Ezekiel 25–27

Common Theme

God pronounces judgment on the nations surrounding Israel for their pride, mockery, and exploitation of Jerusalem’s downfall. He especially rebukes Tyre for its arrogance and trust in wealth, showing that no power is immune to God’s sovereign justice.

Questions

• What causes God to act against nations like Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre?
• How do we respond when God tears down something we thought was untouchable?

God Shot

God is the jealous Defender of His people and the Sovereign Judge of the nations. He sees every proud heart, every scoffing word, and every act of betrayal, and He moves decisively to uphold His glory and defend His covenant.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 25

The text contains prophecies from the Lord against the Ammonites, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. The Ammonites are condemned for rejoicing over the misfortunes of Israel and will be handed over to the people of the East, leading to their destruction. Moab and Seir are judged for equating Judah with other nations, resulting in their desolation. Edom faces punishment for seeking revenge against Judah, leading to the destruction of its people and land. The Philistines are also warned for their malicious actions, and they will experience severe vengeance. Each prophecy emphasizes that these nations will recognize the Lord’s authority through their impending judgments.

Ezekiel 26

The text presents a prophecy against Tyre, declaring that the Lord will bring many nations against it due to its arrogance towards Jerusalem. Tyre will face destruction, with its walls and towers broken down, becoming a bare rock and a place for fishing nets. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, will lead the assault, killing the inhabitants and plundering the city. The prophecy foretells the end of Tyre’s music and prosperity, leaving it desolate and uninhabitable. The coastlands will tremble at Tyre’s fall, and its former glory will be lamented by the princes of the sea. Ultimately, Tyre will be laid waste, submerged by deep waters, and will dwell among ruins, never to be found again. This serves as a warning of divine judgment and the consequences of pride.

Ezekiel 27

The passage is a lamentation for Tyre, a prosperous city known for its beauty and trade. The Lord instructs the prophet to mourn Tyre, highlighting its grandeur and the materials used in its construction, such as cedar from Lebanon and ivory from Egypt. Tyre was a hub of commerce, trading with various nations, including Persia, Syria, and Israel, exchanging goods like silver, horses, and spices. The city’s wealth and influence were immense, with skilled workers and a powerful navy. However, the lament forewarns of Tyre’s impending destruction, as the east wind will wreck it in the sea. The passage describes the devastation of Tyre’s riches, crew, and merchants sinking into the depths, leading to widespread mourning among its traders and allies. The inhabitants of the coastlands are horrified, and the merchants hiss at Tyre’s downfall, marking its end as a significant trading power. The lament emphasizes the city’s former glory and the tragic consequences of its destruction, leaving a lasting impact on those who once relied on its wealth and trade.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 23–24

Common Theme

God uses a parable of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), to expose the deep spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah. Despite repeated warnings, their unfaithfulness leads to divine judgment, culminating in the sign-act of Ezekiel’s wife’s death symbolizing Jerusalem’s fall.

Questions

• What does this passage reveal about God’s view of spiritual unfaithfulness?
• How does the dramatic sign of Ezekiel’s loss reinforce the seriousness of God’s judgment?

God Shot

God is a jealous and just Husband who will not tolerate prolonged betrayal from His people. His holiness compels Him to judge sin, even when it breaks His own heart.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 23

The passage describes the allegorical story of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Both women are depicted as engaging in promiscuous behavior, symbolizing the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to God through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. Oholah, the elder sister, lusts after the Assyrians and ultimately faces judgment, leading to her destruction and becoming a byword among women. Oholibah, her sister, witnesses this and becomes even more corrupt, lusting after the Babylonians and engaging in similar acts of infidelity.

God expresses His anger towards Oholibah for her blatant whoring and idolatry, promising to bring judgment upon her through her former lovers, the Babylonians and other nations. This judgment includes violence, loss, and humiliation, as she will be stripped of her beauty and left exposed. The passage emphasizes the consequences of their actions, highlighting the severity of their sins, including child sacrifice and profaning God’s sanctuary.

