Ezekiel 46–48

Common Theme

God establishes a holy order for worship, inheritance, and land distribution, culminating in the vision of a renewed and sacred city where His presence dwells permanently. These chapters emphasize that life in God’s kingdom is marked by holiness, justice, and His abiding presence among His people.

Questions

• What does the careful reordering of worship and land tell us about God’s priorities for His people?
• How does the name of the city, “The Lord is There,” shape your understanding of what matters most in God’s kingdom?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the one who restores order, justice, and sacred boundaries, not for control but for communion. He is the God who dwells among His people—His final word over the city and His people is not judgment but presence: “The Lord is There.”

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 46

In this passage, the Lord instructs about the rituals and offerings associated with the prince and the people during the Sabbath and new moon celebrations. The eastern gate of the inner court is to remain closed on working days but opened on the Sabbath and new moons. The prince enters through the vestibule, where priests offer his burnt and peace offerings, and the people bow at the gate’s entrance. Specific offerings are detailed, including six lambs and a ram on the Sabbath, and a bull, lambs, and a ram on the new moon, accompanied by grain offerings and oil. During appointed feasts, the prince enters and exits with the people, and offerings are to be made accordingly. The prince is instructed not to take from the people’s inheritance but to provide for his sons from his own property. Additionally, there are designated areas for priests to prepare offerings without transmitting holiness to the outer court. The passage concludes with descriptions of kitchens in the outer court for boiling sacrifices, ensuring proper rituals are maintained within the temple.

Ezekiel 47

The passage describes a vision of water flowing from the temple, starting at the threshold and moving eastward. The water deepens progressively from ankle-deep to a river too deep to cross. This river brings life, as it flows into the sea, transforming the salty water into fresh water, supporting abundant fish and wildlife. Trees line the riverbanks, bearing fruit monthly and providing healing. The text then shifts to the division of land among the twelve tribes of Israel, specifying boundaries for the north, east, south, and west sides. Joseph is granted two portions, and the land is to be divided equally as promised to their ancestors. The passage emphasizes the inclusion of sojourners, granting them an inheritance among the tribes, ensuring they are treated as native-born Israelites. The Lord God declares that the land will be allotted according to the tribes, highlighting the importance of community and shared heritage.

Ezekiel 48

The text outlines the allocation of land among the tribes of Israel, starting from the northern border and moving westward. It specifies the territories for each tribe, beginning with Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. A designated portion for the Lord is described, measuring 25,000 cubits in length and 20,000 in breadth, with the sanctuary situated in the center. The priests, specifically the sons of Zadok, receive a special allotment within this holy portion, while the Levites are allocated adjacent land. The remaining area is designated for common use, including a city with specified dimensions and open land for agricultural purposes. The prince’s portion is described as lying between the territories of Judah and Benjamin, with additional land for the remaining tribes: Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. The text concludes with details about the city’s gates, which are named after the tribes, and states that the city’s circumference will be 18,000 cubits, with the name “The LORD Is There” assigned to it.

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

Ezekiel 43–45

Common Theme

God returns to dwell with His people in the new temple, calling them to holiness and proper worship. These chapters emphasize God’s desire for order, justice, and reverence in the administration of worship and the responsibilities of priests and princes.

Questions

• How does the vision of God’s glory returning to the temple challenge our understanding of His presence today?
• In what ways might our worship reflect or distort God’s holiness?

God Shot

God is the Holy One who returns to dwell among His people, not because they are worthy, but because He is faithful to His covenant. He jealously guards His glory and establishes righteous boundaries for His house, showing His passion for purity, justice, and presence among His people.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 43

The passage describes a vision of the glory of the Lord entering the temple from the east, accompanied by a powerful sound and radiant light. The speaker, overwhelmed, falls on his face as the glory fills the temple. A voice from within the temple identifies it as the place of God’s throne, emphasizing that He will dwell among the people of Israel forever, provided they cease their defilement and idolatry. The speaker is instructed to describe the temple to the house of Israel, encouraging them to reflect on their iniquities and adhere to the temple’s design and laws.

The text then details the measurements and specifications for the altar, including its height, breadth, and the arrangement of its components. The Lord provides ordinances for the altar’s consecration, including offerings and purification rituals involving specific animals. The priests from the family of Zadok are designated to perform these rituals, which include sin offerings and burnt offerings over a period of seven days. After this period, the priests will continue to offer sacrifices, and God promises to accept them, signifying His presence and favor among His people.

