Message: A Lament (or warning) over Pharaoh and Egypt or what will come of Egypt such as when Egypt falls into a pit.
Time: 12th year, 12th month or March 3, 585 BC; March 18, 585 BC (beginning verse 17)
What the Lord is Saying: Once again, the Lord shows these people that it doesn't matter what they think of themselves, it is what the Lord declares they are that matters. The language is very descriptive. It is describing the gloom and doom that awaits these people and what they will then be known by. And their demise will not simply be only theirs to see, but their effect will be on how everyone sees them. People will fall by the sword. This is their funeral.
Egypt will fall down to be among the other nation's of outcasts. Once felt mighty, they will be sunk. Elam is mentioned in verse 32. Elam is believed to be Persia or a contemporary land of Egypt. Elam is there beside Egypt in the grave, as an outcast, slain by the sword, uncircumcised and bearing shame. Meshech and Tubal are also there. These are northern people/lands. And Edom also and the princes of the north, and the Sidonians. This is where Pharaoh is laid to rest, among thus low down.
Promise: "Then they will know that I am the Lord." This expression occurs 70 times in the book of Ezekiel. This is a reminder to people that their chief aim or their chief purpose is to know God which is in contrast to what there lives often testify.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ezekiel 31
Message: Egypt is compared to fallen Assyria; a message to Pharaoh, king of Egypt showing the highs and lows of Egypt.
What the Lord is Saying: The chapter begins comparing Egypt to Assyria. Assyria is presented as once like the cedar of Lebanon. The cedar of Lebanon is mentioned multiple times in the Bible and always in a positive light. Lebanon cedar was an excellent source of timber for building temples, palaces and seagoing vessels. It did not rot and did not attract insects. And this tree is mentioned as flourishing and growing high and towering over all the other trees. So, Assyria was obviously greater than other places. The Lord mentions how he made this tree beautiful and made it sought after and distinct and separate from all other trees. It was the envy of all other trees. It was a place of nourishment. It was a sought after place. Verse 9 declares that the Lord made it beautiful. It was the envy of other places.
But, God states how Egypt set itself high above all the other trees. Instead of the Lord making something high and separate, Egypt proclaimed itself. Egypt took pride in its height.
So, God gave them over (Romans 1) to be dealt with in the way its wickedness deserves. Cut down, branches fallen, people no longer take cover in its shadow, and loss of height.
Promise: The Lord build up and the Lord, if necessary, will tear down.
Time: June 21, 587 BC
What the Lord is Saying: The chapter begins comparing Egypt to Assyria. Assyria is presented as once like the cedar of Lebanon. The cedar of Lebanon is mentioned multiple times in the Bible and always in a positive light. Lebanon cedar was an excellent source of timber for building temples, palaces and seagoing vessels. It did not rot and did not attract insects. And this tree is mentioned as flourishing and growing high and towering over all the other trees. So, Assyria was obviously greater than other places. The Lord mentions how he made this tree beautiful and made it sought after and distinct and separate from all other trees. It was the envy of all other trees. It was a place of nourishment. It was a sought after place. Verse 9 declares that the Lord made it beautiful. It was the envy of other places.
But, God states how Egypt set itself high above all the other trees. Instead of the Lord making something high and separate, Egypt proclaimed itself. Egypt took pride in its height.
So, God gave them over (Romans 1) to be dealt with in the way its wickedness deserves. Cut down, branches fallen, people no longer take cover in its shadow, and loss of height.
Promise: The Lord build up and the Lord, if necessary, will tear down.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Ezekiel 30
Message: A sad day for Egypt; the broken arms of Pharaoh.
Time: Commentators date this oracle of judgment to April 29, 587 BC.
What the Lord is Saying: Once again, the demise and desolation of Egypt is pictured here. It is a message that Nebuchadnezzar will be the one to carry out judgment against Egypt. It is clear from this passage that great doom will come to Egypt and the surrounding nations.
And then the arms of Pharaoh will be broken.
Promise: Through this events, over and over, Ezekiel states from the Lord that the people will know then that, "God is the Lord." He will be known. The problem is we forget God. We are so busy in our activities that we forget God is even present, even there. He holds a part of our life, but not our entire life. Decisions get made with him not on the throne of our life.
Time: Commentators date this oracle of judgment to April 29, 587 BC.
What the Lord is Saying: Once again, the demise and desolation of Egypt is pictured here. It is a message that Nebuchadnezzar will be the one to carry out judgment against Egypt. It is clear from this passage that great doom will come to Egypt and the surrounding nations.
And then the arms of Pharaoh will be broken.
Promise: Through this events, over and over, Ezekiel states from the Lord that the people will know then that, "God is the Lord." He will be known. The problem is we forget God. We are so busy in our activities that we forget God is even present, even there. He holds a part of our life, but not our entire life. Decisions get made with him not on the throne of our life.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Ezekiel 29
Message: A message of prophecy to Pharaoh and the people of Egypt.
