Tag: exile in Babylon

Ezekiel 11:14-21 – A Glimmer of Hope

Read Ezekiel 11:14-21

Ezekiel is given a message for those in exile to bring them hope. It sounds like the people left in Israel believe that they have free reign to do what they want now that the first wave of people has been taken away into exile. The people still in Jerusalem made an incorrect assumption that what had been left behind now belonged to them. Did they think they had immunity and were safe from God’s wrath?

On the contrary, God promises to be a sanctuary for those already in exile. Faithful people like Ezekiel would be rewarded for staying true to God despite the “popular” way which led to sin and death. Ezekiel was told to tell them, “I, the Sovereign Lord, will gather you back from the nations where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel once again.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 11:14-21 – A Glimmer of Hope”

Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention

Read Ezekiel 4:1-17

What we’re seeing in the first eight verses is Ezekiel demonstrating a “sign act.” Such sign acts are a prophet’s way of totally immersing themselves in the message. When a prophet is “all in,” there is a greater chance more people will pay attention. In other words, it’s an “attention getter.”

For example, after play-acting the siege on Jerusalem, Ezekiel will be bound by ropes as he continues to put himself into this prophetic word. The meaning or representation of being tied up may suggest the people are in exile, held captive by a powerful force. What does that message mean for the people of God already living this reality? This confirms their predicament of being restrained from living life as they would desire, like they did back “home.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention”

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