Ezekiel 44

In this passage, the Lord instructs the prophet regarding the temple’s gates and the conduct of the priests. The eastern gate of the sanctuary is to remain shut, as it was through this gate that the Lord entered. Only the prince may enter to eat bread before the Lord. The prophet is then shown the glory of the Lord filling the temple, prompting him to listen carefully to the Lord’s instructions about the temple’s statutes and laws. The Lord condemns the house of Israel for allowing uncircumcised foreigners to enter the sanctuary, profaning it with their abominations. The Levites who strayed after idols will bear their punishment but will still serve in the temple, though they cannot approach the Lord as priests. In contrast, the sons of Zadok, who remained faithful, will minister directly to the Lord and maintain strict regulations regarding their attire, conduct, and personal lives. They are to teach the people about holiness and serve as judges. Their inheritance is the Lord Himself, and they will receive offerings from the people, but they must not consume anything that has died of itself or been torn by wild animals.

Ezekiel 45

The text outlines the allocation of land as an inheritance, specifically designating a holy district for the LORD, measuring 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits broad. Within this area, a square plot of 500 by 500 cubits is reserved for the sanctuary, with an additional open space surrounding it. The holy portion is intended for the priests and Levites who serve in the sanctuary, providing them with living space and a sacred area. Adjacent to this holy district, a section of land is assigned for the city, which belongs to the entire house of Israel.

Furthermore, the prince is granted land on both sides of the holy district, ensuring that he does not oppress the people but allows them to possess their tribal lands. The text emphasizes the need for justice and righteousness, instructing the princes to cease violence and evictions. It also details the required offerings, including specific measures for grain, oil, and livestock, which the prince must provide during various feasts and for atonement purposes. The text concludes with instructions for the celebration of the Passover and other festivals, highlighting the importance of these rituals in the community.

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

Ezekiel 40–42

Common Theme

God reveals a vision of a future, perfect temple—meticulously measured and wholly set apart—symbolizing His intention to dwell among a purified and restored people. The emphasis is on holiness, order, and God’s presence returning to a renewed sanctuary.

Questions

• What does the detailed precision of God’s temple reveal about His character and His expectations for worship?
• How does the promise of God’s presence in a restored temple impact your understanding of holiness today?

God Shot

God is a God of order, detail, and holiness—He doesn’t leave His dwelling place to chance. His careful design of the temple reveals His desire to be with His people in purity and reverence, showing that His presence is both glorious and sacred.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 40

In the twenty-fifth year of exile, the LORD brought the prophet to a high mountain overlooking a structure resembling a city in Israel. A man with a bronze appearance, holding a measuring reed, instructed the prophet to observe and declare what he would see to the house of Israel. The man measured the temple area, starting with a wall surrounding it, and detailed the dimensions of the east gate, including its threshold, vestibule, and side rooms. The measurements were consistent, with specific dimensions for the gateway and its features, including windows and palm trees.

The prophet was then taken to the outer court, which contained chambers and a pavement, with thirty chambers facing the pavement. The measurements of the north and south gates were similar to the east gate, each having side rooms, jambs, and vestibules of the same size. The inner court was also measured, with gates on the east, south, and north, all maintaining the same dimensions and features.

The vestibule of the temple was measured, revealing its dimensions and the presence of pillars. Additionally, there were chambers for priests, designated for those who ministered in the temple and at the altar. The overall court was measured as a square, with the altar positioned in front of the temple. The detailed measurements and descriptions emphasize the significance and structure of the new temple envisioned for the people of Israel.

Ezekiel 41

The text describes the measurements and architectural details of the Inner Temple. The nave’s jambs are six cubits wide, with a ten-cubit entrance and a length of forty cubits. The inner room, identified as the Most Holy Place, measures twenty cubits in both length and breadth. The temple walls are six cubits thick, with four-cubit-wide side chambers arranged in three stories, totaling thirty chambers per story. The design allows for a broader structure as it ascends, with a raised platform around the temple. The outer wall of the side chambers is five cubits thick, and there is a twenty-cubit-wide free space surrounding the temple. The building facing the separate yard measures seventy cubits in width and ninety cubits in length. The temple itself is a hundred cubits long and wide. The interior features wood paneling, narrow windows, and carvings of cherubim and palm trees. The nave and Holy Place have double doors adorned with similar carvings, and a wooden altar is positioned before the Holy Place.