Time: January 7, 10 year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. Message came to Ezekiel from the Lord. This is about 571 BC.
What the Lord is Saying:
The Lord states that he is Pharaoh's enemy. And with that he lets Pharaoh know that the Nile river does not belong to Pharaoh like Pharaoh claims. He condemns Egypt for the way they treated Israel in their time of need. The prophecy states that the people will be dragged away. And no one will inhabit the Nile river. It does not state the area will no longer be a land, but that it would be ruined and (Nebuchadnezzar) would take home spoil from his campaign of it. However, it also mentioned a 40 year desolation of the land and it is possible that this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. And then the Lord will bring Egypt back and He will restore the people to their land, but Egypt will never be a prominent place.
Verse 16 mentions that then Israel will not be tempted to put their trust in Egypt. This is interesting as God wants to remind Israel that He is the only one that should be trusted. That people cannot be trusted.
The Lord gives Nebuchadnezzar a reward of Egypt for their efforts in carrying out the Lord's judgment on Tyre.
Promise: Verse 21 is a reminder to the people that the day will come when Israel will be revived. Also, Ezekiel's words will be respected. And the people will know the Lord.
Time: January 7, 10 year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. Message came to Ezekiel from the Lord. This is about 571 BC.
What the Lord is Saying:
The Lord states that he is Pharaoh's enemy. And with that he lets Pharaoh know that the Nile river does not belong to Pharaoh like Pharaoh claims. He condemns Egypt for the way they treated Israel in their time of need. The prophecy states that the people will be dragged away. And no one will inhabit the Nile river. It does not state the area will no longer be a land, but that it would be ruined and (Nebuchadnezzar) would take home spoil from his campaign of it. However, it also mentioned a 40 year desolation of the land and it is possible that this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. And then the Lord will bring Egypt back and He will restore the people to their land, but Egypt will never be a prominent place.
Verse 16 mentions that then Israel will not be tempted to put their trust in Egypt. This is interesting as God wants to remind Israel that He is the only one that should be trusted. That people cannot be trusted.
The Lord gives Nebuchadnezzar a reward of Egypt for their efforts in carrying out the Lord's judgment on Tyre.
Promise: Verse 21 is a reminder to the people that the day will come when Israel will be revived. Also, Ezekiel's words will be respected. And the people will know the Lord.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Ezekiel 28
Message: A message for Tyre's king; a message for Sidon; restoration for Israel
Time: A message that came from the Lord to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying:
Tyre
The Lord gives a message to Tyre's king. It states that Tyre is in the "heart of the sea" so it is an island. I read some comments that this prophecy did not come true because Tyre is still around today. But, the Tyre this seems to be speaking of is the ancient Tyre which was on an Island and that Tyre is no longer here. That Tyre was conquered and destroyed.
Tyre's king thought he was a god. Ezekiel tells him that he is not a god and he is now wiser than Daniel. The king has amassed a lot in life, riches, and as is the case, riches make us feel greater sometimes than we are. Riches make us feel like we are in control and can do anything.
God tells Ezekiel to tell the prince that He will bring an army against him and humble him. And the prince will see that he is no god. And all his wealth does not sustain his long life.
The Lord then gives Ezekiel a funeral song for the prince of Tyre. The song again was a proclamation of the successful looking life of this man and yet how, in the end, God brought him down.
Sidon
Sidon is 20 miles north of Tyre. The words to Sidon are shorter, but the message is similar. The focus is that the people of Sidon will know who the Lord is through the acts that he does. What will come? A plague. The Lord's holiness will then be seen for Sidon will be effected from every angle.
Promise: The chapter closes with a promise the Lord makes to his chosen people, Israel. They have been scattered, but the Lord will bring them back. The nations around will know that the Lord loves his people. Do not treat God's people with contempt.
Time: A message that came from the Lord to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying:
Tyre
The Lord gives a message to Tyre's king. It states that Tyre is in the "heart of the sea" so it is an island. I read some comments that this prophecy did not come true because Tyre is still around today. But, the Tyre this seems to be speaking of is the ancient Tyre which was on an Island and that Tyre is no longer here. That Tyre was conquered and destroyed.
Tyre's king thought he was a god. Ezekiel tells him that he is not a god and he is now wiser than Daniel. The king has amassed a lot in life, riches, and as is the case, riches make us feel greater sometimes than we are. Riches make us feel like we are in control and can do anything.
God tells Ezekiel to tell the prince that He will bring an army against him and humble him. And the prince will see that he is no god. And all his wealth does not sustain his long life.
The Lord then gives Ezekiel a funeral song for the prince of Tyre. The song again was a proclamation of the successful looking life of this man and yet how, in the end, God brought him down.
Sidon
Sidon is 20 miles north of Tyre. The words to Sidon are shorter, but the message is similar. The focus is that the people of Sidon will know who the Lord is through the acts that he does. What will come? A plague. The Lord's holiness will then be seen for Sidon will be effected from every angle.
