Ezekiel 19:2-4

Ezekiel 19 is an analogy (as is common for the prophets), and talks about the way that Israel had destroyed its good lineage (ie. from David). In fact, after Zedekiah, who was a very evil king, and who was taken by the Babylonians, there were no more kings in David’s line (until the present time – that is, earthly kings). The evil that Zedekiah did (and his few predecessors) was so much that God had to put an end to that line. To think that it started out with David, a man after God’s own heart, and Solomon, the wisest person ever to have lived, is staggering.

‘'What is your mother? A lioness:
She lay down among the lions;
Among the young lions she nourished her cubs.’ (Ezekiel 19: 2)

The start or beginning of the kings of Israel was so strong (discounting the illegitimate king, Saul). They were like lions, strong and noble.

‘She brought up one of her cubs,
And he became a young lion;
|He learned to catch prey,
And he devoured men.
The nations also heard of him;
He was trapped in their pit,
And they brought him with chains to the land of Egypt.’ (Ezekiel 19:3-4)

But unfortunately, the son of the noble lion used his strength and position to harm others, and to cause evil and fear, and when the nations heard of him they took him (ie. the evil king was taken away captive to Egypt – apparently this speaks of Jehoahaz who ruled but 3 months before being deposed by the Egyptian Pharaoh).

Other than the obvious historical merit and significance of the prophecy, I think what we can take out of this passage is the fact that we cannot rest on the merits or strengths of our predecessors. And I mean that in the most general terms.

For instance, our parents being strong Christians doesn’t automatically make us strong Christians, or even Christians at that. Our relationship with God is determined solely by God and ourselves, and by no-one else (although they may encourage us!)

Likewise, going to a very strong Bible College, or having a really good pastor, or strong Biblical Professor (if you study theology) doesn’t make us a better Christian or a stronger person. That relies on us being faithful to God, and submitting to and obeying Him.

I think sometimes we can rest too easily on the achievements or qualities of our ‘predecessors’ and fail to push hard ourselves. We get the idea that even if we aren’t already, one day we will be strong devoted Christians because our parents are, or because we go to a good church or whatever reason. Don’t look behind at what was before you, but look ahead to the prize that will be. Strain towards it. If you don’t, things will go downhill quickly enough. Israel is just one prime example.