Ezekiel 17:15
“But he rebelled and sent emissaries to Egypt to recruit horses and a big army. Do you think that’s going to work? Are they going to get by with this? Does anyone break a covenant and get off scot-free?”
“ Nevertheless, this man of Israel’s royal family rebelled against Babylon, sending ambassadors to Egypt to request a great army and many horses. Can Israel break her sworn treaties like that and get away with it?”
Chapter 17 opens with an allegorical poem. According to the Jamieson, Fawcett and Brown Commentary on Ezekiel it tells the story of Judah’s exile at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. He took many of the best to Babylon but left one of the royal family to rule over an intact, vassal state. Judah broke their covenant with Babylon, not for need, but for greed, and reached out to Egypt for aid to rebel against Babylon.
God’s word is inviolate and so he expects us to make our word our bond. He was angry at Judah’s covenant breaking treachery and allowed judgement. He did not shield Judah from Nebuchadnezzar as he laid siege to and conquered Jerusalem, desolating the land. We are made in God’s image. Therefore, our words also carry power, and we must stand by them. Do not carelessly fling them about.
Lord, I need your help in this area. In the effort to be real with others I’ve grown careless with what I say. May your Spirit sift my thoughts and control their expression. Let me speak only the best while not hiding the worst.