Ezekiel
Israel in the Furnace
Ezekiel’s second message stressed that Jerusalem would become a furnace of affliction-a smelting furnace of judgment that would melt those who remained in it (vv. 17-19). Israel had become worthless to God, for she was dross to Him-like the scum of copper, tin, iron, and le …
One Kingdom, One King
In this chapter, Ezekiel reveals how Israel (God’s people) will be restored to their land from many parts of the world. Once Israel is back in the land and becomes strong, a confederacy of nations from the north will attack, led by Gog (Rev. 20:6). They will come to dest …
Both Sisters Judged
God declares that Oholah and Oholibah are to be destroyed, together with their children and their houses. God is holy, and lewdness and idolatry are to be eradicated from his holy people (vv. 36- 49). In the final section of this chapter Ezekiel reviewed the sin and judgme …
Vision of the High Priest
Ezekiel found that the Word of God was not only very good for him but something he had a strong desire to read and meditate on (vv. 1-3). If we digest God’s Word we will find that it not only makes us stronger in our faith but in wisdom and makes us a sweeter person. Beli …
The Sword Sharpened
This passage explains how the sword was sharpened (vv. 8-17). It is a poetic song of judgment and the theme is that God’s sword was sharpened, ready for slaughter. The song has three stanzas: The first stanza explains how God’s sword was sharpened with a whetstone to giv …
Proclamation Against Egypt
This prophecy includes three sections, each of which closes with the words seen so often in Ezekiel, “then they will know that I am the Lord” (vv. 6a, 9, 16). This first of seven prophecies against Egypt was given almost a year after the siege of Jerusalem began …
The Fairness of God’s Judgment
This passage emphasizes what is gained in life through turning to righteousness from wickedness. Ezekiel’s primary reference is to life after this present life. Now they seem to feel heavy guilt for rebelling against God for so many years. Therefore, God assured them of for …
Vision of the Horses
Ezekiel worked for God right where he was, among the exiles in various colonies near the Chebar River in Babylon (v. 1). Jerusalem and its temple was over 500 miles away, but Ezekiel helped the people understand that although they were far from home they did not need to be …
A Sword Against Jerusalem
The Lord also told Ezekiel to shave all of the hair off his head and face and to divide the hair into three equal parts to symbolize what was going to happen to the people in Jerusalem (vv. 1-10). He was to burn one third, cut up another third with a sword, and throw the …
Egypt Cut Down Like a Great Tree
The Lord challenged Pharaoh and his armies to learn a lesson from history. Assyria, the mightiest empire in the Near East from 745-626 B.C., had once been like a mighty cedar of Lebanon. It was well nourished and grew tall. Birds lodged in its branches, and animals sought …