God commands the prophet to declare their abominations and announces that righteous men will judge them for their adultery and bloodshed. A vast host will be sent against them, leading to their destruction and serving as a warning to others against such lewdness. Ultimately, the passage serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry.

Ezekiel 24

In the ninth year, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the LORD instructed Ezekiel to note that Babylon had besieged Jerusalem. He was to deliver a parable about the city, likening it to a pot filled with meat and bones, symbolizing its corruption and bloodshed. The LORD declared woe to the "bloody city," emphasizing its uncleanliness and the inevitability of judgment. Ezekiel was also told that he would lose his wife, yet he was to refrain from mourning, symbolizing the fate of Israel. The people questioned his actions, prompting Ezekiel to explain that the LORD would profane His sanctuary and that their children would fall by the sword. He instructed them to act as he did, without mourning, as a sign of their impending judgment. On the day of their loss, a fugitive would bring news to Ezekiel, and he would finally speak, serving as a sign to the people that the LORD is God.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 21–22

Common Theme

God announces judgment against His people and the nations through the image of a sharpened sword and a refining fire. These chapters portray God as both Judge and Refiner, bringing justice upon sin and purifying His people through discipline.

Questions

• How does God’s use of a sword and fire reshape our understanding of His justice and mercy?
• What does it reveal about God’s character that He exposes hidden sin rather than ignoring it?

God Shot

God does not tolerate corruption or injustice; He exposes sin publicly and decisively. Yet even in judgment, He refines rather than destroys, showing that His discipline is driven by a desire to purify, not merely punish.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 21

In this passage, the LORD commands the prophet to direct his message towards Jerusalem and the land of Israel, declaring His intention to draw His sword against both the righteous and the wicked. The sword symbolizes impending judgment, and all people will recognize the LORD’s authority. The prophet is instructed to express deep sorrow for the coming calamity, which will cause fear and weakness among the people. The sword is described as sharpened and polished, ready for slaughter, emphasizing the seriousness of the impending judgment.

The LORD reveals that the king of Babylon will approach two paths, using divination to determine his course of action, which will lead to the siege of Jerusalem. Despite the people’s oaths, their guilt will be remembered, leading to their downfall. The passage also addresses the prince of Israel, indicating that his time for punishment has come, and a significant change in leadership will occur.

Finally, the LORD proclaims judgment against the Ammonites, stating that they too will face destruction. The imagery of the sword continues, highlighting the severity of the judgment, and the passage concludes with a declaration of the LORD’s wrath and the ultimate fate of those who oppose Him.

Ezekiel 22

In this passage, the Lord addresses the son of man, instructing him to judge the city known for its bloodshed and idolatry. The city is condemned for its guilt from violence and defilement through idols, leading to its disgrace among nations. The leaders of Israel are accused of promoting bloodshed, disrespecting parents, and exploiting the vulnerable, including the fatherless and widows. The people are described as engaging in various immoral acts, including sexual violations and corruption through bribery and extortion. The Lord declares that He will act against them, scattering them among nations and purging their uncleanness. The house of Israel is likened to dross, indicating worthlessness, and the Lord promises to gather them for judgment, akin to melting metal in a furnace. The passage further describes the land as unclean and highlights the corruption of its prophets and priests, who have failed to uphold the law and have misled the people. Despite seeking someone to intercede for the land, none were found, leading to the Lord’s decision to unleash His wrath upon them.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 18–20

Common Theme

These chapters focus on personal responsibility before God, emphasizing that each individual is accountable for their own actions and not for the sins of their ancestors. Although Israel’s history is marked by persistent rebellion, God continues to call His people to repentance and offers renewal to those who turn from their wrongdoing.

Questions

• How does God’s insistence on individual responsibility challenge assumptions about inherited guilt or blame within families and communities?
• What do these chapters reveal about God’s patience with human failure and the possibility of restoration after repeated rebellion?

