prophet Ezekiel – Be Still…

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 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

Read Ezekiel 45:9-25

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”

Ezekiel 45:1-8 – Fairness of God

Read Ezekiel 45:1-8

There’s land to distribute again. When the Israelites first took the Promised Land, the land was intentionally distributed among the twelve tribes. I couldn’t help but remember that story. However, this is different because it speaks of the holy land that will house the temple of God’s presence, a place for the priests, the princes, and the people. God’s place is discussed first.

Nobody has been left out. All have a place and a purpose. That’s God’s fairness. After all that the people have gone through, God wants to restore them in the land. There is a great promise here. If only they would listen to him this time and not try to figure things out on their own. Continue reading “Ezekiel 45:1-8 – Fairness of God”

Ezekiel 44:1-31 – Prince and Priests

Read Ezekiel 44:1-31

This was an interesting part of the vision because it we see how God’s holy presence is set apart in the temple as well as who can approach him there. While some might see this distinction as limiting or menacing, it is really quite reassuring and encouraging. God wants to be with his people, and he is setting out the expectations for how it all works.

There is a bit of rebuke here against priests who fell away and reward for those from the line of Zadok who stayed faithful during those years of idol worship that led to God’s fury and discipline. These priests are in the line of Levi, not necessarily those we see in churches today. Continue reading “Ezekiel 44:1-31 – Prince and Priests”