What Does It Mean to Be Jerusalem in Babylon?

[Psalm: 137]

The central problem of Ezekiel is how idolatry has corrupted the worship of Israel. resulting in the destruction of the temple – resulting in the glory of the LORD departing from the temple – the presence of the LORD leaving Jerusalem.

Part of Ezekiel's point is that Yahweh had left the temple before Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it.

It was not the pagan king who drove God out of the temple – it was Israel's idolatry! God will not dwell with a rebellious people.

Your idolatry is what has got you into this mess.

You might think that Ezekiel's message would then be: therefore your repentance – and your faithful worship – will bring you back!

But that is not what Ezekiel says! Yes, Ezekiel calls us to repentance – but Ezekiel never says that repentance will get you back to the land...