My Daily Bible Study - Ezekiel (2)

[Frances]

Ezekiel 26 - 28

What does the text say? – On February 3rd in the 12th year of King Jehoiakim’s captivity, the Lord told Ezekiel Tyre had been delighted in the fall of Jerusalem as they thought Tyre would gain wealth because of it; but the Lord would cause many nations to destroy it and leave it an uninhabitable ruin. Tyre had been a great trading city for the best of every kind of merchandise from far and near passed through it, but it would exist no more. The Lord told Ezekiel to tell the prince of Tyre that he had too high an opinion of himself, so the Lord would destroy him. Then the Lord told Ezekiel to sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre, saying he had been the model of perfection , full of wisdom and beauty, he was in Eden with his clothing adorned with every precious stone all set in finest gold; he had access to the mountain of God and was blameless from the day he was created until he became evil and was banished in disgrace because of his pride in the beauty and wisdom the Lord had given him. Then the Lord told Ezekiel to prophecy the destruction of Sidon, so that Israel’s scornful neighbour would know He is the Lord and His people will, once again, live safely in Israel, building homes and planting vineyards, when their contemptuous neighbours have been punished and know He is the Lord God.

Application? – No nation or person is too great to be punished by the Lord. Have I ever been contemptuous or scornful of any other nation? Am I proud of my looks or ability – which are, in fact, a gift from God?

Quote:- (Henry H. Halley)”585 BC Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Tyre. It took 13 years to conquer the city (585 – 573 BC). Tyre . . . 60 miles North West of Nazareth, was a double city, one part on an island the other on a fertile and well-watered plain . . . it was a great maritime power of the ancient world . . . with colonies on the north and west coasts of Africa, in Spain and Britain, controlling the commerce of the Mediterranean, with the wares of all nations passing through it’s port. A city renowned for it’s splendour and fabulous wealth. With it’s subjugation by Nebuchadnezzar it ceased to be an independent power; it was later subdued by the Persians and again by Alexander the Great (332 BC). It never recovered it’s former glory and has for centuries been a ‘bare rock’ where fishermen ‘spread their nets’, an amazing fulfilment of Ezekiel’s prophecy that it ‘nevermore should have a being’.

[Frances]

Ezekiel 29 - 32

What does the text say? – On January 7th 586 BC the Lord told Ezekiel to prophecy against the king and people of Egypt. He, the Lord, would bring an army against them who would destroy the army and the people, then the land would be wasteland from Migdol to Aswan and as far south as the border with Ethiopia; for 40 years the land would be uninhabited. At the end of 40 years the people would go back and be prosperous again, but not have military might - then Israel would know He is the Lord. On April 26th 570 BC the Lord told Ezekiel He would give Nebuchadnezzar’s army Egypt to plunder, because he was working for the Lord when he destroyed Tyre. The day would come when the ancient glory of Israel would be revived and then Ezekiel’s words would be respected, and the people would know He is the Lord. The Lord told Ezekiel many people would die in Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Lidia and all Arabia would also be destroyed, all Egypt’s allies would be destroyed by the king of Babylon – then Egypt would know He is the Lord. On April 29th in the 11th year of Jehoiachin’s captivity the Lord told Ezekiel He would scatter the Egyptians throughout other nations, then they would know He is the Lord, and on June 21st 586BC and March 17th 584 BC He told Ezekiel that Pharoah and the Egyptian people would go into the pit. (Note:- dates are from Henry H. Halley)

Application? - The Lord’s disciplines and punishments may be a long time coming, but they will surely come when He thinks the time is right.

