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Their loss of memory or should it be said; deliberately forgetting their beginnings, the roots of Israel, bring a divine principle into play. Eze. 16:43An individual who sows a specific type of seed will reap a harvest of the same kind. Gal. 6:7 Inevitable, the life lived, determines the measure of judgment. So many of the adages used in todayís language originate from the Bible. Such as, like mother, like daughter. Eze. 16:44 So many times the things which we see in others and despise, are to be found in ourselves. Their attitude and treatment of the Lord was a reflection of the attitude of generations, in both their natural life and their spiritual life. They were then reminded by the Lord as to their roots. Showing them to be of a heathen lineage, except that the Lord called them out, and unto Himself. Thus, making them to be His very own people. Eze. 16:45.
A family relationship made linking Samaria and Sodom with them. The occupants of these two cities had the same roots as Jerusalem. However, as sinful as they may have been, Jerusalem surpassed them. There is an interesting analogy to be found here. Cities refusing to accept the message of the Apostles were declared to receive a punishment greater than that poured out on Sodom. Mt. 10:14-15 Sodom is a warning directed at all who would live an ungodly life. 2 Pet. 2:6 Jesus would have shown special compassion on Jerusalem, the city of martyrdomís, but noted that they would not receive His love extended to them. For this cause their house was left desolate. Mt. 23:37-38 Then there is the final act of martyrdom carried out in the same city which the Lord called spiritual Sodom and Egypt. The two witnesses commissioned by the Lord are so powerful that the powers of darkness must wage war in order to destroy them, but not until they have finished their ministry. Rev. 11:7-12 This gives us an insight as to the real feelings of the Lord in the end of the age.
The irony of comparing these cities is found in the fact, that even though Jerusalem did not sin after the same pattern, the Lord considered the sin of Jerusalem to be far greater. Therefore, as the Lord saw fit He removed them. Even though, Samaria had not committed half of the sins of Jerusalem, to such a degree that Sodom and Samaria appeared justified because of the gross sin of Jerusalem. Eze. 16:51-58 Israel reprimanded for the measure and depth of their iniquities, the greatest of which was, the breaking of the covenant made with them, by the Lord. In His love and mercy He promised to create a New Covenant. That which involves the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God whose blood is the only means of salvation. Eze. 16:59-60 Heb. 13:20-21.