Rebellious House

נמצאו 2 תוצאות חיפוש

1. The Departure of God’s Glory from the Temple

   Part 2

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   The people of the city concede that difficult times are on their way. But the people nevertheless maintain that even if they “cook” in the fire of the troubles that await them, they will be saved from annihilation, just as meat in a cauldron is saved from burning. Thus the people prepare themselves for the siege, certain however that they will prevail.

   God’s response emphasizes that despite their claim, they are destined to be brought out of Jerusalem and be judged on the border of Israel.

   After these prophecies of destruction, Yehezkel transmits the promise that the exiles are destined to return to their land. God will bring back His people to the land in the future, but without the people having repented. So God Himself will have to give them a new heart of flesh that will ensure that henceforth they will follow God’s laws. While superficially this appears to be a prophecy of consolation, in fact it actually offers little comfort.

   The chapter concludes with God’s glory departing not only from the Temple, but also from the city of Jerusalem. Any hope of the people finally internalizing the message of Yehezkel’s prophecy is shattered by God’s statement depicting the people as rebellious.

2. Tzidkiyahu

   Part 1

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   Tzidkiyahu is not mentioned by name in Sefer Yehezkel. The kingdom of Babylonia is likewise only mentioned in these chapters indirectly and there is no prophecy that deals with the future of Babylonia and its destruction in the upcoming group of chapters that offer prophecies to the nations. Because Yehezkel is based in Babylonia, he is unable to denounce the empire in which he dwells. For the kings of Babylonia, the coronation of Tzidkiyahu in Jerusalem had the effect of creating an artificial quiet, while in effect discontinuing the monarchy of the dynasty of David in Jerusalem. Therefore, paying explicit attention to Tzidkiyahu as king may have aroused the ire of the Babylonians.

   Through a symbolic act, Yehezkel is commanded to “exile” himself, carry his “gear for exile.” The departure into exile is undertaken in the evening, in the dark, with his face covered, through a hole he digs in the wall. This prophecy is God’s response to Tzidkiyahu’s rebellion against Babylonia, which contravenes God’s order conveyed to him by the prophet. The descriptions in Melakhim and in Yirmiyahu of Tzidkiyahu’s exile match the details of Yehezkel’s prophecy: the capture of the king, bringing him to Babylon, his judgement, blindness and the fate of his company.