17 “Son of man, when the people of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds. Their behavior before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman’s impurity.

18 So I poured out My wrath upon them because of the blood they had shed on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols.

19 I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered throughout the lands. I judged them according to their ways and deeds.

20 And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’

21 But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone.

— Ezekiel 36:17-2121

1 What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?

2 Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the oracles of God.

— Romans 3:1-2

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Ezekiel recorded that Israel’s sin – idolatry and defiled conduct – against God while living in their own land brought His judgment against them and God scattered them among nations. Outward behavior reflects the condition of our hearts. Ezekiel pointed out that Israel could not blame their circumstances on warring nations or power-hungry kings. Their sin and posture toward God resulted in their calamity. An honest appraisal of their outward conduct and inward condition was needed for their repentance and restoration.

Ezekiel declared a more serious issue than Israel’s displacement from their homeland: God’s chosen people had profaned His holy name. God faithfully invested in Israel as a nation. He gave them the oracles of God, spiritual advantages-promises of blessing, His righteous standards, a system of worship, godly leaders, and untold blessings. Yet, the Israelites persistently disregarded God’s goodness. They failed to honor God as He deserves. Their behavior did not reflect God’s worthiness.