Archives for September 2012

TODAY’S READING: DANIEL 7-9

 

OVERVIEW:

Daniel’s vision of the four great beasts; Daniel’s vision of the ram and the he-goat; Daniel’s seventy weeks.                        

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Until now, Daniel has been interpreting dreams for others.  But now God gives him extraordinary visions of his own.  His first vision is of four great beasts that came up from the sea.  An angel explains this dream to Daniel.  Each beast represented a kingdom:

 

1. The lion with wings (vs. 4) – This isBabylon. Babylonwas still ruling at this time, but in just a few years (as chapter 5 explains) the empire would fall.
2. The bear with ribs (vs. 5) – This is the Medo-Persian empire.  The three ribs represent the three empires already defeated in history (Egypt,Babylonia,Libya).  The fact that the bear stood “raised up on one side” indicates that one half of the empire (the Persian half) was stronger and more honorable than the other half (The Medes).
3. The winged four-headed leopard (vs. 6) – This isGreece, led by Alexander the Great who swiftly conquered the world, defeating the Persians about 331 BC.  But Alexander died in 323 BC, and his vast kingdom was divided into four parts (thus the four heads).  Four of his generals each took parts of the kingdom and ruled them as monarchs.
4. The terrible beast (vs. 7-8, 17-27) – This is theRoman Empire.  This picture seems to go beyond history into the “latter days” because we see the ten horns on the beast which parallel the ten toes of the image in chapter 2, the revivedRoman Empireof the last days.  Verses 8 and 20 tell us that a “little horn” (ruler) will appear and defeat three of the ten kingdoms represented by the ten horns and ten toes.  This little horn will then become a world ruler, the Anti-Christ!  His mouth will speak great things and he             will persecute the saints for three and a half years (vs. 25). God will send judgment (vs. 9-14, 26-28) in the person of Jesus Christ to slay this beast and set up his kingdom forever!

 

This vision complements and supplements the one from chapter two.  There we have man’s view of the nations (precious metals), but here we have God’s view (ferocious beasts).  The vision in chapter 8 is actually an amplification of 7:6, explaining howGreecewill conquer Medo-Persia.

 

In Chapter 9, we have the prophecy concerning Daniel’s 70 weeks.  While Daniel was in prayer confessing his own and his nation’s sins, the angel Gabriel touched him and proceeded to give him this prophecy concerningJerusalem.  It is a time period of seventy weeks of years (70 x 7 = 490 years).  Verse 25 tells us that the event that will start this 490 year period is a decree that allows the Jews to go back toJerusalemafter being scattered for a time.  This decree came about 100 years after Daniel received this prophecy when Artaxerxes decreed that Nehemiah could return and rebuild the city of Jerusalem in 445 BC (Neh. 2).  Gabriel said that there would be “seven weeks and threescore and two weeks” (69 x 7 = 483 years) between the giving of the decree and the coming of the Messiah.  Keep in mind that prophetic years in the Bible are 360 days, not 365 days long.  It has been calculated that there were exactly 483 years between this decree and the very day that Jesus rode intoJerusalemon Palm Sunday (see the book titled The Coming Prince by Sir Robert Anderson).  Since Messiah was rejected and cut-off as prophesied, there remains yet one week of years to be fulfilled.  This is the seven year Tribulation period known as the time of Jacob’s trouble.  It is detailed for us in Revelation 6-19.  This period ends with Christ’s return to take His rightful place as King of the whole earth.  Amen!        

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE ANCIENT OF DAYS – Dan. 7:9 (see John 1:1-3, 14)

 

As THE SON OF MAN – Dan.7:13(seeMark10:45and Luke 6:5)

 

As MESSIAH – Dan.9:25(see Matt.16:16and 1 John 5:1)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: DANIEL 4-6

 

OVERVIEW:

Nebuchadnezzar’s tree dream and Daniel’s interpretation; Belshazzar (grandson of Nebuchadnezzar) and the handwriting of God on the wall; Daniel and the lion’s den.            

