Israel’s slide into idolatry wasn’t an overnight choice. God describes the progress in Ezekiel 22:7-12. The immorality began with the lack of respect for the authority of parents. The contempt flowed from authority figures to those who were socially vulnerable; aliens were extorted then the orphans and widows were denied justice. The rebellion of Israel began to reject the limitations God had set down in the Sabbath; a display of dependence on God which the people no longer sought or desired. Their words became slanderous towards others and their religion became more self-centered, irreverent, and sensuous. They chose willing sexual perversion and unwilling rape. They rejected the marriage covenants and saw members of their household as objects to feed their unquenchable desires. Their self-interest led them to reject all notions of justice in favor of profit; completely forgetting the God who had provided them with their abundance. Is that not the same with any people who focus on prosperity rather than seeking God?
It took me 27 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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