Promise: The chapter closes with a promise the Lord makes to his chosen people, Israel. They have been scattered, but the Lord will bring them back. The nations around will know that the Lord loves his people. Do not treat God's people with contempt.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Ezekiel 27
Message: The Lament of Tyre
Time: Predicted in 590 BC. It was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar from 586 BC to 573 BC. Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC and it was laid waste again in 315 BC. It regained itself in 126 BC. But, there were other times it 12th century and 20th century where it was badly damaged.
What the Lord is Saying: This chapter begins by speaking of the prime location of Tyre and the goodness that the City experienced--perfect in beauty, your borders are perfectly placed, your area is colored in a great manner, they had all the splendor and many did business with you.
And it concludes with the waste and the tough times they experienced and losing all of this.
Promise: Thus says the Lord God.
Time: Predicted in 590 BC. It was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar from 586 BC to 573 BC. Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC and it was laid waste again in 315 BC. It regained itself in 126 BC. But, there were other times it 12th century and 20th century where it was badly damaged.
What the Lord is Saying: This chapter begins by speaking of the prime location of Tyre and the goodness that the City experienced--perfect in beauty, your borders are perfectly placed, your area is colored in a great manner, they had all the splendor and many did business with you.
And it concludes with the waste and the tough times they experienced and losing all of this.
Promise: Thus says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 26
Message: Prophecy against Tyre.
Time: 11th month, 1st day of the month, the word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying: Problem with Tyre. They were selfish in the demise of the people of Jerusalem. They did not have compassion, but were ready to take advantage of their tough situation.
Because of this, the Lord says that they will become the captive instead of the captor and their daughters will be killed. God will bring Nebuchadnezzar from the north (king of Babylon) and he will kill and put up a siege wall and raise shields against you. Your towers will be broken down. Your walls will shake because of the many horses and wagons and chariots coming towards you. Pillars will fall and streets will be full of war. Your riches will be gone, your houses plundered, your precious stones will be case into the water; there will be no more music; there will be no more re-built's.
And people will lament over you, that this renowned city has now perished.
Promise: The Lord decrees and they are never to be found again.
Time: 11th month, 1st day of the month, the word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying: Problem with Tyre. They were selfish in the demise of the people of Jerusalem. They did not have compassion, but were ready to take advantage of their tough situation.
Because of this, the Lord says that they will become the captive instead of the captor and their daughters will be killed. God will bring Nebuchadnezzar from the north (king of Babylon) and he will kill and put up a siege wall and raise shields against you. Your towers will be broken down. Your walls will shake because of the many horses and wagons and chariots coming towards you. Pillars will fall and streets will be full of war. Your riches will be gone, your houses plundered, your precious stones will be case into the water; there will be no more music; there will be no more re-built's.
And people will lament over you, that this renowned city has now perished.
Promise: The Lord decrees and they are never to be found again.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Ezekiel 25
Message: Prophecies against Ammon, Moob and Seir, Edom, and Philistia
Time: The Word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying:
Message to the Ammonites: It is against them. They are to hear the word of the Lord. There problem was their response when the Lord's sanctuary was profaned or blasphemed, and the desolation of the land of Israel, and Judah going into exile. You will lose your borders, therefore. You will be under someone else's control (the East) and your comfortable way of life will now be inhabited by others. The things that our yours will become theirs. Your good way of life will be no more. Through this know that "I am the Lord."
Message to Moab and Seir: What was their problem? They stated that the house of Judah is like all other nations. And for that, they were handed over to the East, like the Ammonites. How interesting. This should remind us of what the Lord thinks of people that don't agree with His words. We are to raise up those that He raises up.
Message to Edom: What was their problem? They acted revengefully against Judah and took vengeance on them. God's response: Make them desolate. Use Israel to act out the Lord's vengeance upon them.
Message to Philistia: What was their problem? They acted revengefully and desired not to just destroy, but to destroy continually (never-ending enmity). The Cherethites (another people group in the land of Philistia) and the Philistines will be struck down. It could be that the Cherethites were the guards for the rest of Philistia. The bottom line is the Lord will take vengeance upon them.
Promise: People are not obedient to the Lord's commands. But, the Lord will make it clear through painful experiences that He is the Lord.
Time: The Word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel.
What the Lord is Saying:
Message to the Ammonites: It is against them. They are to hear the word of the Lord. There problem was their response when the Lord's sanctuary was profaned or blasphemed, and the desolation of the land of Israel, and Judah going into exile. You will lose your borders, therefore. You will be under someone else's control (the East) and your comfortable way of life will now be inhabited by others. The things that our yours will become theirs. Your good way of life will be no more. Through this know that "I am the Lord."
Message to Moab and Seir: What was their problem? They stated that the house of Judah is like all other nations. And for that, they were handed over to the East, like the Ammonites. How interesting. This should remind us of what the Lord thinks of people that don't agree with His words. We are to raise up those that He raises up.
