Ezekiel – Be Still…

Ezekiel 48:1-35 – God is There

Read Ezekiel 48:1-35

Ezekiel’s vision concludes with more details about the Holy City and the surrounding lands. This city was to be called “Yahweh Shammah” which is Hebrew for “the LORD is there.” God’s chosen people are again singled out as the twelve tribes made up of Jacob’s sons. After all that has taken place, the wars, the idol worship, the exile, God still envisions he will be with his people.

While there are many specifics set forth in this vision, this prophecy remains unfulfilled. I wonder why the land wasn’t restored as Ezekiel was shown when the returnees were freed from exile. Ezra and Nehemiah led the way and yet the details of this vision were not used in their reconstruction projects of the temple and wall of protection. Why? Continue reading “Ezekiel 48:1-35 – God is There”

Ezekiel 47:13-23 – Setting Boundaries

Read Ezekiel 47:13-23

God’s allotment of land is about to be distributed again between the tribes. When we think of land distribution, we can’t help but think of plot lines and setting boundaries. Ownership would be claimed. God’s perfect community was about to be built. We’re still waiting for the completion of this vision. It is comforting to see that “foreigners” living in the land will also be welcomed and considered “like native-born Israelites.”

The people hearing Ezekiel’s words may or may not have been aware of their ancestral home and tribal history. Many families had fallen away from the faith which had been such an important part of their forefather’s lives. Would they know which plot of land was theirs? Continue reading “Ezekiel 47:13-23 – Setting Boundaries”

Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!

Read Ezekiel 47:1-12

Remember the east gate contains the presence of God. That means the water Ezekiel sees is flowing from God himself. As such, that is some pretty holy water that becomes a rushing river. What a miracle!

This water begins as a shallow stream becoming deeper every 1000 cubits (1,750 feet). The significance of what was being revealed to Ezekiel about this deepening is unclear to me. Perhaps the meaning was hidden to Ezekiel as well. Then the man asked Ezekiel, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Suddenly, Ezekiel notices the trees growing alongside this waterway. Continue reading “Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!”

Ezekiel 46:1-24 – Let’s Talk About Worship

Read Ezekiel 46:1-24

So much detail is given by Ezekiel about this temple including its size, construction, purpose, and the people who would be tasked in particular ways. And yet, this temple has not yet been built. We can’t help but ask, “why did God give Ezekiel this vision, and will it ever be constructed?”

Perhaps that isn’t the point. Perhaps God gave Ezekiel this vision to be more of a grounding force to help the people in exile start their lives anew when the time of restoration began. Please know I am only speculating because I certainly don’t have any answers. I’m as perplexed as most people trying to make sense of these chapters. Continue reading “Ezekiel 46:1-24 – Let’s Talk About Worship”

Ezekiel 45:9-25 – Duties and Responsibilities

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Have you ever been assigned a task with no clear instructions left to figure it out on your own? It can be frustrating. The potential for failure is great. This part of Ezekiel’s vision is setting leadership up for success.

The kingly leadership leading up to the exile did not always act in God-honoring ways. The people were not led fairly and were often taken advantage of. Yes the people strayed and worshipped other gods, but it wasn’t entirely their own fault. This vision wants to make sure there is not a repeat of such a fiasco. Continue reading “Ezekiel 45:9-25 – Duties and Responsibilities”