God Shot

God is revealed as unfailingly just, judging every person on their own merits, yet He is also abundantly merciful, repeatedly inviting repentance and return. His steadfast pursuit of His people even amid their disobedience highlights His unwavering commitment to both righteousness and mercy.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 18

In this passage, the Lord addresses the people of Israel, challenging the proverb that suggests children suffer for their parents’ sins. He asserts that every soul belongs to Him and emphasizes individual responsibility for sin. A righteous person who follows God’s statutes will live, while a wicked person who commits various sins will die for their actions. If a wicked person repents and turns to righteousness, they will live, and their past sins will not be remembered. Conversely, if a righteous person turns to wickedness, their previous good deeds will not save them from death. The Lord questions the fairness of His judgments, asserting that it is not His ways that are unjust, but the people’s. He calls for repentance, urging them to abandon their transgressions and adopt a new heart and spirit. The Lord expresses His desire for the people to live rather than die, highlighting His lack of pleasure in the death of the wicked. Ultimately, He promises to judge each person according to their actions, encouraging the Israelites to turn from their sins to avoid ruin.

Ezekiel 19

The text is a lamentation for the princes of Israel, depicting their downfall. It begins by comparing Israel’s leaders to a lioness who raised her cubs, one of whom became a powerful young lion but was ultimately captured and taken to Egypt. Another cub also became a fierce lion, causing destruction and terror until he was ensnared by nations and taken to Babylon. The lament continues with a metaphor of a vine, once fruitful, now uprooted and withered, symbolizing the loss of strength and leadership in Israel.

Ezekiel 20

In this passage, the Lord addresses the elders of Israel, expressing His refusal to be inquired of by them due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. He recounts how He chose Israel, made Himself known in Egypt, and promised to lead them to a prosperous land. Despite His guidance, the Israelites rebelled, clinging to their idols and rejecting His statutes. The Lord expresses His anger but refrains from complete destruction for the sake of His name, fearing that it would be profaned among the nations.

The Lord then speaks to the children of Israel, urging them not to follow the sinful ways of their ancestors. However, they too rebel, prompting the Lord to declare His intention to scatter them among the nations due to their disobedience. He emphasizes that their thoughts of wanting to be like other nations will not come to pass.

Despite their rebellion, the Lord promises restoration. He vows to gather them from their scattered locations and bring them into judgment, purging the rebels among them. He asserts that they will serve Him on His holy mountain in Israel, where He will accept their offerings and manifest His holiness. The passage concludes with a warning of impending judgment against the land of the Negeb, symbolizing the consequences of their actions, while the prophet expresses concern about being perceived as merely a storyteller.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 16–17

Common Theme

God exposes the unfaithfulness of His people using powerful imagery: Jerusalem is portrayed as an adulterous wife in chapter 16 and Israel’s political alliances are likened to broken covenants in chapter 17. Despite their rebellion, God promises future restoration through a righteous "sprig" who will reign with justice.

Questions

• How does God’s depiction of Israel’s sin deepen our understanding of His holiness and covenantal love?
• In what ways do we, like Israel, seek security through worldly alliances rather than trust in God?

God Shot

God is a faithful covenant-keeper who grieves betrayal but does not abandon His promises. He plants hope in the midst of judgment, declaring that He Himself will raise up a righteous king to rule with justice and restore what was broken.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 16

In this passage, the LORD addresses Jerusalem, portraying it as a faithless bride who has turned away from Him. He recounts Jerusalem’s origins, highlighting its unworthy beginnings as a Canaanite city, and describes how, despite being abandoned at birth, He nurtured and adorned it, transforming it into a beautiful and prosperous entity. However, Jerusalem became prideful and unfaithful, using its beauty to engage in idolatry and promiscuity, symbolized by the metaphor of a prostitute. The text details how Jerusalem squandered the gifts given by God, creating shrines for idols and sacrificing its children.