Message to Edom: What was their problem? They acted revengefully against Judah and took vengeance on them. God's response: Make them desolate. Use Israel to act out the Lord's vengeance upon them.
Message to Philistia: What was their problem? They acted revengefully and desired not to just destroy, but to destroy continually (never-ending enmity). The Cherethites (another people group in the land of Philistia) and the Philistines will be struck down. It could be that the Cherethites were the guards for the rest of Philistia. The bottom line is the Lord will take vengeance upon them.
Promise: People are not obedient to the Lord's commands. But, the Lord will make it clear through painful experiences that He is the Lord.
Ezekiel 24
Message: The siege of Jerusalem spoken by a parable and Ezekiel's wife dies
Time: 9th year, 10th month, 10th day, word of The Lord came to Ezekiel. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem.
What the Lord is Saying: we have a pot with water and meat pieces - the choicest one of the flock.
Wow or take note of the bloody city that also sits in this pot, bleeding. You are unclean and doing nothing about it. The Lord's fury will be satisfied. The Lord will word according to His way.
The Lord speaks and tells Ezekiel he is about to take the delight from him. He speaks to the people and then his wife dies. The Lord asks Ezekiel not to mourn in the traditional way upon his wife's passing. This was probably hard for Ezekiel, but his obedience is clear. I am not sure why this was requested. Perhaps, the Lord did not want Ezekiel not fill his time with this.
Promise: All will be made good for Israel. Through the trouble, the people will know that He is the Lord.
Time: 9th year, 10th month, 10th day, word of The Lord came to Ezekiel. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem.
What the Lord is Saying: we have a pot with water and meat pieces - the choicest one of the flock.
Wow or take note of the bloody city that also sits in this pot, bleeding. You are unclean and doing nothing about it. The Lord's fury will be satisfied. The Lord will word according to His way.
The Lord speaks and tells Ezekiel he is about to take the delight from him. He speaks to the people and then his wife dies. The Lord asks Ezekiel not to mourn in the traditional way upon his wife's passing. This was probably hard for Ezekiel, but his obedience is clear. I am not sure why this was requested. Perhaps, the Lord did not want Ezekiel not fill his time with this.
Promise: All will be made good for Israel. Through the trouble, the people will know that He is the Lord.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Ezekiel 23
Message: The Two Immoral Sisters
Time: The Word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel
What the Lord is Saying: Two women, acting like prostitutes, behaving promiscuously. The two women, Oholah (means "her tent") and Oholibah (means "my tent is in her") portrays Samaria and Jerusalem and the Lord uses sexual language, in all its details, to describe these two places and their sin, their idolatry.
These two were called. They were chosen. But, they gave their allegiance to another. They wanted instead the Assyrians. She gave herself over to them and they had their way with her before eventually killing her.
Oholibah (Jerusalem) was only worse. She went to Chaldea and Babylonians came to her.
The Lord will incite others against her. You will be handed over to those who hate you. Why? Because you acted like a prostitute. You will experience ridicule, scorn, devastation, desolation.
You forget me and so there are consequences.
God will put an end to the indecency in the land.
Promise: You will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.
Time: The Word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel
What the Lord is Saying: Two women, acting like prostitutes, behaving promiscuously. The two women, Oholah (means "her tent") and Oholibah (means "my tent is in her") portrays Samaria and Jerusalem and the Lord uses sexual language, in all its details, to describe these two places and their sin, their idolatry.
These two were called. They were chosen. But, they gave their allegiance to another. They wanted instead the Assyrians. She gave herself over to them and they had their way with her before eventually killing her.
Oholibah (Jerusalem) was only worse. She went to Chaldea and Babylonians came to her.
The Lord will incite others against her. You will be handed over to those who hate you. Why? Because you acted like a prostitute. You will experience ridicule, scorn, devastation, desolation.
You forget me and so there are consequences.
God will put an end to the indecency in the land.
Promise: You will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.
Ezekiel 22
Message: Indictment of Sinful Jerusalem. Jerusalem as God's Furnace. Indictment of a Sinful Land.
Time: The Word of the Lord came to me (Ezekiel).
What the Lord is Saying: Ezekiel at times is a broken record. How many different ways can Israel (Jerusalem) be told that they did wrong? It is a warning sign that the warnings signs are frequent. Maybe what we see is their sin was multi-faceted.
Here the word are the mistake of shedding blood and committing detestable practices. Again, what is mentioned is despising Holy things and profaning "My Sabbaths." Men slander in order to shed blood. Men commit sexual sin with their father's wife, women during menstrual period, with a neighbor's wife, with his son's wife and his sister. People accept bribes in order to shed blood. You profit on a loan. And the name of your land and country will be profaned by other lands and countries.
The Lord will melt you as things are melted in a furnace. Then you will know Yahweh's wrath.
Prophets devour people. Priests do violence and profane Holy things. There is no separation between what is holy and what is common. They disregard my Sabbaths. They will shed blood to make a profit.
