Ezekiel was quite the word smith as he described Israel’s spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to the Lord. In this single chapter, he used more than one word for harlot, two different words for lover, and more than one word for nakedness. He also wrote more than one word for alienated…
Throughout Ezekiel we’ve observed the principle of a remnant. God knows our hearts, and He knows there will always be one or more who steadfastly follow Him. Those people uphold the Lord, His Word, and faith from one generation to another until Jesus comes. In this passage, I believe the…
In the first part of this chapter, God stated consequences for disobedience, including His refining fire. A refining fire purifies something valuable. It’s interesting that Ezekiel wrote about this concept more than once, which makes this part of God’s Word relevant for us today. God loves us and we are…
Last week we read about God’s purposes in judgment, which also show us more of His character. In the second part of chapter 21, God described His sword of judgment and its role in disciplining His children. Read Ezekiel 21:8-12. God told Ezekiel, “Son of man,” to prophesy regarding Israel….
This week we resume reading at the end of Ezekiel 20, since chapter breaks are human, not necessarily divine. Ezekiel proclaimed a prophecy toward Israel’s south, identified by Baker as the general region of the Negev. We’ve seen in previous readings how God used multiple words to express similar concepts…
The Sovereign Lord is also a God of restoration and reconciliation. He calls His people back to Himself over and over again. He does all this for His glory, to uphold the power and essence of His holy Name. We observed in Ezekiel 19 how God remained true to His…
This week God, through Ezekiel, discussed a common theme: Israel’s rebellion and unfaithful living toward Him. God said the people blasphemed Him by forsaking Him. They defied His Lordship in their lives by verbally abusing God and abandoning Him. Strong actions on their part—no wonder the Lord judged them! Read…
A glance back at chapter 18 helps us understand the Lord speaks these words and Ezekiel simply records them. Every print version (single- or double-column) of Ezekiel 19 I have read formats this chapter in verse instead of prose. The lament contains allegorical imagery to describe Israel’s demise and destruction…
We’re still within one week of Valentine’s Day, so this photo seems appropriate. Especially when we consider God’s offer of relationship with Him, every day. Last week we learned about the choice God gives every person to walk with Him, regardless of our family history. The second half of chapter…
I enjoyed watching snow fall as I wrote this, a nice change of pace from cold rain. The weather portrayed a visual picture of God’s message to Ezekiel. Rain, then snow, then gray damp again. In the second half of chapter 18 (next week), we’ll read God’s description of a…