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"And hidden My face from them"

Text: Ezekiel 39:24

THE CHASTISEMENT OF ISRAEL

Israel had sinned grievously against the Lord. The nation had rebelled and had become wayward. The people had worshipped idols instead of their holy and faithful God. Many prophets had been sent to warn Israel about the judgments that would befall them, but their words were rejected. Divine judgment took place, and Israel was sent into captivity.

“The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel
went into captivity for their iniquity;
because they were unfaithful to Me,
therefore I hid My face from them.
I gave them into the hand of their enemies,
and they all fell by the sword.
According to their uncleanness
and according to their transgressions
I have dealt with them,
and hidden My face from them.”
Ezekiel 39:23-24

1. God highlighted some of their sins.

a) Israel was guilty of iniquity.

b) The nation was unfaithful to the Lord.

c) Wicked activities flowed from these two grave sins!

2. God’s just responses to Israel’s sinfulness.

a) God hid His face from Israel.

i) Their worship was refused.

ii) Their prayers went unanswered.

b) God delivered Israel:

i) To their enemies.

ii) To great suffering inflicted on them by their enemies.

iii) To the sword of their enemies.

iv) To become captives of the Assyrians and the Babylonians.

But that period of suffering had come to an end by divine decree!

3. An added word of confirmation.

a) Israel had no one to blame but itself.

b) It had chosen the path of uncleanness.

c) It had chosen to walk in transgressions instead of righteousness.

d) Thus God hid His face from Israel and dealt with them in chastisement!