This is the work of the Lord.
Promise: Sin must be called for what it is.
Time: The Word of the Lord came to me (Ezekiel).
What the Lord is Saying: Ezekiel at times is a broken record. How many different ways can Israel (Jerusalem) be told that they did wrong? It is a warning sign that the warnings signs are frequent. Maybe what we see is their sin was multi-faceted.
Here the word are the mistake of shedding blood and committing detestable practices. Again, what is mentioned is despising Holy things and profaning "My Sabbaths." Men slander in order to shed blood. Men commit sexual sin with their father's wife, women during menstrual period, with a neighbor's wife, with his son's wife and his sister. People accept bribes in order to shed blood. You profit on a loan. And the name of your land and country will be profaned by other lands and countries.
The Lord will melt you as things are melted in a furnace. Then you will know Yahweh's wrath.
Prophets devour people. Priests do violence and profane Holy things. There is no separation between what is holy and what is common. They disregard my Sabbaths. They will shed blood to make a profit.
This is the work of the Lord.
Promise: Sin must be called for what it is.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Ezekiel 21
Message: The Lord has drawn His sword.
Time: The Word of the Lord came to me (Ezekiel).
What the Lord is Saying: Preach against the land of Israel. The righteous and wicked will be cut off. Ezekiel "Groans" so the people see that He is sorrowful for their situation. The Lord's fury will be satisfied. He will bring their guilt to remembrance. Your sins will be remembered.
Promise: God's wrath will be executed.
Time: The Word of the Lord came to me (Ezekiel).
What the Lord is Saying: Preach against the land of Israel. The righteous and wicked will be cut off. Ezekiel "Groans" so the people see that He is sorrowful for their situation. The Lord's fury will be satisfied. He will bring their guilt to remembrance. Your sins will be remembered.
Promise: God's wrath will be executed.
Ezekiel 20
Message: Israel's continuous rebellion; God will restore Israel.
Time: 7th year, 5th month, 10th day. Elders came to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying: Why do you come? To inquire? Your fathers sinned. The Lord made a covenant with his people to save them, to rescue them from Egypt and give them riches. I gave them rules to live by. I gave them my Sabbaths.
But they rebelled. They rejected rules and ignored the Sabbath. I poured out wrath because my name was profaned. My statutes are to be honored, but I spared them and did not put a full end to them.
I asked their children to walk in their ways, but they rebelled as well. But he withheld his anger. The Lord gave them rules that when obeyed would not have good outcomes and nothing to save their life to remind them of who He is.
Idolatry is what reigned in these people's lives.
The Lord makes it known, "I will be king over you." I will bring you out from where you are to purge the evil from your midst. If you are going to do evil, then go ahead and do it. But don't call me Lord and then profane my name. I want people who will serve Me and Me alone. I want those who loathe their sin.
Promise: God does not want people who say one thing and do the other. He wants hot or cold. He wants people who give there all to Him.
Time: 7th year, 5th month, 10th day. Elders came to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying: Why do you come? To inquire? Your fathers sinned. The Lord made a covenant with his people to save them, to rescue them from Egypt and give them riches. I gave them rules to live by. I gave them my Sabbaths.
But they rebelled. They rejected rules and ignored the Sabbath. I poured out wrath because my name was profaned. My statutes are to be honored, but I spared them and did not put a full end to them.
I asked their children to walk in their ways, but they rebelled as well. But he withheld his anger. The Lord gave them rules that when obeyed would not have good outcomes and nothing to save their life to remind them of who He is.
Idolatry is what reigned in these people's lives.
The Lord makes it known, "I will be king over you." I will bring you out from where you are to purge the evil from your midst. If you are going to do evil, then go ahead and do it. But don't call me Lord and then profane my name. I want people who will serve Me and Me alone. I want those who loathe their sin.
Promise: God does not want people who say one thing and do the other. He wants hot or cold. He wants people who give there all to Him.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Ezekiel 19
Message: Something about the root and its offspring, perhaps training.
Time: A lamentation is given.
What the Lord is Saying: Your mother, a lioness is raising her cubs.
One cub became a lion, learning to catch prey. Nations heard and caught him in their pit, bringing him in hooks to Egypt.
The mother raises another cub to be a young lion. He catches prey as well, seizes widows, the land is appalled an seizes him. He is brought in a cage to the king of Babylon.
The mother is like a vine in vineyard. Its shoots are strong, but is cast away.
Problem: Training is significant in our lives.
Time: A lamentation is given.
What the Lord is Saying: Your mother, a lioness is raising her cubs.
One cub became a lion, learning to catch prey. Nations heard and caught him in their pit, bringing him in hooks to Egypt.
The mother raises another cub to be a young lion. He catches prey as well, seizes widows, the land is appalled an seizes him. He is brought in a cage to the king of Babylon.
The mother is like a vine in vineyard. Its shoots are strong, but is cast away.
