The Lord once again had Ezekiel prophecy judgment on Israel that would result in complete destruction. This prophecy was specifically focused on the wealthy. He called the judgment a “repayment” for their detestable practices (4, 9). Sinful people imagine they can pursue greed and selfish desires forever, but the end result is violence (10-11). People think that through buying and selling, they can secure their future. But when judgment comes, all the profit and loss count for nothing, and silver and gold cannot save anyone (13, 19). The rich also try to raise armies to protect themselves (14), but God would not let this succeed.

It is so easy for us to become engrossed in money-making. But sinful people invariably turn their gold into idols (20). This is an illustration of how greed and idol-worship are the same thing because we end up worshiping whatever we give our time and energy to. We need to give our hearts to the highest thing, to God and his kingdom and glory. Then we have the true joy of worship, and our hearts can stay pure in corrupt times.
Application: Father, help me not idolize money or money-making. I know that I have salvation only through worshiping you.
One Word: Worship God, not gold