The LORD expresses His anger at Jerusalem’s actions, comparing it unfavorably to Sodom and Samaria, which had not committed as many abominations. He declares that Jerusalem’s sins have made its sisters appear righteous in comparison. Despite this, the LORD promises to restore the fortunes of Sodom, Samaria, and Jerusalem, indicating a future reconciliation. He emphasizes that He will remember His covenant with Jerusalem, establishing an everlasting covenant despite its betrayal. Ultimately, the passage conveys themes of unfaithfulness, judgment, and the possibility of redemption through God’s enduring love and commitment.

Ezekiel 17

The passage presents a parable involving two eagles and a vine, symbolizing the fate of Israel. The first eagle, representing a powerful king, takes a cedar’s top and plants it in fertile soil, where it grows into a flourishing vine. However, a second eagle appears, and the vine turns its roots toward him, seeking support. The Lord questions whether the vine will thrive under this new influence, warning that it will wither if uprooted. The narrative shifts to a warning for the rebellious house of Israel, highlighting the king of Babylon’s actions in taking Jerusalem’s king and making a covenant. The king’s rebellion against Babylon by seeking help from Egypt leads to his downfall. The Lord declares that the king will die in Babylon for breaking the covenant. Ultimately, God promises to plant a new sprig from the cedar, which will flourish and provide shelter, signifying restoration and divine sovereignty over nations.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 13-15

Common Theme

The chapters of Ezekiel 13-15 collectively address the problem of false prophets, idolaters, and the unfaithfulness of Israel, culminating in God’s pronouncement of judgment due to persistent rebellion and spiritual barrenness. Through vivid imagery, God exposes deception, warns of inescapable consequences, and underscores that only a faithful remnant will be preserved.

Questions

• What are some ways false assurance or idolatry can subtly influence a community or individual today, and how does God view such influences?
• In what ways does the metaphor of the useless vine challenge assumptions about identity, value, and calling in relationship with God?

God Shot

God is shown as utterly sovereign and just, able to discern the truth of hearts and determined to uphold both His holiness and promises despite human failure. He is the one who brings judgment with precision but still preserves a remnant, making it clear that all will know He alone is the Lord.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 13

The passage addresses the condemnation of false prophets in Israel. The Lord instructs the prophet to speak against those who prophesy from their own hearts, warning them of their foolishness and the consequences of misleading the people. These prophets are likened to jackals among ruins, failing to protect Israel and instead offering false visions and assurances of peace when there is none. The Lord declares that He will oppose these prophets, ensuring they will not be part of His people or the land of Israel. He promises to bring destruction upon their falsehoods, symbolized by a storm and a collapsing wall. Additionally, the text condemns women who use magic to manipulate and harm others, profaning the Lord’s name for personal gain. The Lord vows to free the souls they have ensnared and to end their deceptive practices. Ultimately, He emphasizes that the righteous will no longer be disheartened by these lies, and the wicked will be encouraged to turn from their evil ways.

Ezekiel 14

The passage discusses the condemnation of Israel’s elders for harboring idols in their hearts, which leads to estrangement from God. The Lord instructs the prophet to tell them to repent and turn away from their idols, warning that those who continue to consult Him while clinging to their iniquities will face His judgment. The text emphasizes that even if righteous figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job were present during times of divine judgment, they could only save themselves, not their families. The Lord declares that He will bring severe judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence—upon Jerusalem, resulting in widespread desolation. However, some survivors will remain, and their eventual return will provide consolation to those who witness the consequences of the Lord’s actions. Ultimately, the passage underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the necessity of genuine repentance to restore the relationship with God.

Ezekiel 15

The LORD compares Jerusalem to a useless vine, emphasizing its inability to provide value or utility. Just as the vine is consumed by fire, so too will the inhabitants of Jerusalem face destruction for their faithlessness, leading to desolation in the land.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 9–12

Common Theme

God’s judgment begins with His own people, revealing the depth of their rebellion, spiritual blindness, and refusal to repent. Despite signs, warnings, and prophetic acts, the leaders and exiles remain defiant, prompting God to scatter them and display His holiness among the nations.

