prophet Ezekiel – Page 7

Ezekiel 28:20-24 – More Than Doom!

Read Ezekiel 28:20-24

Sidon, like Tyre, was a coastal city full of non-believers. As we saw with Tyre in more detail, God does not tolerate those who show scorn or animosity toward his children. It was perfectly understandable when God chose to punish his children, but it is quite another story when God’s children, or even God himself, is shown no respect.

This section of the book of Ezekiel continues with God’s promise of destruction. We see that the power of God was destined to fall on more than just his precious, disobedient children. For us today, that truth can be a comfort to us. Continue reading “Ezekiel 28:20-24 – More Than Doom!”

Ezekiel 28:1-19 – God’s Message to the King

Read Ezekiel 28:1-19

It’s helpful to be introduced to the King of Tyre as God sees him and how Ezekiel describes the king’s leadership. In earlier passages, we’ve read how this thriving town was so well respected. Did it surprise you that the leader was so full of himself, thinking he was a god? That degree of self-importance would not be pleasing to God. Yet the king must have been delighted to be in charge of such a successful city.

What must this prideful king have thought when a message came from the Sovereign LORD? Not only did the LORD call him out on his behavior, but the king was put in his place. He was simply wealthy and wise and most certainly not a god! Continue reading “Ezekiel 28:1-19 – God’s Message to the King”

Ezekiel 27:26-36 – Missing the Happy Ending

Read Ezekiel 27:26-36

After our last reading almost applauded the seaport of Tyre, we see the true fate of this key city. This message of God’s doom for Tyre comes in the form of a poem or song of lament. The people of Tyre missed out on their happy ending.

The perspective of these observations comes from outsiders looking in. What do they see? Signs that a bustling city has been destroyed and has vanished. I think of how storm surges these days level cities so that only foundations remain. Evidence that life once thrived in this place. Continue reading “Ezekiel 27:26-36 – Missing the Happy Ending”

Ezekiel 27:1-25 – Is a Good Reputation Enough?

Read Ezekiel 27:1-25

Tyre sounds like quite the bustling port city, seeing wealth and making trades most people in the region would only dream of. From the LORD’s description, Tyre was well respected had quite a lot to boast about. Having a good reputation is key in a lot of areas of life.

Yes, this is the same nation that our last reading plans to destroy. It’s good for us to get a glimpse of life in those days. There was no internet sales or drop shipping. We still see trade by import/export these days, but generally there is some sort of currency involved. I can only imagine a day when you’d trade a loaf of bread for a dozen eggs, depending on what you produced and needed. Continue reading “Ezekiel 27:1-25 – Is a Good Reputation Enough?”

Ezekiel 26:1-21 – God’s Will

Read Ezekiel 26:1-21

We have another time stamp for this prophecy. It’s approximately three years after Nebuchadnezzar began his siege in Jerusalem. In fact, the next couple chapters will focus on God’s will or plans for Tyre. For context, Tyre would be located in present day Lebanon.

Similar to the Ammonites, the nation of Tyre scoffed at the destruction of Judah. They took it a step farther claiming they would be the heirs now. God was not pleased with them and their boasting. The Sovereign Lord said, “I will bring many nations against you, like the waves of the sea crashing against your shoreline.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 26:1-21 – God’s Will”