Power, stature, and knowledge do not matter to God. The men of Zion and Samaria had become complacent, or a better word “smug”, in their attitudes toward worship and their ability to rule. They refused to see the coming disaster, refused to believe Israel’s worship was wrong, and failed to commit to change. The smugness of leaders, who believe “their own press” about who they are, leads to destruction. Such leaders will live with tolerance and yet become intolerant of anyone or anything that substantiates their improper and immoral behaviors.
The “notable” and smug men of Calneh, Hamath, and Gath thought their nobility and standings in society would save them from destruction. God invited the smug men of Israel to visit these cities to see the aftermath of such thinking. Hard to be notable when there is nothing left for which to be noted.
The men of Israel had created quite a comfortable lifestyle. They used terror to maintain their power, they spent much of their time lounging while being served (they probably were growing their riches with taxes), they ate choice foods, and they played beautiful music to sooth their souls. They drank plenty of wine and lathered themselves in lotions. In their minds, they held the day of the Lord at bay. They were not grieved by the demise of their country nor when the outskirts of their nation suffered loss.
For the smug, God’s judgment is certain. To show His sovereignty, God would let the smug be among the first – they would be among the first to be exiled. Their lives of luxury were quickly coming to an end.
- Why do you think God would allow the notable men to be exiled? Could it be their ability to influence others? Or do you believe God was trying to make a point to them?
- How can we keep ourselves from becoming smug?
- What do you want to be remembered for? How can you bring it to pass?
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