Chapter Summary

The harlotry of Jerusalem, and threatening of destroying judgments. Promises of future blessing under the new covenant.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 16

1. What is the guiding metaphor of Ezekiel 16? What is the overarching point of the chapter? How does this image and message fit into the overall prophetic ministry of Ezekiel?
2. How can God say that Israel/Jerusalem's origin is of Amorite/Hittite origin? What is conveyed with this point?
3. How would you describe the state of Israel in Ezekiel 16:1-7? What words or images stand out to you? How does this compare to us before Christ? How should we deal with thoughts of shame about our former life without Christ? How does God want us to deal with shame and guilt as a Christian?
4. What does God do for Israel in 16:8-14? How is God's grace described? What do you think the proper response to God's grace should be? How can the regular practice of thanksgiving be a helpful part of our relationship with God? What might the result be for us if we neglect the discipline of thanksgiving?
5. How does this passage describe God and man's role in salvation? How should God's sovereign and complete control over our salvation be an encouragement to us?
6. What was Israel's response to God's grace in 16:15-22? How do we abuse God's grace today? What practices can we put in place in our own lives to guard us against abusing God's grace?
7. How can Israel "play the whore (ESV)?" What does that mean? What do you think begins the process of such unfaithfulness? What are the warning signs of unfaithfulness?
8. The description of Israel's unfaithfulness does not end in verse 22. How else does God describe it in 16:23-34? What kinds of things do you think would cause the unbelieving pagans to be ashamed in 16:27? How does the church begin to move toward this downward spiral of sinfulness? How can a church stop slide into this kind of sinfulness?
9. The extent of Israel's sin was shown to be worse than Sodom and Samaria. What would be an comparison today? What are the crimes listed in 16:44-52? How do these social justice issues fit into the crime of unfaithfulness?
10. How does the chapter end? Is this expected? How does this fit in with what you know about God's will unfolded through covenants? What covenant is this? How should we understand the harshness of the judgment with the generosity of God through this covenant? How does this help us navigate the areas of personal accountability and divine grace?

Key Words/Phrase

Jerusalem's harlotry, vv. 16, 35.

Characters

God, Ezekiel.

Strong Verse(s)

59