When a people go astray, the role of their leaders needs to be looked at. We have here a gruesome picture of the the bones of people and particularly their leaders being brought out of the tombs and left to rot on the ground (v1-3). This shameful action, is what the people and what their leaders deserved for how they had rejected and resisted such a majestic, wise and loving God. We need to remember that is we do likewise, we deserve shame.

The people are likened to a horse plunging into battle that will not be turned (v4-6). Whereas many creatures know what is expected of them and the right time to move (v7), God’s people have shown again and again that they don’t really know God’s rules, they fail to grasp what is right and wrong.

A major part of the problem has been the deceit of their leaders who have told lies (v8) and taught that all is well when it was clearly not (v11).

It is important to pray for leaders to be faithful to what is true and to be willing to expose what is not right. Leaders need to know reality as the Lord declares it and be willing to share that reality to their people. Pray for such leadership in the church and in our country.

Sadly the people of Israel would leave it too long to seek true peace and healing from the Lord (v15). Thankfully we’re in days of grace and find peace.