Ezekiel 17:1-24 – A Riddle from God

Read Ezekiel 17:1-24

This reading contains a riddle combined with a parable. Without reading the explanation, I imagined a totally different meaning. So let’s reflect on the riddle and explanation together. Most of us like a good puzzle, but we all should take heed to the LORD’s message.

The Sovereign LORD wanted Israel to understand what was happening and uses this creative approach. The manner in which plants and animals interact as if they are human is entertaining and attention grabbing to be sure. The parable describes the events between when King Jehoiachin was taken into exile (597 BC), and the year Zedekiah revolted against Babylon, trusting in Egypt’s promise of help (588 BC). Continue reading “Ezekiel 17:1-24 – A Riddle from God”

Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?

Read Ezekiel 16:35-63

The indictment we’re given here is longest in prophetic literature, and then we get to the verdict. We have to endure reading about the depths to which Jerusalem had fallen to understand how God’s heart was breaking. How would God respond? What punishment would be appropriate?

It’s hard to read those words and almost wince at God’s fury being unleashed. We know what happened to Jerusalem. We sit on this side of history wondering why the people didn’t pay attention. It was like they were tempting God. But God is true to his word, and when these prophecies were fulfilled the people would then realize. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?”

Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All

Read Ezekiel 16:1-34

The Sovereign LORD has quite a message for Jerusalem. We see how God describes the history of the holy city. He equates Jerusalem to an unwanted child now bound for her “happily ever after.” That is until her own pride and confidence get in the way. What happens is predictable even today as she falls away from God, leading her to make many unhealthy choices.

First we see God’s mercy in choosing to rescue this abandoned child. What devotion the creator feels toward his eventual bride! But the word picture here of this forgotten child is chilling. Sadly, there was a time in history when parents would leave behind their unwanted children, particularly daughters. God uses this familiar example to get attention but mainly to be understood. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All”

Ezekiel 15:1-8 – Wood of the Vine

Read Ezekiel 15:1-8

Normally, when we think about a vine in Biblical terms, we imagine it bearing fruit or talking about Jesus, the “true vine.” Yet Ezekiel’s message is not dealing with fruit at all, In fact, the LORD surprisingly said, “Vines are useless both before and after being put into the fire!”

Other Biblical references speak of the “fruit of the vine” or bearing fruit, but Ezekiel’s vines don’t appear to be fruitful. When compared to a mighty tree of the forest, the wood of a vine would be pretty wimpy or useless for tasks known to be handled well by other wood sources, like trees. Continue reading “Ezekiel 15:1-8 – Wood of the Vine”

Ezekiel 14:12-23 – Set Apart

Read Ezekiel 14:12-23

This vision from the LORD sets apart three holy men, Noah, Daniel, and Job. God recognizes them for their righteousness. But even their righteousness pooled together would not be enough to rescue the Israelites from doom. That gives Ezekiel and us and tangible picture of how far the Israelites have fallen.

In fact, this message confirms we are responsible for our own mess. However, as Christ followers, we know there is hope, and that hope lies in Jesus. Until Jesus came, people were lost in their sins unless they purified themselves according to the law. How fortunate we are to have Jesus as our sacrificial lamb. Continue reading “Ezekiel 14:12-23 – Set Apart”

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