be a warning to us to nip a spirit of division in the bud.

The two women take pleasure in the caresses of the Egyptians. The time in Egypt begins well. Joseph is viceroy. When Jacob and his sons come to Egypt, they are allowed to live in the best part of the land (Genesis 47:6; 11). When slavery comes, the people continue to benefit from the prosperity in Egypt. This prosperity gives a nice feeling. It makes slavery pleasant. Soon after they leave Egypt and the trials come, they even long to return to their stay in Egypt (Numbers 11:5; Numbers 14:2-4; Exodus 16:3).

The LORD gives both women names and also says to whom those names belong (Ezekiel 23:4). The Hebrew word ohel, which means ‘tent’, is found in both names. Oholah means ‘her tent’ and Oholibah means ‘My tent is in her’. Oholah is an allusion to the self-willed religion (‘her tent’) of the ten tribe realm, represented by Samaria. We see this willfulness in the erection of the altars for the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Oholibah is an allusion to Jerusalem, where the temple of God (‘My tent’) stands and where He has dwelt.

Daniel 4:27

Introduction

In Ezekiel 23, Ezekiel vividly paints the history of the sister kingdoms Israel and Judah. In Ezekiel 16, the LORD compared Jerusalem to a harlot. The same comparison is used in this chapter, but now for the entire nation. The emphasis in the previous comparison is on spiritual adultery with Canaanite idolatry. In addition, in Ezekiel 23 it is also about Israel’s political adultery, that is, on its political alliances with foreign powers. Ezekiel 16 emphasizes more the earlier history of Israel, while Ezekiel 23 emphasizes more the later history.

The chapter can be divided into five sections: 1. Introduction: Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:1-4). 2. The sin of Oholah (Samaria) (Ezekiel 23:5-10). 3. The sin of Oholibah (Jerusalem) (Ezekiel 23:11-21). 4. Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35). 5. Judgment on Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-49).

Oholah and Oholibah

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 23:1). The LORD is going to introduce to Ezekiel the political sins of His people in a parable of two women, two sisters (Ezekiel 23:2). This is the third time, after Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 20, that He deals with the history of His people. In the description in Ezekiel 16, we still find hope at the end of the chapter. That hope is missing in the description in this chapter. That the two women are daughters of one mother indicates that Israel was originally one people.

Yet from the time the people were in Egypt, they are represented as two women (Ezekiel 23:3). The actual tearing of the kingdom into two parts was preceded by a long time of inner division. This should be a warning to us to nip a spirit of division in the bud.

The two women take pleasure in the caresses of the Egyptians. The time in Egypt begins well. Joseph is viceroy. When Jacob and his sons come to Egypt, they are allowed to live in the best part of the land (Genesis 47:6; 11). When slavery comes, the people continue to benefit from the prosperity in Egypt. This prosperity gives a nice feeling. It makes slavery pleasant. Soon after they leave Egypt and the trials come, they even long to return to their stay in Egypt (Numbers 11:5; Numbers 14:2-4; Exodus 16:3).

The LORD gives both women names and also says to whom those names belong (Ezekiel 23:4). The Hebrew word ohel, which means ‘tent’, is found in both names. Oholah means ‘her tent’ and Oholibah means ‘My tent is in her’. Oholah is an allusion to the self-willed religion (‘her tent’) of the ten tribe realm, represented by Samaria. We see this willfulness in the erection of the altars for the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Oholibah is an allusion to Jerusalem, where the temple of God (‘My tent’) stands and where He has dwelt.

Daniel 4:28

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:29

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:30

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:31

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:32

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:33

The Sin of Oholah and the Judgment on Her

Samaria (the ten tribes) plays the harlot in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 23:5). Instead of trusting in God, she connects herself with the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:19; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:2). Seeking help from the Assyrians results in impressively dressed “neighbors”, men of distinction, entering the land (Ezekiel 23:6). Thus Assyrian culture makes its appearance in the land and conquers the heart of Samaria (Ezekiel 23:7). That culture is completely intertwined with the idolatry of Assyria which is also adopted by Samaria. The ten tribes bow down in fornication to the stink gods of Assyria.