Ezekiel 42

The text describes the layout and measurements of the Temple’s chambers, focusing on the northern and southern chambers opposite the yard. The building facing north measures a hundred cubits in length and fifty cubits in breadth, featuring three stories with galleries. The upper chambers are narrower due to the galleries. There are entrances on the east side, and the chambers are similar in design on both the north and south sides. These chambers are designated as holy, where priests consume the most holy offerings. The text concludes with the measurement of the temple area, which is 500 cubits on each side, surrounded by a wall to separate the holy from the common areas.

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

Ezekiel 37–39

Common Theme

God restores life to what is dead, both physically and spiritually, and sovereignly defeats the enemies of His people. These chapters declare God’s power to resurrect, regather, and protect Israel in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Questions

• Where in your life do you need God to breathe new life into what feels dead?
• How does trusting in God’s sovereignty change how you respond to present threats or future fears?

God Shot

God is the sovereign Lord who breathes life into dry bones and restores a scattered people to Himself. He is a warrior King who defends His people for the sake of His holy name, making Himself known to all nations through His acts of resurrection and judgment.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 37

In the Valley of Dry Bones, the LORD brings the prophet Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones and asks if they can live. Ezekiel responds that only God knows. The LORD instructs him to prophesy to the bones, promising to bring them to life by putting breath in them. As Ezekiel prophesies, the bones come together, forming a body, but initially lack breath. The LORD then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, which enters the bodies, bringing them to life as a great army.

The bones symbolize the house of Israel, who feel hopeless and cut off. The LORD promises to open their graves, restore them, and bring them back to their land, instilling His Spirit within them. Additionally, the LORD instructs Ezekiel to take two sticks, representing Judah and Joseph, and join them into one, symbolizing the unification of Israel. The LORD vows to gather His people from the nations, cleanse them, and establish them as one nation under one king, David. He promises an everlasting covenant of peace, His sanctuary among them, and that they will be His people, affirming His presence and sanctification.

Ezekiel 38

The passage presents a prophecy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, as conveyed by the Lord. It describes Gog’s impending attack on Israel, a land that has been restored and is now secure after a period of desolation. Gog is warned that he will gather a vast army, including allies from various nations, and will devise an evil plan to invade Israel, targeting its unwalled villages and peaceful inhabitants. The prophecy emphasizes that this invasion will occur in the latter days, and it will serve to demonstrate God’s holiness and power to the nations. On the day of Gog’s attack, God’s wrath will be provoked, resulting in a great earthquake and chaos across the land. The prophecy concludes with a declaration of divine judgment against Gog and his forces, including pestilence and destructive elements, ultimately revealing God’s greatness and making His presence known to many nations.

Ezekiel 39

In this passage, the Lord God commands the prophet to prophesy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, declaring His opposition to him. God promises to lead Gog from the north against the mountains of Israel, where Gog and his forces will be defeated. Their bodies will be left for birds and beasts to consume, and fire will be sent upon Magog and its secure dwellers, revealing God’s sovereignty. The people of Israel will burn the weapons of their enemies for seven years, using them as fuel. Gog will be buried in the Valley of Hamon-gog, and the Israelites will cleanse the land by burying the dead over seven months. God invites birds and beasts to a sacrificial feast, where they will consume the flesh and blood of the mighty. The nations will witness God’s judgment, and Israel will recognize Him as their God, understanding their past captivity was due to their iniquities. God promises to restore Israel, showing mercy and gathering them from exile, ensuring they will dwell securely without fear. He will no longer hide His face from them and will pour out His Spirit upon the house of Israel.

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

Ezekiel 34–36

Common Theme

God confronts corrupt leadership and promises to personally shepherd His people, bringing restoration and renewal both spiritually and physically. He declares His intention to act for the sake of His name, not because of Israel’s merit, and promises to transform hearts and lands.

Questions

• What does it mean for God to be our Shepherd in contrast to human leaders?
• How does God’s motivation to act for the sake of His name reshape our understanding of grace?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as a Shepherd who rescues, feeds, and tends His sheep with justice and compassion. He also shows Himself as a holy Redeemer who restores His people and their land, not because they deserve it, but to uphold the honor of His name.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 34

The passage conveys a prophecy from the Lord against the shepherds of Israel, criticizing them for neglecting their responsibilities towards the sheep. The shepherds are accused of prioritizing their own needs over those of the flock, failing to care for the weak, sick, and lost sheep, which led to their scattering and vulnerability to wild beasts. The Lord declares that He will hold these shepherds accountable and will no longer allow them to feed themselves at the expense of the sheep. Instead, He promises to personally seek out and rescue His scattered sheep, bringing them back to their own land and providing them with good pasture and care.

