D 19-23, Ezekial: Warning rebellious people that they may know the LORD

One of the amazing things through the book of Ezekiel is the way the style of writing changes dramatically in different sections. We have visions, parables, exhortations to the people, tales of despair and judgement, descriptions of glory and hope, and explicit descriptive analogies of Israel and Judah's idolatry.

The book is written while Ezekiel has been taken away with the people in captivity to Babylon, and he is a contemporary of Jeremiah and Daniel, roughly the same age as Daniel, although he was taken to Babylon in a later group of captives than Daniel.

One of the key phrases in Ezekiel is "(that ye shall...) know that I am the LORD". This phrase occurs 77 times in the Bible, and 63 times this is in Ezekiel! So the glory of the Lord is certainly a big focus in this book.
The glory of the Lord is drawn out in His relations with His prophet, His people, and the promised restoration.

Time is brief in many ways, and there is so much in Ezekiel - it is one of those books that reading through I kept thinking - I've got to go back to that bit later! - but I will deal with some of the major points I contemplated during my daily readings.


The book starts with the focus on the glory of God, and the second chapter leads directly into his commission to a rebellious people, Israel. 'rebellious' is another key word in Ezekiel - the phrase 'rebellious house' is found 13 times, and 'rebellious' another 4 times in the book. There is quite a discussion about it in chapters 2-3, then the same thought is repeated in chapter 12.

In the commission of Ezekiel, and again this is repeated (in chapter 33), there is a strong emphasis given tot he requirement to warn the people of Israel/Judah and the responsibility of the prophet/witness of God. Sobering to consider, as we are all witnesses of God, commissioned by Him to bear witness to Him in all the world. Ezekiel (and by extension ourselves) is not responsible for the salvation/repentance of the people if he fulfils his duty and warns them, but if he does not warn them, he bears some responsibility for his failure to warn them that the might repent. Good to remember our role in God's process of salvation. He is the One Who prepares the heart, convicts by His Spirit, and provides justification and reconciliation, but He asks us to be watchmen to warn the people of their doom if they do not turn in repentance. He chooses to use our words either as a condemnation of their wickedness towards judgement, or a convicting message that leads to repentance - it is His work alone that saves, but He gives us that responsibility to witness through word and/or deed.

Ezekiel's description of angels is something to marvel at also - especially around Christmas, where we see the 'typical' angel depicted everywhere, the description we read sounds truly weird. Personally, I am of the view that the form of the angels (both Seraphim and Cherubim) must be marvellous in beauty, but the lack of human words to describe the creatures leaves uncertain how to picture these creatures that seem a conglomeration of different animal heads and features. There is certain symbolism with the animals present - and many have discussed the different characteristics these represent, which I do not have the time to go into now.


Chapters 16 and 23 describe Israel's and Judah's harlotry (prostitution) in vivid detail. Reading it, the detail seems to be there to lend wait to the truth of how God is hurt by their rejection. Describing it in terms of this intimate relationship that is broken, marred, and exploited, He inspires Ezekiel to write these analogies both so the people might be impressed with the seriousness of their transgression and rejection, and remember the lesson more clearly.


Being a contemporary of Jeremiah and Daniel, there are a number of themes coming through that are similar. We see warnings about false prophets that preach peace, and the analogy of Israel as a vine that the Lord will judge. We see the instruction to settle and live in the Babylonian lands, and to 'make the most of it.' We also see repeated prophecies about the nations round about. Egypt in particular receives a lot of prophecy against it in this book.

Restoration is a major theme, particularly in the latter part of the book. The picture of the Lord as Shepherd replacing the false shepherd who exploited and harmed the flock; the restoration of the land and purification of the people; the description of the Temple and the land boundaries - all are reminders that the Lord still has plans for them, for His purposes. An interesting note about the motivation though, in 36:32 - 'not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord' He is doing it for His glory and to show His character, not because of some special merit by the people. Indeed, As was seen in the case of Aholah and Aholibah, Judah was 'more corrupt in her inordinate love', and yet the Lord has chosen to deal more kindly with Judah than Israel.


For understanding the temple dimensions, it was helpful to watch through these videos instead of just reading through the numbers and trying to visualise it mentally:
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42&43
It is amazing the level of detail given here. The size of the temple, the descriptions of decorations and sacrifices - all arrayed to the glory of God! My understanding is this is a description of a future temple during the millennial reign of Christ on earth - although there may be a partial fulfilment of it during the tribulation period when the temple is rebuilt then. All the questions surrounding it are probably a study for another time, though - here just let us marvel at the detailed design God gives, that will be built for His glory.

Reading Ezekiel at the beach

Is it possible to read God's word and hear from God anywhere? In a different country? While I am stressed out or relaxed? On holiday? At the beach?
I've been reading Ezekiel at the beach and some verses stand out more because of what I see around me.
I thought I would share them to encourage us on our reading journey together.

