Hovering over an Old Testament story. In my CSB the translators have entitled the chapter “Parable of God’s Adulterous Wife.” And what a story it is.

A story told by the LORD God in His own words. A story of love told in graphic detail, speaking of the best of love and the worst. A rags to riches story, which tragically ends up again in rags. A story of beauty given and, gut-wrenchingly, beauty exploited. A story of rescue and then of wrath.

But the story concludes with a “but”. You know, one of those “but God” sort of buts. One of those plot-reversing “buts” that we’ve come to recognize in the New Testament where despite our lost rebellion God makes a way for found restoration (e.g. Eph. 2:1-5).

” ‘For this is what the Lord God says: I will deal with you according to what you have done, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant. But I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish a permanent covenant with you.’ ”

(Ezekiel 16:59-60 CSB)

Though her heart would be inflamed with lust, He would still love her. Though she would trust in her beauty and give herself away in her fame, He would remain faithful to the promise He made to her on the day He took her for His own. Though, unlike most prostitutes, she would descend to the depths of debauchery where she would pay her lovers, He would ultimately determine to pay her debt.

I will establish My covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed.

(Ezekiel 16:62-63a CSB)

Not if, but when — WHEN I make atonement for all you have done.

To be sure, she would know His righteous wrath. She would feel the severe discipline of His hand of justice. She would be ashamed. She would bear her disgrace. But His covenant with her would not cease. She would again know that He is the LORD. He would still be in her midst, and she would again abide in His presence. She would know that He is the LORD, and she would always be His bride.

When I make atonement for all you have done. Not for some of what you’ve done. Not only to a point and then no more. But God shows His faithfulness to His promises in paying in full the debt she would never be able to pay.

Ezekiel 16 is an Old Testament parable. The cross of Christ is a New Testament reality. Atonement for all I have done.

By His grace. For His glory.