Nov 11 2009
Ezekiel – Inhertiance by Election
In Ezekiel 46-47 the them of inheritance is emphasized. We are reminded of Israel being given the Promised Land as an inheritance based on election by God. In these two chapters the rules (or do’s and don’ts) are reviewed and revised in light of the forthcoming restoration of Israel in Babylonian captivity. Although the prince may pass his inheritance on to his sons in which the rights to the inheritance then pass on to their descendants, the prince does not have the right to give his inheritance to those outside of the elect (even that inheritance given as a gift to his servant is only temporary).
Yet in chapter 47 God is doing a new thing as evidenced by those who are considered aliens living among the Israelites. The aliens are to be considered “native-born” Israelites thus sharing in the election of Israel which qualifies them to receive an allotment of the Israelite inheritance. So while a more inclusive inheritance occurs with the acceptance of aliens, the manner in which this takes place remains exclusive under the guise of election.
Moreover, in these chapters we find evidence of Claus Westermann’s hermeneutic of “deliverance and blessing.” God promises not only to deliver Israel from their captivity, he also promises to bless them with their prior inheritance of the land. Election certainly has its benefits.