Chapter 32—Preparing for the Judgment
“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them
that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his
destroying weapon in his hand.”
“And He called to the man clothed with linen, which had the
writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the
midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon
the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations
that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine
hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye
spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and
little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is
the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient
men which were before the house.”
Ezekiel 9:1, 3-6
.
Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly sanctuary,
to put on garments of vengeance, and pour out His wrath in judg-
ments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given
them. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”
Ecclesiastes 8:11
. Instead of being softened by the patience and long
forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear
not God and love not the truth, strengthen their hearts in their evil
course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many
are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace,
and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His honor.
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Of the Amorites, the Lord said, “In the fourth generation they
shall come hither again, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet
full.” Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry
and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God
would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to
see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might
be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear
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