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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

^✝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.

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.

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