[Frances]

Ezekiel 33

What does the text say? – The Lord instructed Ezekiel to tell the people they make a man a watchman when they fear attack, responsible for warning them when enemies are approaching; that man is not responsible for the lives of those who take no notice of his warning, but is responsible for every life lost if he gives no warning. When the Lord says a wicked person will die but you don’t warn them you are responsible for their death, but if you warn them and they take no notice, they are responsible for their own death. So tell the people the Lord has no pleasure in anyone’s Death but wants the wicked to turn from their wickedness and Live. Former righteousness will not Save those who turn to Sin, nor will former wickedness mean destruction for those who repent (turn away from) their Sins. On January 7th in the 12th year of captivity the Lord gave Ezekiel back his voice, so when a man arrived saying Jerusalem had fallen he was able to tell the people those left in Judah would not possess the land as they were murderers, idolaters and adulterers, so they would all die either by the sword, wild animals or disease. The people listened to Ezekiel for amusement but didn’t have any intention of acting on what he said.

Application? – I am responsible for warning people of the Judgement to come. If I don’t warn them I will be responsible for their lack of Salvation, but if I tell them of their need, their Salvation or lack of it, is their responsibility. No former Sin will prevent those who repent of that Sin from receiving Life. No amount of former righteousness will Save someone righteous who turns to Sin.

[Frances]

Ezekiel 34

What does the text say? – The Lord told Ezekiel to prophecy against the leaders of Israel because they have let their ‘flocks’ starve; they have not taken care of the weak, have not looked for those who have wandered away and are lost, instead they have ruled with harshness and cruelty, so the ‘sheep’ have scattered over the world and are easy prey for wild animals. Therefore the Lord considers these shepherds His enemies and will hold them responsible for the state of His flock. The Lord will gather His flock and feed them Himself, he will seek the lost, bandage the wounded and strengthen the weak, but He will destroy those who are fat and powerful and they will receive His Judgement. The Lord will make a Covenant of Peace with His people, and there will be showers of Blessings, their land will produce famous crops and His people will no longer suffer insults from other nations, and the people of Israel will know they are the Lord’s people and He is their God.

Application? – The Lord will treat His spiritual shepherds in a similar way to how they have treated His people. Do I ensure the Lord’s people under my care are fed from His Word? Do I ensure each person knows why they need to enter into a Covenant of Peace with the Lord? Do I treat each person as my Lord Jesus wants me to? Do I seek the lost? Do I bind up the broken-hearted? Do I strengthen the weak? Am I only a leader for the kudos that position brings or to encourage others and ensure they receive the nourishment they need? Do I use my ‘power’ wisely? Do I always recognise each Blessing the Lord showers on me?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 35 - 36

What does the text say? – The Lord told Ezekiel to prophecy against mount Seir and Edom saying He was their enemy and would completely destroy them because of their hatred of Israel and their intention to make the land of Israel theirs, caring nothing for the Lord and boasting against Him. The Lord said the mountains of Israel would yield fruit for the Israelites who would surely come back, they would inhabit the cities and rebuild the ruins. When the Israelites had lived in their own land they defiled it by the way they lived and the Lord Judged them according to their deeds, scattering them among other nations. The Lord was going to bring them back, not because they deserved it but to protect His Holy Name, and to demonstrate His Holiness to the other nations. When they came home His people would not worship idols because He would give them a new heart and a new spirit, and they would submit to Him; then the people would despise themselves for all the detestable things they had done. When the Lord had cleansed the people of their Sins He will repopulate the cities, the ruins will be rebuilt, and the land become like the Garden of Eden.

Application? – Have I spoken against the Jews in any way? Have I realised how fertile the land God gave His people is, and how other nations covet that land and try to get rid of the people? Is the Lord still protecting His Holy Name by the way He prevents other nations ejecting His people completely? Aught I to pray more diligently for the Jews, as a whole, to have a new heart and a new spirit and submit to the Lord?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 37

What does the text say? – Ezekiel was taken, in the Spirit, to a valley of dry bones. The Lord told him to prophecy to the bones and tell them He would make them live again. As Ezekiel watched the bodies reformed but were not breathing. The Lord told Ezekiel to speak prophetically to the breath of Life, then a great army stood up. The Lord said, to His people in exile, He would enable them to live in their own land again, with His Spirit in them, so they would know He is the Lord. The Lord told Ezekiel to take 2 pieces of wood, one to represent Judah and it’s allied tribes and one to represent Ephraim and the northern tribes of Israel – then join them together in his hand and tell the people the Lord would make all Israel one nation again, under one king; they would not pollute themselves with idols and rebellion for the Lord would cleanse them, He would make a Covenant of Peace with them and make His home with them forever.