But Assyria is not the only empire with which Samaria commits spiritual harlotry. Samaria also remains open to the influence of Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). She continues to worship the idols of Egypt as she has done during the time of her slavery. Where appropriate, she also seeks political support from Egypt (cf. Hosea 12:1). God reminds her of her shameless behavior that she has already displayed in her earliest days.

Because of her harlotry with Assyria, the LORD surrendered Samaria to the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:9). From a political point of view, Assyria could not tolerate Samaria’s collusion with Egypt and punished Samaria severely for it (2 Kings 17:2-8). The Assyrians completely destroyed and disfigured Samaria and also depopulated it by taking away its population (Ezekiel 23:10). Thus, the existence of the northern ten tribes realm came to an end. The behavior of Samaria gives the Israelites a bad name among the other “women”, that is, among the other nations and especially among their sister nation Judah. In the following verses we see how Oholibah reacts to what has happened to her sister Oholah.

Daniel 4:34

The Sin of Oholibah

Jerusalem (and Judah) has not let the terrifying example of Samaria and Israel keep them from going the same sinful way (Ezekiel 23:11). In fact, she has surpassed her sister in wickedness. Her passion leads her to act even more perniciously than her sister.

Like Samaria, Judah has sought help from Assyria (2 Kings 16:7), because she too has become enchanted with what Assyria has to offer (Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 23:6). The LORD perceives how she has defiled herself by associating with Assyria and adopting its idolatry (Ezekiel 23:13). Thus both sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, continue on the same path of evil, away from the LORD.

Jerusalem does not limit herself to Assyria. She also comes under the temptation of the Chaldeans or Babylonians (Ezekiel 23:14). She sees the images of Chaldeans, portraits, engraved in the wall according to Babylonian custom. The red color of vermilion makes it appealing and attractive. The men depicted wear with pride the clothes of Babylon (Ezekiel 23:15). The advertisement works enchanting. Jerusalem instantly falls in love when she sees it with her own eyes (Ezekiel 23:16). Covetousness comes through seeing. It is the cause of the fall into sin (Genesis 3:6; 1 John 2:16). Advertising still works the same way today.

Jerusalem sends envoys to Babylon to ally with her. For a people who have the LORD as their God, this mission is deeply shameful. This mission is a great dishonor to God. In doing so, Jerusalem commits spiritual unfaithfulness that is equivalent to harlotry (Ezekiel 23:17). She defiles herself by this act. Sharing the love bed possibly also refers to worshiping the idols of Babylon, which we see in the word “harlotry”. Then she becomes disgusted with Babylon because Babylon’s love is over and Babylon treats her harshly. But when Babylon notices that Jerusalem seeks help from Egypt during the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 37:5-8; Ezekiel 17:12-15), Babylon turns against Jerusalem.

Shameless harlotries or idolatry has the effect that God also turns away from Jerusalem with disgust (Ezekiel 23:18). He cannot stand the fact that she, whom He has taken for a wife, behaves like a vulgar harlot who bares her body for any man.

Jerusalem keeps on playing the harlot and multiplies her harlotries by making new contacts, now with Egypt (Ezekiel 23:19). She seeks help from Egypt against the supremacy of Babylon. As a result, she comes to adopt the customs of Egypt. Judah imitates Samaria in this (Ezekiel 23:3; 8). Also in Jerusalem, the ‘infatuations’ of the past reappear (Ezekiel 23:20). The Egyptians are compared to “donkeys” and “horses”, animals known for their fiery sex drive. For the gratification of that animal kind, Jerusalem makes itself available.

Then Ezekiel addresses Jerusalem directly (“thus you longed for”). He reminds her of her past shameful lusts and accuses her of allowing those feelings to gain the upper hand over her again (Ezekiel 23:21). It is a warning to us: if past sins, especially sexual ones, are not radically judged as sin, sooner or later they will take hold of us again (cf. Ephesians 4:17-19).