At the beach, there were heaps of stones, that hurt our feet when we walked on them to get to the sea. It reminded me of this verse.
 Ezek 11: 19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
How much pain does my own heart of stone cause those around me? I am thankful that God promises to replace my hard heart.

As I watch the Pohutukawa trees in bloom. I am reminded of the cedar and this verse, which has resonance in the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matt 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13: 18-19)

Ezek 17: 22 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

Jesus uses verses from Ezekiel to talk about the Kingdom of God.

As the children make sand castles and try to cover the cracks and gaps in the sand piles as they lift their buckets, I am reminded of this verse:

Ezek 22:30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.

Is there a difference between filling in the gap and standing in the gap? The motif of the Watchman who stands in the gap is repeated in Ezekiel. Join me as I marvel, mull over and meditate on what that means.

d23 Ezekiel 40-48

Read Ezekiel 40-48 in the bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eze%2040&version=WEB

 



This video asks some interesting questions but do you think after reading today's text, Ezekiel's temple was meant to understood in this manner? What makes you marvel about this picture? What do you think is the main point of the vision? How has this been fulfilled in Christ?

 

*Please note the video presents an interesting perspective which could be controversial. It is hoped that when you compare today's reading to the video, it may help you sort out what the text does or does not say. Be thinking. 

d22 Ezekiel 33-39

Read Ezekiel 33-39 in the bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eze%2033&version=WEB

 

Ezekiel has been called the bridge between the testaments because the book introduces imagery (pictures) and phrases that are used in the New Testament. For example:

(1) He says, speaking for God, said "I will judge you, each one according to his ways (i.e., his own actions)." (Ezekiel 18:30; and, similarly in 33:20).

(2) The view of God as the Shepherd seeking lost sheep and bringing them home again is presented (Ezekiel 34:11-16).

(3) Ezekiel taught the feeling of a "new heart" and "new spirit" that will be given to the people who will be cleansed of their sins (Ezekiel 36:26) and of the return of God's people to Israel (Ezekiel 36:28; 35), where God said "you will be My people, and I will be your God." (Taken from http://www.biblenotes.net/ezekiel.html)

What does God promise to restore in the Messianic Age? What have you learnt about God?

 

 

The Valley of Dry Bones has been called the most memorable image in the Book of Ezekiel do you agree? Why or why not?





d21 Ezekiel 25-32

Read Ezekiel 25-32 in the bible  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eze+25:1-32:32

Although not a political enemy, Tyre represents the economically exploitative powers; she lives in arrogance because of her position in the world's economic systems. The first oracle (26) is against the city herself, while the second(27) mockingly laments her coming demise. Here especially you get insight into the Phoenician's role as merchants to the world, a passage from which John borrows heavily in his woes against Babylon (Rome) in Revelations 18. The third oracle (28) focuses on the sheer arrogance of her king. But Yahweh alone is King of nations, so Tyre must also fall. (Taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee)

What makes you marvel when you read about God's concern for nations? 

d20 Ezekiel 13-24

Read Ezekiel 13-25 in the bible http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Ezekiel+13&version=niv

 

There are 52 oracles in this book, arranged in themes. Can you tell the difference between oracles introduced by "the word of the LORD came to me" and "the hand of the LORD was upon me"? Ezekiel spoke mainly in prose and he was interested in the temple and things priestly. He reinforced his message through repetition. He emphasized his humanity in God's presence by calling himself the "son of man". What does this passage tell you about God?

 

For quiet time material on Ezekiel http://www.ivpress.com/bible/ezekiel/

d19 Ezekiel 1-12

Read Ezekiel 1-12 in the bible http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Ezekiel+1&version=niv

The three major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and Zephaniah all have the same basic sequence of messages:
(1) oracles against Israel,
(2) oracles against the nations,
(3) consolation for Israel.

In no other book is this pattern clearer than in Ezekiel. The book also has a symmetry:
(1)The desecrated temple fit for destruction (8–11) and then purified temple (40–48).
(2) God of wrath (1) and God of comfort (“the Lord is there,” 48:35).
(3) A watchman announcing divine judgment (3) and the new age to follow (33).
(4) The mountains of Israel is rebuked (6) and consoled (36).

Ezekiel was from a priestly family and was one of the Jews exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC, and in 1:1-3 received his call to become a prophet. He was married (24:15–18), lived in a house of his own (3:24; 8:1) and his wife died (24). Like Jeremiah, his life, actions and visions draw attention to his message. As exiles, the Jews lived as a minority race in a pluralistic society. (Read the rest of the introduction here http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/ezekiel/)

Again, try to get a general sense of the book and not get lost in the detail. There is lots to marvel at in terms of visual imagery of the book. For example, this is one person's, possibly a Gamer, visual representation of chapter 1

Here are more possible pictures/ visual representations of the passage.  



How does marvelling in wonder at the images differ from trying to work out what they mean?
If you've been finding the background videos helpful here's the one for Ezekiel http://www.bibledex.com/videos/ezekiel.html
What have you learnt about God today?