Questions

• What does it reveal about God’s character that judgment begins at His sanctuary?
• How do we respond when God’s Word confronts us with hard truths we don’t want to hear?

God Shot

God is utterly just and sees all corruption with perfect clarity; He does not ignore sin, even among His chosen. Yet even in judgment, He acts with deliberate patience and sorrow, desiring recognition of His holiness and the restoration of His glory among His people.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 9

In this passage, a voice commands executioners to mark the foreheads of those who lament the abominations in Jerusalem. Six men with weapons enter, and the glory of God departs to the threshold of the house. The marked individuals are spared, while the others, including the elderly, young, and women, are to be killed without mercy, starting at the sanctuary. The speaker, distressed by the impending destruction, questions God about the fate of Israel. God responds, highlighting the great guilt and injustice in the land, affirming that judgment will be executed.

Ezekiel 10

The passage describes a vision of the glory of the LORD departing from the temple. The narrator sees a figure resembling a throne above the cherubim and is instructed to gather burning coals from between them to scatter over the city. As the man in linen enters, the cherubim are positioned on the south side, and a cloud fills the inner court, signifying the presence of the LORD. The glory ascends from the cherub to the threshold, filling the house with brightness. The cherubim, described with human-like hands and multiple faces, move in unison with their wheels, which are full of eyes. The vision concludes with the glory of the LORD moving to the east gate, confirming the identity of the cherubim as the living creatures seen earlier by the Chebar canal. Each cherub has four faces and wings, maintaining a consistent appearance throughout the vision.

Ezekiel 11

The Spirit of the LORD brings the prophet to the east gate of the temple, where he sees twenty-five men, including Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, who are giving wicked counsel in Jerusalem. They claim that it is not time to rebuild, likening the city to a cauldron and themselves to meat. The LORD instructs the prophet to prophesy against them, revealing their thoughts and the bloodshed in the city. The LORD declares that they will be judged and removed from the city, which will no longer serve as their cauldron. While prophesying, Pelatiah dies, prompting the prophet to cry out to God about the fate of Israel. The LORD reassures the prophet that despite scattering Israel among nations, He will gather them back, giving them a new heart and spirit to follow His statutes. The vision concludes with the glory of the LORD departing from the city and the prophet sharing these revelations with the exiles in Chaldea.

Ezekiel 12

In this passage, the Lord instructs the prophet Ezekiel to act out a symbolic exile to illustrate the impending captivity of Israel. Ezekiel is to prepare baggage for exile and demonstrate this in front of the rebellious house of Israel, who are blind and deaf to the truth. He carries his baggage out at dusk, covering his face to symbolize the fate awaiting the people. The Lord reveals that the prince in Jerusalem will also face exile, and despite his attempts to escape, he will be captured and taken to Babylon, where he will die without seeing the land. The Lord will scatter the prince’s supporters and make them aware of His sovereignty. The inhabitants of Jerusalem will experience anxiety and despair as their land becomes desolate due to violence. The Lord declares an end to the proverb that dismisses His prophecies, asserting that His words will be fulfilled without delay. The people are warned that the visions they dismiss are imminent, emphasizing the certainty of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of His promises.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 5–8

Common Theme

God declares judgment against Jerusalem for its rebellion, idolatry, and defilement of His sanctuary. His glory departs from the temple as a sign that His holiness cannot coexist with their corruption.

Questions

• What does the departure of God’s glory from the temple reveal about His response to persistent sin?
• How does Ezekiel’s vision challenge us to consider what competes with God’s rightful place in worship?