Application – Since I became Jesus’ disciple, and He breathed on me, have I constantly asked the Lord to fill me with His Holy Spirit to enable me to do His Will, His Way, for His Glory using His Power? Or do I do what I think will please Him in my own power?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 38 -39

What does the text say? - The Lord told Ezekiel He would lead Gog of Magog, who was His enemy, and his whole army, together with Persia, Libya, Ethiopia, Gomer and Togarmah against His land when His people were living there in peace; at that time in the distant future, when everyone is watching, His Holiness will be displayed when His Fury boils over and there would be a terrible earthquake, torrential rain, hail, disease and bloodshed, fear and burning sulphur. Gog and all his allies would die. The Lord will not let anyone shame His Holy Name. It would take 7 months for the people of Israel to bury all the bodies and cleanse the land; then everyone will know the Lord sent His people away because they sinned when they were unfaithful to their God. Then the Lord will have Mercy on Israel, they will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness, then He will bring them home from exile and pour out His spirit on them.

Application? – Am I always faithful to the Lord God? Does the way I live bring shame on His Name? Have I asked the Lord to pour out His Spirit on me desiring His Power to do His Will His Way for His Glory above everything ?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 40

What does the text say? – In the 25th year of the captivity , in the 14th year after Jerusalem was captured, the Lord took Ezekiel back to the city in Visions; he saw a man shining like bronze. He had a plumb-line and a measuring rod in his hand, he was standing in the gateway and told Ezekiel to tell the Israelites everything he was shown. There was a wall all round the Temple area 10 ½ feet thick and 10 ½ feet high. The eastern gateway was 10 ½ feet from front to back with alcoves on each side. Ezekiel noted the sizes of each area as it was measured, the number of windows and decorations on the gateposts, then he noted the outer court and it’s 30 chambers with pavement all round; every measurement was noted, that the Northern and Southern gates measured exactly the same as the Eastern gate. The measurements of the gateways to the inner court were noted and the gateposts that faced the outer court. There was a room where sacrifices were prepared on 8 tables, and 4 tables of hewn stone for the burnt offerings. Outside the inner gate were the rooms for the singers. The room facing south was for the priests responsible for maintenance, the room facing north was for descendants of Zodak who were the priests in charge of the altar. Then the man measured the square court and the vestibule

Application? – Have I always taken careful note of all the Lord shows me, and shared it with others?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 41 +42

What does the text say? – In his Vision Ezekiel was taken into the Sanctuary (Holy Place) of the Temple and the Man measured everything possible in that 70’x35’ area and in the Most Holy Place which was 35’x35’. Then He measured the wall of the Temple, which was 10 ½ feet thick, with rows of rooms 7’ across along the outer wall. These side rooms were built on 3 levels, one above the other, 30 rooms on each level; each level was wider than the one below, corresponding to the narrowing of the Wall as it rose higher, a stairway led from top to bottom. The thickness of all the walls and everything in the area were measured, also the sizes of everything in and around the Temple – which was 175’ long. The courtyard around the building was an additional 175’ in length, the inner courtyard to the east of the Temple was also 175’ wide and the building to the west also 175’. Ezekiel noted all the wood panelling in the sanctuary and roof carvings, the pillars, the altar, the doors, and the roof.

