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"They defiled it by their own ways"

Text: Ezekiel 36:17

RECALLING THE DREADFUL PAST

The Lord recalled the idolatrous past of Israel. The acts of the nation were truly reprehensible and God had to chasten them severely.

“Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
‘Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land,
they defiled it by their own ways and deeds;
to Me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman
in her customary impurity.
Therefore I poured out My fury on them
for the blood they had shed on the land,
and for their idols with which they had defiled it.'”
Ezekiel 36:16-18

1. The word of the Lord.

a) This was given to Ezekiel regularly.

b) Ezekiel was in constant touch with the Lord.

c) He listened well so that he could speak for the Lord effectively.

2. Remembering how Israel came into Canaan.

a) Canaan became the land of the children of Israel.

b) This was a covenant promise given to Abraham.

c) God fulfilled His part when He brought the children of Israel into Canaan.

3. The defiling of the land.

a) The children of Israel defiled the land.

b) They chose their own ways.

c) They chose to do things that were bad in the sight of God.

d) Israel became severely defiled by their lawless and wicked deeds.

4. God’s fury.

a) God had sent many prophets to Israel.

b) They had preached faithfully.

c) But their words were not heeded.

d) The nation continued to shed blood in their land.

e) They pursued idolatry with all their hearts.

f) Through lawlessness, bloodshed and idolatry Israel defiled the land God gave to the descendants of Abraham.