In the magazine ‘Live’, April/May 2013 issue, I read an article on ‘first impressions’ in which “remembering the days of her youth” (Ezekiel 23:19) has a current application. The article quotes something from the popular science magazine ‘Weet Magazine’. It concerns a remarkable quote from a lawyer, specializing in divorce, on April 24, 2010, in the daily Dutch newspaper ‘de Telegraaf’. After estimating the significant increase in divorces in the first quarter of 2010 at about 20%, this lawyer says: ‘The number of divorces has been increasing for years, partly because people are cheating more often and because of the rise of the Internet. As a result, old lovers suddenly reappear, with far-reaching consequences.’

Old loves with ‘first impressions’ that have not been forgotten, have not been discarded, and flare up again …

Daniel 4:35

The Sin of Oholibah

Jerusalem (and Judah) has not let the terrifying example of Samaria and Israel keep them from going the same sinful way (Ezekiel 23:11). In fact, she has surpassed her sister in wickedness. Her passion leads her to act even more perniciously than her sister.

Like Samaria, Judah has sought help from Assyria (2 Kings 16:7), because she too has become enchanted with what Assyria has to offer (Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 23:6). The LORD perceives how she has defiled herself by associating with Assyria and adopting its idolatry (Ezekiel 23:13). Thus both sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, continue on the same path of evil, away from the LORD.

Jerusalem does not limit herself to Assyria. She also comes under the temptation of the Chaldeans or Babylonians (Ezekiel 23:14). She sees the images of Chaldeans, portraits, engraved in the wall according to Babylonian custom. The red color of vermilion makes it appealing and attractive. The men depicted wear with pride the clothes of Babylon (Ezekiel 23:15). The advertisement works enchanting. Jerusalem instantly falls in love when she sees it with her own eyes (Ezekiel 23:16). Covetousness comes through seeing. It is the cause of the fall into sin (Genesis 3:6; 1 John 2:16). Advertising still works the same way today.

Jerusalem sends envoys to Babylon to ally with her. For a people who have the LORD as their God, this mission is deeply shameful. This mission is a great dishonor to God. In doing so, Jerusalem commits spiritual unfaithfulness that is equivalent to harlotry (Ezekiel 23:17). She defiles herself by this act. Sharing the love bed possibly also refers to worshiping the idols of Babylon, which we see in the word “harlotry”. Then she becomes disgusted with Babylon because Babylon’s love is over and Babylon treats her harshly. But when Babylon notices that Jerusalem seeks help from Egypt during the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 37:5-8; Ezekiel 17:12-15), Babylon turns against Jerusalem.

Shameless harlotries or idolatry has the effect that God also turns away from Jerusalem with disgust (Ezekiel 23:18). He cannot stand the fact that she, whom He has taken for a wife, behaves like a vulgar harlot who bares her body for any man.

Jerusalem keeps on playing the harlot and multiplies her harlotries by making new contacts, now with Egypt (Ezekiel 23:19). She seeks help from Egypt against the supremacy of Babylon. As a result, she comes to adopt the customs of Egypt. Judah imitates Samaria in this (Ezekiel 23:3; 8). Also in Jerusalem, the ‘infatuations’ of the past reappear (Ezekiel 23:20). The Egyptians are compared to “donkeys” and “horses”, animals known for their fiery sex drive. For the gratification of that animal kind, Jerusalem makes itself available.

Then Ezekiel addresses Jerusalem directly (“thus you longed for”). He reminds her of her past shameful lusts and accuses her of allowing those feelings to gain the upper hand over her again (Ezekiel 23:21). It is a warning to us: if past sins, especially sexual ones, are not radically judged as sin, sooner or later they will take hold of us again (cf. Ephesians 4:17-19).