God Shot

God is holy and will not tolerate the defilement of His name or His dwelling place. His glory is weighty and pure, and when people abandon Him for idols, He withdraws to show that He alone is worthy of worship.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 5

In this passage, the Lord commands the prophet to use a sharp sword to symbolize the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The hair is divided into three parts: one-third is burned, one-third struck with a sword, and one-third scattered to the wind, representing the fate of the city’s inhabitants. Jerusalem is described as having rebelled against God’s laws, leading to severe judgments. The Lord declares that He will execute unprecedented judgments, resulting in extreme suffering, including famine and violence among families. The city will become a desolation and a reproach among nations, facing divine wrath through famine, wild beasts, and pestilence. Ultimately, the passage emphasizes God’s anger and the consequences of Jerusalem’s disobedience.

Ezekiel 6

The LORD commands the prophet to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring destruction upon them. High places and altars will be desolate, and the slain will be laid before idols. The cities will become waste, and the people will recognize the LORD through their suffering. Some will survive and remember their transgressions against God. The LORD expresses sorrow over their idolatry and announces that calamities such as sword, famine, and pestilence will befall them. Ultimately, the people will know that He is the LORD when they see the devastation around their idols and altars.

Ezekiel 7

The passage conveys a dire message from the LORD regarding impending judgment on the land of Israel. It announces the end has come, with disasters approaching and divine wrath set to be unleashed. The inhabitants are warned that their abominations will lead to punishment, and they will recognize the LORD’s authority through their suffering. The text describes a day of turmoil, where pride and violence have taken root, leading to the downfall of the people. Economic activities will be futile, as the wrath of the LORD overshadows all. Those who survive will be filled with despair and shame, unable to find solace or redemption. The passage emphasizes the futility of wealth in the face of divine judgment, as it becomes a source of iniquity. The LORD will allow foreign nations to invade and profane the land, leading to widespread violence and anguish. Ultimately, the people will experience terror and despair, realizing that their actions have led to their downfall, and they will know that the LORD is in control.

Ezekiel 8

In the sixth year, the Lord’s hand came upon the speaker, revealing a vision of a man-like figure with fire and brightness. The Spirit lifted him to Jerusalem, showing him the "image of jealousy" at the inner court’s gateway, provoking God’s anger. He was instructed to observe the abominations committed by Israel, which drove God away from His sanctuary. Upon digging through a wall, he discovered vile images and idols, with seventy elders worshiping in secret, believing God had forsaken them. He witnessed women mourning for Tammuz and men worshiping the sun, turning their backs to the temple. God expressed His anger at these actions, declaring that He would not spare or show pity despite their cries for help.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Ezekiel 1–4

Common Theme

God reveals His glory and holiness through visions and symbolic acts, commissioning Ezekiel as His prophet to a rebellious people. The opening chapters establish both God’s overwhelming majesty and the weight of judgment coming on Israel.

Questions

• How does Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory in chapter 1 shape our understanding of His holiness and transcendence?
• Why does God use symbolic actions through Ezekiel to communicate His message instead of only words?

God Shot

In these chapters, God reveals Himself as the glorious, sovereign King whose presence is not confined to the temple but fills the heavens. He is the One who speaks with authority and commissions His servants, ensuring that His word will be proclaimed even to a hardened people.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 1

In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, Ezekiel, a priest among the exiles by the Chebar canal, experienced a divine vision. It was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile when the word of the LORD came to him. He witnessed a stormy wind from the north, accompanied by a great cloud and brightness, with fire flashing within it. From this fire emerged four living creatures resembling humans, each with four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight, and their feet resembled those of a calf, shining like burnished bronze. Each creature had human hands under their wings, and they moved in unison without turning. Their faces included a human face, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. Ezekiel also saw wheels beside the creatures, appearing like beryl, with a design of a wheel within a wheel, full of eyes. The creatures and wheels moved together, guided by the spirit within them. Above the creatures was an expanse resembling crystal, and above it, a throne with a figure resembling a human. The brightness around this figure was awe-inspiring, representing the glory of the LORD, which caused Ezekiel to fall on his face.

Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel is called by God to deliver a message to the rebellious people of Israel. He is instructed to stand and listen as the Spirit empowers him. Despite their stubbornness, he must proclaim God’s words, regardless of whether they listen. Ezekiel is warned not to be afraid of their hostility and is shown a scroll containing lamentations and woes, symbolizing the gravity of his mission.

Ezekiel 3

In this passage, the speaker, referred to as "Son of man," is instructed to consume a scroll, symbolizing the words of God, which he finds sweet. He is then commanded to deliver God’s message to the house of Israel, emphasizing that they are not a foreign people but rather his own. Despite this, God warns that the Israelites will be unwilling to listen due to their stubbornness. The speaker is fortified with a hard forehead to match the people’s resistance and is told to receive God’s words in his heart and share them with the exiles, regardless of their response.

After seven days of overwhelming silence among the exiles, God appoints the speaker as a watchman for Israel, responsible for warning the wicked and the righteous. Failure to warn them will result in dire consequences for both the speaker and the individuals. The speaker is then instructed to isolate himself, bound and mute, until God chooses to speak through him again, reiterating the rebellious nature of the people he is sent to address.

Ezekiel 4

In this passage, the prophet is instructed to symbolize the siege of Jerusalem by creating a model of the city and enacting a siege. He is to lie on his left side for 390 days, representing Israel’s punishment, and then on his right side for 40 days for Judah’s punishment. During this time, he must eat a specific diet of grains, prepared in a way that signifies the unclean conditions the Israelites will face. God declares that the people will experience scarcity and anxiety regarding food and water, leading to despair and deterioration due to their punishment. The prophet expresses concern about the unclean food, but God allows a substitute.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Lamentations 3-5

Common Theme
These chapters move from deep despair to renewed hope in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Even amid judgment and devastation, the writer confesses that God’s mercies never end and that restoration can only come through Him.

Questions

• How does remembering God’s faithfulness change the way we process suffering and loss?
• What role does repentance play in turning from despair to hope in God’s mercy?

God Shot
In the middle of destruction, God is revealed as unfailing in love and faithful in mercy. His justice brings discipline, but His compassion ensures that His people are never fully consumed.

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Deeper^✝

Lamentations 3

The text expresses deep anguish and suffering experienced by the speaker, who feels abandoned and tormented by God. The speaker describes being besieged by darkness, bitterness, and physical affliction, feeling trapped and unable to escape. Despite calling for help, their prayers seem unheard, leading to a sense of desolation and hopelessness. The speaker reflects on their afflictions and the relentless pain, feeling mocked and filled with bitterness. However, amidst this despair, they find a glimmer of hope in the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord, affirming that His mercies are renewed every morning. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the Lord and bearing burdens quietly, trusting in His eventual compassion. They acknowledge the need for self-examination and repentance, recognizing their transgressions. The text culminates in a plea for divine justice against their enemies, expressing a desire for God to see their suffering and to judge their cause. Ultimately, it conveys a struggle between despair and hope, highlighting the enduring faithfulness of God even in times of great distress.

Lamentations 4

The text reflects on the devastation and suffering experienced by the people of Zion, lamenting the loss of their former glory and the dire state of their society. Gold has lost its luster, and the once-cherished sons of Zion are now seen as worthless. The community faces extreme hunger, with children begging for food and mothers resorting to cannibalism. The wrath of the Lord is evident, as Jerusalem faces destruction due to the sins of its leaders. The people are scattered and shunned, unable to find help or refuge. Their pursuers are relentless, and hope is fading. The text concludes with a warning to Edom, indicating that while Zion’s punishment is ending, Edom will face its own reckoning for its iniquities.

Lamentations 5

The text expresses a deep lament to the LORD, highlighting the suffering and disgrace faced by the people. They describe their loss of inheritance, becoming orphans, and the burdens of oppression. The community is weary, struggling for basic needs, and suffering from violence and humiliation. The joy has vanished, and they acknowledge their sins. Despite their despair, they call for restoration and renewal, pleading for the LORD to remember them and not forsake them forever.

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^✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.