The Lord emphasizes His commitment to judge between the sheep, ensuring justice and protection for the weak against the strong. He will appoint a new shepherd, His servant David, to lead and care for them. Additionally, the Lord pledges to establish a covenant of peace, banishing threats and providing security and abundance in the land. The people will recognize the Lord as their God, and they will no longer suffer from hunger or oppression, affirming their identity as His flock.

Ezekiel 35

The LORD commands a prophecy against Mount Seir, declaring it will become a desolation due to its enmity towards Israel. The prophecy states that cities will be laid waste, and those who have shed blood will face judgment. Mount Seir is warned that its arrogance and desire to possess Israel will lead to its downfall. The LORD will make Mount Seir desolate, and its inhabitants will be cut off. Ultimately, this judgment will reveal the LORD’s sovereignty, as the earth rejoices while Mount Seir faces destruction for its actions against Israel.

Ezekiel 36

In this passage, the Lord instructs the prophet to deliver a message to the mountains of Israel, emphasizing their significance and the reproach they have suffered from surrounding nations. The Lord expresses His jealousy and anger towards these nations, particularly Edom, for taking possession of Israel’s land and causing its desolation. He promises restoration, stating that the mountains will flourish again, yielding fruit for the returning people of Israel. The Lord assures that He will multiply the inhabitants and restore the cities, transforming the land from desolation to abundance.

The text also addresses the sins of the house of Israel, highlighting their defilement of the land through idolatry and violence, which led to their scattering among the nations. Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord expresses concern for His holy name, which has been profaned. He declares that His actions will not be for Israel’s sake but to vindicate His holiness among the nations.

The Lord promises to cleanse Israel from their impurities, give them a new heart and spirit, and ensure they follow His statutes. He assures them of abundance and the end of famine, leading to a time of reflection and repentance for their past iniquities. Ultimately, the passage concludes with a vision of restoration, where the desolate land becomes fruitful, and the people will recognize the Lord’s sovereignty through their renewed state.

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

Ezekiel 31–33

Common Theme

God warns the nations through vivid imagery and calls His people and His prophet to accountability. These chapters show God’s just judgment on prideful powers, the personal responsibility of individuals to respond to His warnings, and the prophet’s duty to faithfully proclaim the truth.

Questions

• What warnings from God have I heard and ignored, assuming I still have time?
• Am I living as though I bear personal responsibility for my response to God’s Word?

God Shot

God is a just and watchful judge who does not delight in the death of the wicked but longs for their repentance. He is the God who warns, who calls, and who holds both the messenger and the hearer accountable because He values every soul.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 31

In the eleventh year, the LORD spoke to the prophet, instructing him to address Pharaoh, king of Egypt. The text compares Pharaoh’s greatness to that of Assyria, depicted as a majestic cedar in Lebanon, nourished by abundant waters and providing shelter to birds and beasts. However, due to its pride and towering height, the LORD declares that it will be brought low by a mighty nation, resulting in its destruction. The cedar’s fallen branches will leave the land desolate, and all creatures that once thrived under its shade will be left without refuge. The passage emphasizes that no tree will reach such heights again, as they are destined for death. Ultimately, Pharaoh and his multitude will share the same fate as the fallen cedar, lying among the slain in the realm of the dead.

Ezekiel 32

In the twelfth year, the Lord instructs the prophet to lament over Pharaoh and Egypt, comparing Pharaoh to a dragon in the seas rather than a lion. The Lord declares that He will ensnare Pharaoh with many peoples, leading to his downfall. The prophecy foretells the destruction of Egypt, with the land drenched in blood and filled with carcasses. The heavens will darken, and the hearts of many nations will tremble at Egypt’s demise. The sword of Babylon will bring ruin to Egypt, destroying its pride and multitude. The land will become desolate, and the waters will run clear once the inhabitants are struck down, revealing the Lord’s sovereignty.