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar once again has a dream.  This time the dream was about a huge tree overshadowing the entire earth that was ordered to be cut down by an angelic voice.  Once again the king summoned his wise men to no avail, for they could not interpret the dream.  The king then called on Daniel, the man of God, who proceeded to tell the king the interpretation, but not in a careless fashion, for this dream dealt with the King’s personal future.  The explanation of the dream is not difficult.  The tree represented Nebuchadnezzar and his mighty kingdom, and this tree must be cut down because Nebuchadnezzar did not give God the glory even after all that he had seen God do (see Dan. 1-3).  But not only would Nebuchadnezzar lose his position, he would have to live like a beast for seven years until God would once again restore the throne back to him.  God’s reason for doing this was to teach Nebuchadnezzar humility.  Yet after Daniel revealed this interpretation to the king, he still did not repent of his boasting ways, so the dream was realized in Nebuchadnezzar’s life.  For seven years he lived like a beast until verse 34 when “he lifted up his eyes unto heaven … and blessed the most high”.  This chapter is essentially the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion!  Verse 37 should be a warning to all of us, for “those that walk in pride [God] is able to abase”.  This chapter also happens to be a fore view of what will happen to the nations in the latter days.  Just about the time that they will be boasting of their greatness and glory, God will send seven years of awful judgment upon them and bring them low.  Then, at the end of the tribulation period, Christ will return to earth and establish His kingdom.  The nations that have trusted Him will enter into the glorious kingdom; the others will be cast out.

 

In chapter 5, Belshazzzar is now king, and Daniel is about 80 years old.  Belshazzzar had obviously not been impressed with his grandfather’s decision to worship the one true God of heaven, for he was throwing a party in honor of one of the Babylonian gods!  Yet he was not content to just drink wine to his gods, he wanted to blaspheme the God of the Jews (and the whole earth) as well.  So he had the sacred temple vessels brought in to be used at this idolatrous, blasphemous feast (5:3-4).  This is when a hand appeared and wrote on the wall causing Belshazzzar to shake in fear (vs. 6).  As usual, the king’s experts could not explain this handwriting on the wall and this made the king even more concerned (vs. 9).  The queen had to tell Belshazzzar about a man named Daniel who most certainly could help him with the interpretation of the writing.  Belshazzzar obviously did not know him or his God!  Once again, Daniel gives the king the interpretation …”numbered, weighed, divided! ”.  Belshazzzar’s days were numbered and his time was up; he had been weighed on God’s scales and found wanting; now his kingdom would be taken from him and divided by the Medes and Persians.  Did Belshazzzar believe Daniel?  There is no evidence of repentance or concern on his part.  He kept his promise to Daniel and made him third ruler as though his kingdom would continue forever!  Yet that same night, Belshazzzar was slain and the Medes and Persians took the kingdom just as God had said (5:30-31)!

 

Chapter 6 deals with a day in the life of the Prime Minister of the Medo-Persian Empire…Daniel.  God had honored Daniel’s faithfulness through many different kings and kingdoms; but the wicked hate the righteous (ever since Cain and Abel), and that fact is proven again by the events in this chapter.  The other leaders of the land conspire against Daniel and get the king to pass law prohibiting any man from petitioning any God or man, save the king, for 30 days.  This, of course, was a trap, for they knew Daniel prayed without ceasing to his God (6:10).  After hearing of this new law, Daniel continues to do what he had always done… pray.  For this, the king was forced to cast Daniel into the lion’s den against his own wishes, for he loved Daniel (6:14)!  The law could not be changed, even by the king himself (6:15).  So, Daniel was placed into the lion’s den and King Darius fasted and did not sleep the whole night long.  When morning came, he ran to the den of lions crying out Daniel’s name.  Sure enough, God delivered Daniel and the king was very glad (6:23).  The men that accused Daniel were cast into the lion’s den and killed.  Daniel went on to prosper throughout the reign of Darius and Cyrus (6:28).  

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As GOD’S ANGEL sent to shut the lion’s mouths – Dan. 6:22. (Rev. 20:3; I Pet. 1:8; Heb. 11:33). 

 

TODAY’S READING: DANIEL 1-3

 

OVERVIEW:

Daniel and his friends taken captive to Babylon away from their families; Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation; The image of gold erected by Nebuchadnezzar and the refusal of Daniel’s three friends to bow down and worship it.           

