Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?
"Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?" The exiles' question expresses despair: if sin's consequences are irreversible, how can we survive? God's answer (verse 11) offers hope through repentance. This demonstrates that divine judgment aims toward restoration, not mere punishment. The Reformed emphasis on God's mercy appears: judgment's purpose is revealing sin's seriousness and driving sinners to repentance. Despair over sin should lead to gospel hope, not fatalistic resignation.
Historical Context
After Jerusalem's destruction (585 BC), surviving exiles felt crushed by guilt. The question "how should we then live?" expressed genuine despair. Jeremiah's Lamentations captures this overwhelming grief. God's response through Ezekiel offered hope: genuine repentance brings restoration. The exile taught that sin brings severe consequences, but God's mercy transcends deserved judgment. This sustained Jewish faith through diaspora and prefigures gospel message: though sin deserves death, God offers life through repentance and faith.
Questions for Reflection
How should awareness of sin's seriousness drive you toward gospel hope rather than despair?
What is the relationship between genuine guilt over sin and confident hope in God's mercy?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?" The exiles' question expresses despair: if sin's consequences are irreversible, how can we survive? God's answer (verse 11) offers hope through repentance. This demonstrates that divine judgment aims toward restoration, not mere punishment. The Reformed emphasis on God's mercy appears: judgment's purpose is revealing sin's seriousness and driving sinners to repentance. Despair over sin should lead to gospel hope, not fatalistic resignation.