Hosea 5

Hosea 5:1

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:2

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:3

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:4

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:5

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:6

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:7

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:8

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:9

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:10

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:11

Call to Turn Back

Ezekiel is commanded to go to the exiles with a specific message (Ezekiel 33:10). The LORD has heard that they have said that their transgressions and their sins are upon them and that they see no way out. Their initial optimism regarding Jerusalem, which they had thought would be spared, has turned to cheerless despair. The prophecies of Ezekiel, as well as those of Jeremiah, regarding Jerusalem have come true against their expectations. What have they to expect from life now?

In that situation, the word of the Lord GOD comes to them with the hopeful words that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). He calls the house of Israel to turn, for why should they die? They need not die, for the door to life is open. The invitation is made to them by a loving God. We hear His urgent, pleading call to turn in the twofold “turn back, turn back”. This is how He urges them to do so!

We too may proclaim that hopeful message on His behalf to the people of the world. It is still the “the acceptable time … the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and God through us is still begging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What Ezekiel has to say to his fellow citizens, they are not hearing for the first time (Ezekiel 33:12; Ezekiel 18:29-32). God’s message is unchanging and so is His government. Sin brings judgment, no matter how much good someone may have done, and turning back brings life, no matter how much wickedness someone may have done.

What matters is listening to God and accepting what He says. This concerns both the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person may think that his righteousness, all his good deeds, entitles him to life (Ezekiel 33:13). Such an attitude shows that he trusts in his own righteousness and not in God. In practice, therefore, he will come to injustice and will die in it.

In the case of the wicked, the opposite happens when he accepts God’s judgment on his life (Ezekiel 33:14) and turns from his sin. He shows that he has repented by practicing justice and righteousness (Ezekiel 33:15). He will make amends for wrongs done (cf. Luke 19:8). His conversion involves a condemnation of all his past sins. Of these he may know that they are forgiven and will be remembered no more (Ezekiel 33:16; Hebrews 8:12). The doing of justice and righteousness is the evidence of his turning back and of the new life he has received. He will live from this new life and remain alive.

Ezekiel’s fellow citizens add to their pessimistic, unjustified statement that life has no meaning for them anymore (Ezekiel 33:10), the extremely misplaced accusation that the LORD (Adonai) does not do justice (Ezekiel 33:17). They have said that before and the LORD has answered them (cf. Ezekiel 18:25; 29). It is all shrugging off self-responsibility – still – and a denial of one’s own sins. The LORD’s dealings with the righteous who do injustice and with the ungodly who turn are grounds for them to accuse Him of injustice (Ezekiel 33:18-19).

This accusatory attitude can also be seen today. People have an opinion about God and in their foolishness think they can and do judge Him. They are full of their own good works and point condemningly at Christians who lie and cheat. They will find out that with all their so-called good works they are heavily in debt to God for not bowing down to Him as sinners. God will judge them and do with them according to their own ways (Ezekiel 33:20; cf. Romans 2:1-3).

Hosea 5:12

Message of the Fall of Jerusalem

A few months after the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel receives word of this from people who were able to escape from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21). They do not bring him news that he does not already know. Ezekiel already knows because his mouth has been opened. The journey from Jerusalem to Babylon required about three to four months in those days (cf. Ezra 7:9). The evening before the refugees come to Ezekiel, the LORD has opened his mouth which he had not been able to open until that time (Ezekiel 33:22; Ezekiel 24:25-27; Ezekiel 3:24-27).

The end of his muteness marks the beginning of a new phase in his ministry. After the announcements of judgment, from now on he will mostly make announcements of restoration.

Hosea 5:13

Message of the Fall of Jerusalem

A few months after the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel receives word of this from people who were able to escape from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21). They do not bring him news that he does not already know. Ezekiel already knows because his mouth has been opened. The journey from Jerusalem to Babylon required about three to four months in those days (cf. Ezra 7:9). The evening before the refugees come to Ezekiel, the LORD has opened his mouth which he had not been able to open until that time (Ezekiel 33:22; Ezekiel 24:25-27; Ezekiel 3:24-27).

The end of his muteness marks the beginning of a new phase in his ministry. After the announcements of judgment, from now on he will mostly make announcements of restoration.

Hosea 5:14

Arrogance of the Remnant

After Ezekiel’s mouth is opened, the word of the LORD comes to him (Ezekiel 33:23). The LORD tells him that there are still people left in the devastated land (Ezekiel 33:24). These people, however, are far from humbled by the judgment that has struck them and the land. Instead, they believe they have a special claim to the land. They point to Abraham. Abraham is only by himself if he is granted the land as an inheritance. They, on the other hand, are many, so they have that much more right to the land.

These people claim the land because of their numbers compared to Abraham, while they have no part in the faith of Abraham, but continue to sin (Ezekiel 33:25). They eat meat with the blood still in it, they bow down to their stink idols and act violently against their neighbor (cf. Jeremiah 41:2-7). With such wicked behavior, how do they think they can assert a right to the land and repossess it?

They do not lean on the LORD, but on their sword (Ezekiel 33:26). With it they commit violence and loot for themselves what they think they need. They commit atrocities and take the wife of their neighbor. Thus they continue to commit the heinous sins that brought God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. So how do they think they can still keep the land? This section does show how hardened they are, how jaded in their feelings of what is sin in the eye of God.

Ezekiel is commanded to announce judgment to them (Ezekiel 33:27). Wherever they are, they will perish, whether by the sword, by the wild beasts, or by pestilence. Nothing will come of their proud, misplaced expectations (Ezekiel 33:28). All life will disappear from the land and from the mountains. When the LORD has made the land an even greater desolate waste than it already is, they will be forced to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 33:29).

Hosea 5:15

Arrogance of the Remnant

After Ezekiel’s mouth is opened, the word of the LORD comes to him (Ezekiel 33:23). The LORD tells him that there are still people left in the devastated land (Ezekiel 33:24). These people, however, are far from humbled by the judgment that has struck them and the land. Instead, they believe they have a special claim to the land. They point to Abraham. Abraham is only by himself if he is granted the land as an inheritance. They, on the other hand, are many, so they have that much more right to the land.

These people claim the land because of their numbers compared to Abraham, while they have no part in the faith of Abraham, but continue to sin (Ezekiel 33:25). They eat meat with the blood still in it, they bow down to their stink idols and act violently against their neighbor (cf. Jeremiah 41:2-7). With such wicked behavior, how do they think they can assert a right to the land and repossess it?

They do not lean on the LORD, but on their sword (Ezekiel 33:26). With it they commit violence and loot for themselves what they think they need. They commit atrocities and take the wife of their neighbor. Thus they continue to commit the heinous sins that brought God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. So how do they think they can still keep the land? This section does show how hardened they are, how jaded in their feelings of what is sin in the eye of God.

Ezekiel is commanded to announce judgment to them (Ezekiel 33:27). Wherever they are, they will perish, whether by the sword, by the wild beasts, or by pestilence. Nothing will come of their proud, misplaced expectations (Ezekiel 33:28). All life will disappear from the land and from the mountains. When the LORD has made the land an even greater desolate waste than it already is, they will be forced to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 33:29).