Application? – Do I take careful note of every detail of everything the Lord shows me?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 43 + 44

What does the text say? – The man took Ezekiel to the gate that faced east, and the Glory of the Lord came from the east, His coming was like the sound of rushing waters and the whole landscape shone with His Glory. The Vision was like the ones Ezekiel had seen at the river Kebar, and when the Lord went to destroy Jerusalem. The Glory of the Lord went from the east into the Temple, and filled it, and He said He would always live there among the people of Israel, who would worship Him alone instead of other gods and former kings. The Lord told Ezekiel to write down all he had seen, the specifications of the Temple, it’s decrees and laws, the measurements of the altar, it’s consecration and sacrifices, and the offerings of the people. The people must not forget anything, particularly that the basic Law of the Temple is absolute Holiness in every aspect of life. The Lord said the east gate must be kept shut at all times, as the Lord had gone through it; yet the prince could sit in the gateway to eat in the Lord’s Presence but not go through the gate. No one could enter the sanctuary who had not surrendered themselves to the Lord. Those priests who were unfaithful to the Lord could not touch His Holy things only the descendants of Zadok could do that, but the others could do the maintenance work and general duties. The priests ministering to the Lord must only wear linen garments kept for the purpose, not wool, and their wives must be Israelite virgins. They would serve the Lord Judging the people according to His regulations; they would not own anything but rely on the people’s offerings and sacrifices for food.

Application? – Is every aspect of my life as holy as the Lord desires? Is my life wholly surrendered to the Lord?

Quote:- (Andrew White, the vicar of Bagdad, in ‘Faith under Fire’) “I was amazed that God’s Glory could manifest itself in such extraordinary ways here in Iraq . . . she (an expert in both Aramaic and the book of Ezekiel) showed me very clearly, from Scripture, that the Glory of God had gone to Babylon with the people of Israel in the 2nd exile; and according to the opening verses of Ezekiel 43 it would return to the Temple in Jerusalem from the east . . . where is the Glory today? It is to the east of Jerusalem . . . in Iraq. I can testify to the fact that His Glory is residing here . . . it is tangible, real, visible and awe-inspiring.”

[Frances]

Ezekiel 45 + 46

What does the text say? – The Lord confirmed to Ezekiel how the land of Israel was to be divided and he was to tell the leaders of the people that they must not oppress the people, they must stop all violence, oppression, robbing and cheating of the people; they must use only honest scales and weights and honest measures for everything. The Lord also gave him instructions for what sacrifices and offerings He expected the people to give Him, according to their wealth, and regulations regarding feast days. The gateway to the inner court must only be opened on the Sabbaths and feast days. If the prince gave any inheritance to his son it would belong entirely to them, but if he gave anything to a servant it would only belong to them until the next year of Jubilee then it must be returned to the prince. The prince must not take anyone’s property by force, anything he gave to his sons must be from his own land and will be theirs in perpetuity. The Lord showed Ezekiel a room at the extreme west end of the rooms assigned to the priests, where they were to cook the guilt, sin and grain offerings to prevent endangering the people; then Ezekiel was shown the kitchens where the sacrifices of the people were to be boiled.

Application? – the Lord never changes, and still expects His people to abide by His rules. Am I totally honest in every way? Do I ensure no one is harmed by anything I do?

[Frances]

Ezekiel 47 + 48

What does the text say? – The Man showed Ezekiel there was water flowing from the Temple to the East; He took him out of the North gate and led him round the outside to the outer Eastern gateway where the water was coming from. The Man went Eastwards measuring 1750 feet along the stream then led Ezekiel through the water which came up to his ankles, after another 1750 feet the water came up to his knees, after another 1750 feet the water came up to his waist, and after another 1750 feet was too deep to walk in; then He led him back up the stream, which now had trees growing on both banks. Ezekiel was told the river flowed through the dessert to the Dead Sea, and would make the Dead Sea fresh so that fish would flourish there – everything would live wherever the river went; the leaves of the trees will never wither and they will always bear fruit. The Lord said the Northern borders of Israel would go from the Mediterranean Sea to Zedad, then to the border between Damascus and Hamath then South to along the Jordan , past the Dead Sea as far as Tamar, then West to Kadesh, then follow the Brook of Egypt back to the Mediterranean Sea, which would be their Southern border.

Quote:- (Henry H. Halley)”Roughly it was south half of the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, about 400 miles North to South averaging about 100 miles east to West. The tribes were not in their original arrangement, but as here indicated. The City, 7 ½ miles square. Pattern, in part, of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21). Home of God.