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"I stretched out My hand against you"

Text: Ezekiel 16:27

THE CHASTISEMENT OF ISRAEL

The wickedness of Israel could not go unpunished. The Lord had to chastise Israel for all its wicked deeds!

“Behold, therefore, I stretched out My hand against you,
diminished your allotment,
and gave you up to the will of those who hate you,
the daughters of the Philistines,
who were ashamed of your lewd behaviour.
You also played the harlot with the Assyrians,
because you were insatiable;
indeed you played the harlot with them
and still were not satisfied.”
Ezekiel 16:27-28

1. The Lord’s hand stretched out against Israel.

a) If God’s hand was favourable:

i) It would be seen in protection from enemy nations.

ii) It would also be seen in God’s provision.

b) If God’s hand was unfavourable:

i) God would withdraw His protection and provision.

ii) Israel would see the huge negative effects on the nation.

2. God’s allotment to Israel diminished.

a) Blessings were withdrawn.

b) God’s provision became lesser.

3. God gave Israel up to the will of its enemies.

a) If God had been favourable, Israel’s enemies would gain no victory.

b) God refused to help Israel and so the nation was defeated time and again.

4. The daughters of the Philistines.

a) The Philistines were traditional enemies of Israel.

b) They were not known for great behaviour.

c) But the behaviour of Israel was far worse than the Philistines.

d) The Philistines ended up despising the immorality of Israel.

5. In league with the Assyrians.

a) Israel called upon the Assyrians to fight their traditional enemies.

b) Israel consorted with the Assyrians in the hope of victory over their foes.

c) Little did they realise that the Assyrians would conquer Israel.

d) Israel seemed insatiable in looking for partners.

e) It was despised by the people they sought help from!