1. A living parable of a siege (4:1-17)

God told Ezekiel to demonstrate the siege of Jerusalem to the exiles. His purpose was to lead them to repentance. He drew a picture of Jerusalem--the homeland for which they longed--on a clay tablet. Then he 'besieged' the city he had drawn. This was to demonstrate God's judgment on the city, and also, God's desire to show mercy. He lay on his left side for 390 days to bear the sins of Israel and for 40 days on his right side to bear the sins of Judah. The personal defilement God commanded was too great even for Ezekiel, so God made a few changes. But the lesson is clear: Sin utterly defiles people; it makes them despair, hate the sight of each other, and waste away. We must repent to live.

2. Because they rejected God's word (5:1-17)

Jerusalem had been blessed by God. She should be an example for all nations. But she had rejected God's word and turned to idols. So God punished her severely as a warning to all godless nations.

Application: Lord, give me a repentant heart; cleanse me from sin and help me obey you.
One Word: Sin leads to death; repent!