Ezekiel's Wife Dies (Ezekiel 24)

Losing your wife, the delight of your eyes

Explain Ezekiel's emotional state when he knows that God took his wife in her youth in order to be a sign to the people.

"Son of man, with one blow I will take away your dearest treasure (the delight of your eyes). Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. Do not weep; let there be no tears. ¹⁷ Groan silently, but let there be no wailing at her grave…" (Ezekiel 24:16-17a, NLT).

Judgment (1-32): Oracles of doom

• Jerusalem must fall (1-24)

• Judah's enemies must fall (25-32)

Salvation (33-48): Oracles of good news

• Jerusalem must be comforted. The gospel according to Ezekiel. The Messiah will come and save a remnant.

Face the Facts, Listen to the Truth (Ezekiel 15-19).

• [Ezekiel 15 - A useless vine] You are useless.

• [Ezekiel 16 - A nymphomaniac bride] You forgot God's grace and used your beauty for yourself/satisfaction (15).

• [Ezekiel 17 - The eagle and the vine] You broke your oaths.

• [Ezekiel 18 - Only the sinner needs to die] You blame others and do not take responsibility.

• [Ezekiel 19 - A lament] Your leadership sucks.

Face the Facts about Your (His)Story (Ezekiel 20-23).

• Ezeliel 20: What you do. You make up your contrary to the facts and reality, to make yourself look good.
  
• Ezeliel 21: What God does. He sends Babylon as his sword of judgment.
  
• Ezeliel 22: Why God does it. They are corrupt beyond redemption.
  
• Ezeliel 23: Why it's fair. Their adulterous idolatrous hearts are insatiable and incurable.