In the magazine ‘Live’, April/May 2013 issue, I read an article on ‘first impressions’ in which “remembering the days of her youth” (Ezekiel 23:19) has a current application. The article quotes something from the popular science magazine ‘Weet Magazine’. It concerns a remarkable quote from a lawyer, specializing in divorce, on April 24, 2010, in the daily Dutch newspaper ‘de Telegraaf’. After estimating the significant increase in divorces in the first quarter of 2010 at about 20%, this lawyer says: ‘The number of divorces has been increasing for years, partly because people are cheating more often and because of the rise of the Internet. As a result, old lovers suddenly reappear, with far-reaching consequences.’

Old loves with ‘first impressions’ that have not been forgotten, have not been discarded, and flare up again …

Daniel 4:36

The Sin of Oholibah

Jerusalem (and Judah) has not let the terrifying example of Samaria and Israel keep them from going the same sinful way (Ezekiel 23:11). In fact, she has surpassed her sister in wickedness. Her passion leads her to act even more perniciously than her sister.

Like Samaria, Judah has sought help from Assyria (2 Kings 16:7), because she too has become enchanted with what Assyria has to offer (Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 23:6). The LORD perceives how she has defiled herself by associating with Assyria and adopting its idolatry (Ezekiel 23:13). Thus both sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, continue on the same path of evil, away from the LORD.

Jerusalem does not limit herself to Assyria. She also comes under the temptation of the Chaldeans or Babylonians (Ezekiel 23:14). She sees the images of Chaldeans, portraits, engraved in the wall according to Babylonian custom. The red color of vermilion makes it appealing and attractive. The men depicted wear with pride the clothes of Babylon (Ezekiel 23:15). The advertisement works enchanting. Jerusalem instantly falls in love when she sees it with her own eyes (Ezekiel 23:16). Covetousness comes through seeing. It is the cause of the fall into sin (Genesis 3:6; 1 John 2:16). Advertising still works the same way today.

Jerusalem sends envoys to Babylon to ally with her. For a people who have the LORD as their God, this mission is deeply shameful. This mission is a great dishonor to God. In doing so, Jerusalem commits spiritual unfaithfulness that is equivalent to harlotry (Ezekiel 23:17). She defiles herself by this act. Sharing the love bed possibly also refers to worshiping the idols of Babylon, which we see in the word “harlotry”. Then she becomes disgusted with Babylon because Babylon’s love is over and Babylon treats her harshly. But when Babylon notices that Jerusalem seeks help from Egypt during the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 37:5-8; Ezekiel 17:12-15), Babylon turns against Jerusalem.

Shameless harlotries or idolatry has the effect that God also turns away from Jerusalem with disgust (Ezekiel 23:18). He cannot stand the fact that she, whom He has taken for a wife, behaves like a vulgar harlot who bares her body for any man.

Jerusalem keeps on playing the harlot and multiplies her harlotries by making new contacts, now with Egypt (Ezekiel 23:19). She seeks help from Egypt against the supremacy of Babylon. As a result, she comes to adopt the customs of Egypt. Judah imitates Samaria in this (Ezekiel 23:3; 8). Also in Jerusalem, the ‘infatuations’ of the past reappear (Ezekiel 23:20). The Egyptians are compared to “donkeys” and “horses”, animals known for their fiery sex drive. For the gratification of that animal kind, Jerusalem makes itself available.

Then Ezekiel addresses Jerusalem directly (“thus you longed for”). He reminds her of her past shameful lusts and accuses her of allowing those feelings to gain the upper hand over her again (Ezekiel 23:21). It is a warning to us: if past sins, especially sexual ones, are not radically judged as sin, sooner or later they will take hold of us again (cf. Ephesians 4:17-19).

In the magazine ‘Live’, April/May 2013 issue, I read an article on ‘first impressions’ in which “remembering the days of her youth” (Ezekiel 23:19) has a current application. The article quotes something from the popular science magazine ‘Weet Magazine’. It concerns a remarkable quote from a lawyer, specializing in divorce, on April 24, 2010, in the daily Dutch newspaper ‘de Telegraaf’. After estimating the significant increase in divorces in the first quarter of 2010 at about 20%, this lawyer says: ‘The number of divorces has been increasing for years, partly because people are cheating more often and because of the rise of the Internet. As a result, old lovers suddenly reappear, with far-reaching consequences.’

