Israel's Problem
by William J. Randolph commenting on Ezekiel 5:5, he writes: "While placed in this privileged position, Israel became enamored with the ways and the women of the pagan nations to whom she was to be a witness. Soon Israel's position of privilege became a position of punishment. "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations" (Ezekiel 5:8). "Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by" (vs. 14). In my very early years, I found myself in a similar situation. I had a part in a special children's program. The part assigned to me required a delayed entrance onto the stage. When I was given my cue and a helping push, I suddenly found myself looking at a sea of adult faces all looking at me....