Ezekiel calls on the exiles to lament over the fall of their kingdom using two allegories. Two of the last kings of Israel are depicted as captured lions. This refers to Pharoah Neco’s capture of Jehoahaz in 609BC (2 Kings 23:33–34) and either Jehoiachin or Zedekiah, both of whom were subsequently taken captive by the king of Babylon. The second allegory, that of the vine, was a common way of depicting Israel. The lament bemoans the capture of the lions, despite the strength that was given to them, and the destruction of the vine, despite the perfect conditions it was planted in. Ezekiel is calling them to sing this lament so that they will begin to ask why such a thing happened. We don’t always know why bad things happen. But sometimes we suffer the consequences of previous bad choices. While we should not always assume this is the case, it is healthy to use every occasion to examine ourselves to see if the present turbulence is not the consequence of our previous choices. Such self-examination can become the occasion for our further restoration. And God is always working for the restoration of those he loves. Don’t let your past sins be a source of condemnation for you. Rather let them be a source of wisdom and transformation.
Reflect on what you can learn from any bad choices you recently made.
Read Ezekiel 19