Problem: Training is significant in our lives.
Ezekiel 18
Message: Each person is responsible for their own actions. They can not fall back to their parents or previous ancestors. Each person must make the decision to repent, to "go and sin no more."
Time: Another message comes to Ezekiel from the Lord. It is a story of a family and the actions of each in different generations.
What the Lord is Saying:
The Lord condones a proverb among His people. They are saying, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children pucker at the taste." The Lord reminds them, "The person who sins is the one who dies." Each person is responsible.
Father - Righteous, does what is right, no idols, no adultery, no uncleanness, does not oppress others, restores debt to pledges, no stealing, helps needy, walks in statutes. He is righteous. He shall live.
Son - Violent, Adulterer, oppressor, robs, idolatry, lends at interest. He shall not live; he will die for his sin.
Grandson - Living like his grandfather.
If a wicked person turns from his sins and keeps His statutes, he shall live. His sins will not be remembered. He has righteousness.
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (verse 23).
If one that is seen as righteous sins, he will not be remembered.
God is just.
Key verse: Ezekiel 18:30, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways. This is the declaration of the Lord God. "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment."
Promise: Turn from your sin and God will save you.
Time: Another message comes to Ezekiel from the Lord. It is a story of a family and the actions of each in different generations.
What the Lord is Saying:
The Lord condones a proverb among His people. They are saying, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children pucker at the taste." The Lord reminds them, "The person who sins is the one who dies." Each person is responsible.
Father - Righteous, does what is right, no idols, no adultery, no uncleanness, does not oppress others, restores debt to pledges, no stealing, helps needy, walks in statutes. He is righteous. He shall live.
Son - Violent, Adulterer, oppressor, robs, idolatry, lends at interest. He shall not live; he will die for his sin.
Grandson - Living like his grandfather.
If a wicked person turns from his sins and keeps His statutes, he shall live. His sins will not be remembered. He has righteousness.
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (verse 23).
If one that is seen as righteous sins, he will not be remembered.
God is just.
Key verse: Ezekiel 18:30, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways. This is the declaration of the Lord God. "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment."
Promise: Turn from your sin and God will save you.
Ezekiel 17
Message: Another beautiful picture here ultimately of God at work among His people. He is the author of life and rescues people and establishes them no matter their appearance. He makes the short tall.
Time: A word from the Lord. This time a riddle.
What the Lord is Saying:
Two eagles are presented.
First one comes to Lebanon. It is large and colorful. When to the top of the tree and plucked off its highest branch. The eagle carried the branch to a city filled with merchants (sellers) and planted it there. He took a seed, planting it beside a river where it would grow. It took root and grew into low spreading vine. It produced strong branches and put out shoots (which help the tree regrow). Thus, a strong vine. But low.
The eagle appears to be the Lord, establishing his people, making them strong and multiply.
Second eagle. Similar in appearance to first. The vine and branches went toward the eagle. It was planted well. It flourished and grew into a splendid vine, producing rich and luscious fruit.
But the Lord speaks and asks if the vine will grow. No. He will put it up, it won't transplant well, despite it being in good soil.
Riddle explained by the Lord.
The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem. He took the leaders, the princes away (into exile) establishing a treaty, making these leaders loyal to him. Their survival centered then on the king. The treaty was made by the leaders. One man revolted, getting Egypt involved. Problem: A treaty cannot be broken.
The Lord wants people to keep their oaths that they make in His name.
The Lord reminds the people that He is in control. He plants. He produces growth. He produces safety for those near His branch. Don't look at the size of the tree, for it is the short tree that flourishes. He gives the dead tree new life.
Promise: God is in control.
Time: A word from the Lord. This time a riddle.
What the Lord is Saying:
Two eagles are presented.
First one comes to Lebanon. It is large and colorful. When to the top of the tree and plucked off its highest branch. The eagle carried the branch to a city filled with merchants (sellers) and planted it there. He took a seed, planting it beside a river where it would grow. It took root and grew into low spreading vine. It produced strong branches and put out shoots (which help the tree regrow). Thus, a strong vine. But low.
The eagle appears to be the Lord, establishing his people, making them strong and multiply.
Second eagle. Similar in appearance to first. The vine and branches went toward the eagle. It was planted well. It flourished and grew into a splendid vine, producing rich and luscious fruit.
But the Lord speaks and asks if the vine will grow. No. He will put it up, it won't transplant well, despite it being in good soil.
Riddle explained by the Lord.
The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem. He took the leaders, the princes away (into exile) establishing a treaty, making these leaders loyal to him. Their survival centered then on the king. The treaty was made by the leaders. One man revolted, getting Egypt involved. Problem: A treaty cannot be broken.
The Lord wants people to keep their oaths that they make in His name.
The Lord reminds the people that He is in control. He plants. He produces growth. He produces safety for those near His branch. Don't look at the size of the tree, for it is the short tree that flourishes. He gives the dead tree new life.