The lamentation will be sung by the daughters of nations, mourning Egypt’s fate. The Lord commands the prophet to wail over Egypt’s multitude, sending them to the pit, where they will lie with the uncircumcised. The text lists other nations, such as Assyria and Elam, who also face destruction and shame in the afterlife. Pharaoh and his army will join them, comforted by the sight of others who have fallen. The prophecy emphasizes the terror spread by Pharaoh in the land of the living, ultimately leading to his demise among the slain, as declared by the Lord God.

Ezekiel 33

In Ezekiel 33, the Lord instructs Ezekiel to act as a watchman for Israel, warning the people of impending danger. If a watchman sees danger and fails to warn the people, he is held accountable for their deaths. Conversely, if he warns them and they ignore the warning, their blood is on their own heads. The Lord expresses His desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, emphasizing that both the righteous and the wicked are judged based on their actions. The people of Israel lament their sins, questioning how they can live, but the Lord reassures them that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He calls them to repentance, stating that if the wicked turn from their sins, they will live. The Lord rebukes the people for claiming His ways are unjust, asserting that each will be judged according to their actions. Following a report of Jerusalem’s destruction, the Lord reveals that the inhabitants of Israel are misguided, believing they can possess the land despite their sins. He warns that those who commit abominations will face dire consequences. Despite the people’s interest in Ezekiel’s words, they do not act on them, likening him to a performer whose message is not heeded. Ultimately, they will recognize the truth of his prophecies when they come to pass.

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

Ezekiel 28–30

Common Theme

God declares judgment against arrogant nations and rulers who exalt themselves as divine, particularly Tyre and Egypt. Through these prophecies, God reasserts His absolute sovereignty over all nations and reveals His justice in bringing down pride and idolatry.

Questions

• In what ways do modern individuals or nations claim a kind of godlike self-sufficiency like the prince of Tyre?
• How does God’s judgment of pride in these chapters shape our understanding of His justice and authority?

God Shot

God is the sovereign Lord who will not share His glory with another. He exposes and brings down the proud to make Himself known as the one true God among the nations.

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Deeper^✝

Ezekiel 28

The text presents a prophecy against the prince and king of Tyre, emphasizing their pride and self-deification. The Lord declares that despite the prince’s wisdom and wealth, he is merely a man and will face destruction at the hands of foreign nations. The prophecy warns that he will die like an uncircumcised man, stripped of his power and splendor.

A lamentation follows, describing the king of Tyre as once perfect and beautiful, akin to a guardian cherub in Eden, adorned with precious stones. However, due to pride and unrighteousness, he was cast down and destroyed, becoming a cautionary tale for others.

The text then shifts to a prophecy against Sidon, where the Lord declares His opposition and promises to manifest His glory through judgments, including pestilence and bloodshed. This will lead to recognition of the Lord’s sovereignty.

Finally, the Lord assures the house of Israel that they will be gathered from their scattered state, live securely in their land, and witness divine judgment against their contemptuous neighbors, affirming their identity as His people.

Ezekiel 29

In the tenth year, the LORD commands the prophet to prophesy against Pharaoh of Egypt, declaring His opposition to him and Egypt. The prophecy describes Pharaoh as a great dragon claiming ownership of the Nile. The LORD promises to punish Pharaoh by drawing him out of the Nile, leaving him and the fish to be food for wild animals. Egypt will become desolate for forty years, and its inhabitants will know the LORD. The land will be uninhabited, and the Egyptians will be scattered among nations. After forty years, the LORD will restore Egypt, but it will remain a lowly kingdom, never to rise again. The prophecy also mentions Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who will conquer Egypt and take its wealth as payment for his labor against Tyre. Ultimately, the Israelites will recognize the LORD’s sovereignty.

Ezekiel 30

The passage conveys a prophetic message from the LORD regarding the impending doom of Egypt and its allies. It begins with a lamentation for the approaching "day of the LORD," characterized by clouds and destruction. A sword is foretold to strike Egypt, leading to anguish in neighboring regions like Cush and Libya. The prophecy emphasizes that those who support Egypt will also fall, and the nation will face desolation and ruin. The LORD declares that He will end Egypt’s wealth through Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who will devastate the land and its people. The Nile will be dried up, and idols will be destroyed, instilling fear in Egypt. Specific cities like Memphis, Thebes, and Pelusium will suffer greatly. The passage concludes with a declaration of judgment against Pharaoh, whose power will be broken, and the Egyptians will be scattered among nations. Ultimately, these events will lead to the recognition of the LORD’s sovereignty.

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

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.