Spiritual emetic

In judging Egypt, Yahweh threatens to mix together a drink that will make Egypt stagger, wander, and finally fall. He will mix the drink in the “innards” of Egypt, and Egypt will vomit (Isaiah 19:14).

It is a judgment, but the ultimate aim is to clean the inner parts. Vomit is uncleanness moving from inside out. When Yahweh makes the land vomit Israel into exile, it cleanses the land because it removes the uncleanness and idolatry from the inner parts of the land. Jesus vomits the lukewarm from His mouth so that His body isn’t defiled .

And this is the work of the Spirit. The mixed drink that Yahweh prepares in the inner places of Egypt is a concoction of the “spirit of distortion,”: the Holy Spirit who is also the sanctifying Spirit, and who, as such, necessarily is the emetic Spirit.

We’re glad you’re enjoying First Things

Create an account below to continue reading.

Or, subscribe for full unlimited access

 

Already a have an account? Sign In