Promise: God is in control.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Ezekiel 16
Message: A picture of salvation. God saves the ugly and unwanted and gives them life and then people ignore Him. But, God made a covenant with a people and no matter what He will keep it.
Time: A message to Ezekiel from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
Parable of God's Adulterous Wife
Jerusalem came from poor origins. Father - Amorite. Mother - Hittite. At birth, umbilical cord was not cut. And you were not washed clean with water. Not rubbed with salt. Not wrapped in cloths. Despised. No one had compassion for you.
The Lord passed by you and said, "Live!" I made you thrive. You grew up and matured and became very beautiful. I covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you. I made a covenant with you. You became Mine. I washed you and I anointed you. I clothed you in good cloth and gave you leather sandals. And gave you jewelry. You were adorned with beauty. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became royalty. And your fame spread among the nations.
But, the give of beauty I gave you became something that you focused on too much. Because of your fame, you became a prostitute, thinking you could sell yourself now to others. And you gave my gifts to anyone that passed by. You took the jewelry I gave you and turned it into an image to worship. And you set the food I had given you before others. You even took your offspring, my gift to you, and set them before these images, sacrificing them. Through all of this, you forgot where you had been, where you had come from, your birth, your beginnings.
And you kept going. You made a mound and elevated your position above everyone else. And your prostitution, the giving of my gifts to others, increased. My anger was provoked. So, I reduced your provisions. I gave you over to the desire of your heart, to those that hate you. And suddenly you were engaged in rampant prostitution with as many as you could find. From nation to nation. You loved lust. But, unlike a prostitute, you did this all for free. You didn't want anything return. This is how much you enjoyed your sin.
The Lord will gather all those you loved and together your nakedness will be exposed. You will be judged. I will hand you over to them. You will be naked before all. Your houses will burn and I will then stop you from being a prostitute. My wrath will be satisfied. My jealousy will turn away. You walked in the detestable ways of your ancestry (Hittite, Amorite), but you took it a step further and lived more detestable lives than they did. Your sins are so great that your detestable sisters seem righteous. Bear your disgrace. Be ashamed.
You must bear the consequence of your detestable practices. The Lord will deal with you according to what you have done.
But....
The Lord will remember the covenant He made with you. He will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Not because of the covenant you made with me, but because of the covenant I made with you (verse 61, 62). And you will know that I am Yahweh. I will make atonement. You will remember. Your mouth will be closed.
Promise: God is just and His justice will be served. What matters is His covenant with us. He is Lord. Always.
Time: A message to Ezekiel from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
Parable of God's Adulterous Wife
Jerusalem came from poor origins. Father - Amorite. Mother - Hittite. At birth, umbilical cord was not cut. And you were not washed clean with water. Not rubbed with salt. Not wrapped in cloths. Despised. No one had compassion for you.
The Lord passed by you and said, "Live!" I made you thrive. You grew up and matured and became very beautiful. I covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you. I made a covenant with you. You became Mine. I washed you and I anointed you. I clothed you in good cloth and gave you leather sandals. And gave you jewelry. You were adorned with beauty. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became royalty. And your fame spread among the nations.
But, the give of beauty I gave you became something that you focused on too much. Because of your fame, you became a prostitute, thinking you could sell yourself now to others. And you gave my gifts to anyone that passed by. You took the jewelry I gave you and turned it into an image to worship. And you set the food I had given you before others. You even took your offspring, my gift to you, and set them before these images, sacrificing them. Through all of this, you forgot where you had been, where you had come from, your birth, your beginnings.
And you kept going. You made a mound and elevated your position above everyone else. And your prostitution, the giving of my gifts to others, increased. My anger was provoked. So, I reduced your provisions. I gave you over to the desire of your heart, to those that hate you. And suddenly you were engaged in rampant prostitution with as many as you could find. From nation to nation. You loved lust. But, unlike a prostitute, you did this all for free. You didn't want anything return. This is how much you enjoyed your sin.
The Lord will gather all those you loved and together your nakedness will be exposed. You will be judged. I will hand you over to them. You will be naked before all. Your houses will burn and I will then stop you from being a prostitute. My wrath will be satisfied. My jealousy will turn away. You walked in the detestable ways of your ancestry (Hittite, Amorite), but you took it a step further and lived more detestable lives than they did. Your sins are so great that your detestable sisters seem righteous. Bear your disgrace. Be ashamed.
You must bear the consequence of your detestable practices. The Lord will deal with you according to what you have done.
But....
The Lord will remember the covenant He made with you. He will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Not because of the covenant you made with me, but because of the covenant I made with you (verse 61, 62). And you will know that I am Yahweh. I will make atonement. You will remember. Your mouth will be closed.
Promise: God is just and His justice will be served. What matters is His covenant with us. He is Lord. Always.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Ezekiel 15
Message: The Wood of the Vine.
