In this chapter, the Lord tells a story of two sisters who prostitute and give themselves to other lovers instead of the Lord. The names of these sisters are Oholah and Oholibah. In the story, Oholah represents Samaria, and Oholibah represents Jerusalem. Because these two sisters (cities) lusted after others and worshiped their idols, the Lord promised to make them an example. Here’s how the chapter ends: “The Lord said to me, “Son of man, you must accuse Oholah and Oholibah of all their awful deeds. They have committed both adultery and murder – adultery by worshiping idols and murder by burning their children as sacrifices on their altars. Then after doing these terrible things, they defiled my Temple and violated my Sabbath day! On the very day that they murdered their children in front of their idols, they boldly came into my Temple to worship! They came in and defiled my house!” (Ezekiel 23:36-39) (Wow!)
“Now this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Bring an army against them and hand them over to be terrorized and plundered. For their enemies will stone them and kill them with swords. They will butcher their sons and daughters and burn their homes. In this way, I will put an end to lewdness and idolatry in the land, and my judgment will be a warning to others not to follow their wicked example. You will be fully repaid for all your prostitution – your worship of idols. Yes, you will suffer the full penalty! Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel 23:46-49)
Read the whole chapter for yourself to gain an understanding of the jealousy of God when we are not giving ourselves to Him.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us recognize that your jealousy is no different than ours. We all want to be desired and loved. Therefore, Lord, help us give you all of us; place a spirit within us that only desires you! For there is no one who can do us like you! Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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