SUMMARY
In the midst of judgment, God will spare some of the Judeans from the coming doom upon the land.
ANALYSIS
After a condemnation of the idolatry of Judah on the “mountains of Israel” (a reference to the “high places” where local gods–probably Canaanite–were worshiped), the Lord will punish the land and high places with destruction (6:1-7). The tone shifts in verses 8-10 with the simple phrase, “But I will spare some.” After all the judgment of the previous verses, hope exists. Some people will escape the fall of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More; God will “spare some” from destruction (6:8). These will be carried captive into exile, where they can reflect upon their sin, repent, and learn again of the Lord, who alone is God (6:10).
The early chapters of EzekielEzekiel was a priest and prophet who was raised in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon in 597 BCE. More do not often provide this hopeful message. In fact, reading the first half of Ezekiel can be an overwhelmingly negative experience given how much judgment the prophet offers. However, there are a few places where we find a short reprieve.