Time: Ezekiel receives a parable from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
Small chapter, but as is customary with parables, there is lots of information here.
Branch among branches compare (verse 2). This is interesting. Is Israel, the wood of the vine, shown here to be distinct from the other vines, the other wood. Can different wood be useful? Can this wood be useful? The wood of the vine was not useful. The purpose of the vine was to produce grapes. But, the wood. It is only good for producing a fire.
Into the fire (verse 4). The wood here has a purpose. Fuel for the fire. The wood has a purpose.
Could not be made useful whole or after being devoured (verse 5). On its own, it isn't useful. It needs something or someone to ignite it.
Ultimately, like the wood, God will give up the wood, His people, to burn. The people of Jerusalem had become this wood. The leftover part of the vine. No matter what, they will be consumed.
Grape-producing vines were among the most important crops of ancient Israel and therefore key to the old covenant community and its economy. To own a prosperous vineyard was to have a means of supporting oneself and one's family, and an abundant vineyard came to symbolize prosperity.
Promise: God does things for a reason. There is always a reason. We may not comprehend it, but there is a reason. Here the reason is unfaithfulness.
Time: Ezekiel receives a parable from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
Small chapter, but as is customary with parables, there is lots of information here.
Branch among branches compare (verse 2). This is interesting. Is Israel, the wood of the vine, shown here to be distinct from the other vines, the other wood. Can different wood be useful? Can this wood be useful? The wood of the vine was not useful. The purpose of the vine was to produce grapes. But, the wood. It is only good for producing a fire.
Into the fire (verse 4). The wood here has a purpose. Fuel for the fire. The wood has a purpose.
Could not be made useful whole or after being devoured (verse 5). On its own, it isn't useful. It needs something or someone to ignite it.
Ultimately, like the wood, God will give up the wood, His people, to burn. The people of Jerusalem had become this wood. The leftover part of the vine. No matter what, they will be consumed.
Grape-producing vines were among the most important crops of ancient Israel and therefore key to the old covenant community and its economy. To own a prosperous vineyard was to have a means of supporting oneself and one's family, and an abundant vineyard came to symbolize prosperity.
Promise: God does things for a reason. There is always a reason. We may not comprehend it, but there is a reason. Here the reason is unfaithfulness.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Ezekiel 14
Message: People willingly turn from the Lord and when they do judgment awaits. Only being righteous saves us and this righteousness comes from God. God's justice is being seen right now, today.
Time: Ezekiel receives a visit from some of the leaders of Israel and when visiting, he receives a message from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
The leaders have idols in their hearts. They embrace things that will lead them to sin. They petition me. Why should I listen? Instead, what they will receive is a deceived message. They will learn, eventually, not to have other gods.
Another scenario comes up, people sin and receive judgment. People die. Who escapes this? Several times the text states that the ones that escape are the ones that have been declared righteous. Righteousness saves people, individuals, not groups or nations.
It is interesting to realize that God's laws of justice are active even in today's time. We often wonder when God is going to judge and not allow the sin to continue, like it is? What makes us think that God isn't already judging us? Right now, we see the fraying of the fabric of our society. God's name is blasphemed on a regular occurrence now. Marriage is being redefined. Idolatry is common place (gambling, alcoholism, debauchery, gluttony). It is somewhat inconsistent to look at these things and think that God's justice is NOT currently occurring. Many of us are groaning because of what is occurring, though many think everything is fine. We are currently, right now, in a state of receiving the curse of God. I must remember Romans 1 and the fact that God gives people over to their sin when they continue to ignore the commandments of the Lord.
We are too quick to think that the destruction and calamities we are privy to today are not due to God's judgment.
Problem: God's judgment is here, right now.
Time: Ezekiel receives a visit from some of the leaders of Israel and when visiting, he receives a message from the Lord.
What the Lord is Saying:
The leaders have idols in their hearts. They embrace things that will lead them to sin. They petition me. Why should I listen? Instead, what they will receive is a deceived message. They will learn, eventually, not to have other gods.
Another scenario comes up, people sin and receive judgment. People die. Who escapes this? Several times the text states that the ones that escape are the ones that have been declared righteous. Righteousness saves people, individuals, not groups or nations.
It is interesting to realize that God's laws of justice are active even in today's time. We often wonder when God is going to judge and not allow the sin to continue, like it is? What makes us think that God isn't already judging us? Right now, we see the fraying of the fabric of our society. God's name is blasphemed on a regular occurrence now. Marriage is being redefined. Idolatry is common place (gambling, alcoholism, debauchery, gluttony). It is somewhat inconsistent to look at these things and think that God's justice is NOT currently occurring. Many of us are groaning because of what is occurring, though many think everything is fine. We are currently, right now, in a state of receiving the curse of God. I must remember Romans 1 and the fact that God gives people over to their sin when they continue to ignore the commandments of the Lord.
We are too quick to think that the destruction and calamities we are privy to today are not due to God's judgment.
Problem: God's judgment is here, right now.
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