Old loves with ‘first impressions’ that have not been forgotten, have not been discarded, and flare up again …

Daniel 4:37

The Sin of Oholibah

Jerusalem (and Judah) has not let the terrifying example of Samaria and Israel keep them from going the same sinful way (Ezekiel 23:11). In fact, she has surpassed her sister in wickedness. Her passion leads her to act even more perniciously than her sister.

Like Samaria, Judah has sought help from Assyria (2 Kings 16:7), because she too has become enchanted with what Assyria has to offer (Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 23:6). The LORD perceives how she has defiled herself by associating with Assyria and adopting its idolatry (Ezekiel 23:13). Thus both sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, continue on the same path of evil, away from the LORD.

Jerusalem does not limit herself to Assyria. She also comes under the temptation of the Chaldeans or Babylonians (Ezekiel 23:14). She sees the images of Chaldeans, portraits, engraved in the wall according to Babylonian custom. The red color of vermilion makes it appealing and attractive. The men depicted wear with pride the clothes of Babylon (Ezekiel 23:15). The advertisement works enchanting. Jerusalem instantly falls in love when she sees it with her own eyes (Ezekiel 23:16). Covetousness comes through seeing. It is the cause of the fall into sin (Genesis 3:6; 1 John 2:16). Advertising still works the same way today.

Jerusalem sends envoys to Babylon to ally with her. For a people who have the LORD as their God, this mission is deeply shameful. This mission is a great dishonor to God. In doing so, Jerusalem commits spiritual unfaithfulness that is equivalent to harlotry (Ezekiel 23:17). She defiles herself by this act. Sharing the love bed possibly also refers to worshiping the idols of Babylon, which we see in the word “harlotry”. Then she becomes disgusted with Babylon because Babylon’s love is over and Babylon treats her harshly. But when Babylon notices that Jerusalem seeks help from Egypt during the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 37:5-8; Ezekiel 17:12-15), Babylon turns against Jerusalem.

Shameless harlotries or idolatry has the effect that God also turns away from Jerusalem with disgust (Ezekiel 23:18). He cannot stand the fact that she, whom He has taken for a wife, behaves like a vulgar harlot who bares her body for any man.

Jerusalem keeps on playing the harlot and multiplies her harlotries by making new contacts, now with Egypt (Ezekiel 23:19). She seeks help from Egypt against the supremacy of Babylon. As a result, she comes to adopt the customs of Egypt. Judah imitates Samaria in this (Ezekiel 23:3; 8). Also in Jerusalem, the ‘infatuations’ of the past reappear (Ezekiel 23:20). The Egyptians are compared to “donkeys” and “horses”, animals known for their fiery sex drive. For the gratification of that animal kind, Jerusalem makes itself available.

Then Ezekiel addresses Jerusalem directly (“thus you longed for”). He reminds her of her past shameful lusts and accuses her of allowing those feelings to gain the upper hand over her again (Ezekiel 23:21). It is a warning to us: if past sins, especially sexual ones, are not radically judged as sin, sooner or later they will take hold of us again (cf. Ephesians 4:17-19).

In the magazine ‘Live’, April/May 2013 issue, I read an article on ‘first impressions’ in which “remembering the days of her youth” (Ezekiel 23:19) has a current application. The article quotes something from the popular science magazine ‘Weet Magazine’. It concerns a remarkable quote from a lawyer, specializing in divorce, on April 24, 2010, in the daily Dutch newspaper ‘de Telegraaf’. After estimating the significant increase in divorces in the first quarter of 2010 at about 20%, this lawyer says: ‘The number of divorces has been increasing for years, partly because people are cheating more often and because of the rise of the Internet. As a result, old lovers suddenly reappear, with far-reaching consequences.’

Old loves with ‘first impressions’ that have not been forgotten, have not been discarded, and flare up again …