1. Total depravity and God's punishment (23:1-24:14)

The two adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, represent Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). Ezekiel's language is too vivid for public reading. The promiscuous lives of these two sisters are a parable of the unfaithfulness of God's people. God hates sexual immorality and spiritual adultery. The people left in Jerusalem thought that they were much better than those taken into exile, but they were not. Soon the city would be destroyed and they would be taken. Jerusalem would become like an empty pot placed on the coals to burn away its impurities.

2. Ezekiel's wife dies (24:15-27)

The destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) marks a turning point. Ezekiel's wife died the day the temple was destroyed. Just as the joy and delight of Ezekiel's life was removed, so the joy and hope of the exiles was destroyed. He was told not to mourn, and the people were to do as he did. He and they could only turn to the Lord in silent, painful grief.

Application: Lord, help me to do as you command in both hard and easy times.
One Word: God's servant is a sign