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Since the Jews had refused to repent and obey the Lord, the Babylonian army came in and conquered their land just as the prophet Jeremiah had warned!  Daniel and his three friends (all teenagers at the time) were snatched from their homes inJerusalem, and taken toBabylonsince they were all princes and belonged to the royal family (1:3).  It was the custom at the time to take the best of the youth toBabylonto be trained in the king’s court.  The king’s goal, of course, was to conform them to the ways ofBabylon.  This conforming process involved a new home, new knowledge, new diets, and new names.  Don’t miss the fact that Satan’s strategy is no different today than it was then.  He is bent on conforming God’s people to this world (Rom.12:1-2)!  Daniel and his friends, however, purposed in their heart that they would not defile themselves with the king’s meat (1:8).  They dared to stand for what they believed to be true and right, even though it meant doing so at the risk of their own lives.  Risking their own lives was one thing, but it also meant risking the life of Melzar, the one the king had appointed to control the diets of the Hebrew children. He understood that if it would become evident by their physical appearance that they were not following the king’s directions; it would mean his neck as well as theirs!  Daniel believed God would honor their refusal to eat the king’s meat, and asked Melzar, in whom he had found favor, for a 10 day trial of simply eating pulse (vegetables) and water to prove that God would step up on their behalf.  God did indeed step up, as their countenance was much healthier looking than the others who were eating according to the king’s prescribed diet.  So often we talk about the law of sowing and reaping from a negative standpoint (Gal. 6:8).  This happens to be a positive example of the principle.  Because of the great faith and trust these young men sowed at this point in their life, they reaped God’s promotion and protection in the worldlykingdomofBabylonthroughout the remainder of their lives!

 

In chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and demands that the wise men not only interpret it, but to actually tell him what the dream was about.  None were up to the task, so Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of the so-called wise men to be slain.  At the last minute, however, God reveals the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, so he proceeds to tell the king, sparing the lives of the wise men from certain death.  Nebuchadnezzar is quite impressed and pleased with Daniel, and to show his appreciation, promotes Daniel and his three friends to key positions of authority in his kingdom.  It should be noted that the dream that Daniel interpreted was actually an outline of world history.  It describes the kingdoms and governments that would rule the world beginning withBabylonat that time, all the way up to this present day.  In fact, without the revelation of the prophecies in the Book of Daniel, it would be impossible to interpret the Book of Revelation.  The two books go hand in hand! (I Cor.2:13).

 

Chapter 3 takes place approximately 20 years after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.  While Nebuchadnezzar had acknowledged that Jehovah God is the “God of gods, and a LORD of kings” (2:47), he evidently suffered a major lapse in memory in that 20 year period.  In this chapter he sets up a golden image of himself, requiring every person in the entire kingdom to bow before it and worship it.  Obviously, this poses a major problem for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Babylonian names of Daniel’s three Hebrew friends).  If they were so surrendered to God’s Word that they refused to eat the king’s meat, they certainly would have no part in bowing down before the king’s image!  (Daniel must have been away from the kingdom at the time the image was set up, because his uncompromising and godly character most certainly proves that he would have been among those who refused to bow down to the image!) Their refusal to bow to his golden image caused Nebuchadnezzar to have them cast into the fiery furnace. In the midst of the furnace, there is an incredible pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fourth man in the fire, who protected them, not only from the flames, but even the very smell of smoke!  Nebuchadnezzar was reminded once again of the power of Jehovah God, and made a decree stating that it was illegal for anyone to speak against Him!  He also promoted these three men in his kingdom. 

 

There is an overarching biblical truth that we learn from today’s reading.  God promises all of us three things:

            1) Persecution (I Peter4:12-19; Phil.1:29)

            2) Preservation (Isa. 43:2; Psalm 23; Eph.1:12-14)

            3) Promotion (I Peter5:10)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE STONE – Dan. 2:35, 45; Jesus is the chief corner stone (Eph.2:20, I Pet. 2:6-7, and Rom.9:31-33).

 

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 45-48

 

OVERVIEW:

The allotment of land for the priests and theTemple(chapter forty-five); offerings and sacrifices during the millennium (chapter forty-six); the waters of the land healed and the land divided (chapters forty-seven through forty-eight).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 45 begins with an allotment of land to be offered unto the Lord during the millennium (45:1-8).  This portion of land will cover a territory of about eight square miles.  A rectangle of 25,000 x 10,000 cubits in the middle will be for theTemple; and set aside for the priests.  A similar rectangle north of it will be for the Levites.  On the south, a rectangle of 25,000 x 5,000 cubits will be reserved for the city itself. 

 

TheTemplewill be the focal point of the land, surrounded by an area for the priests on the east and west, an area for the Levites on the north, with the city located to the south.  An area for the prince (discussed in yesterday’s reading) will exist outside the domain of the priests. 

 

After giving the layout of the land, Ezekiel admonishes the priests of his day (45:9-12) to execute judgment and justice and stop taking advantage of the people.  The conduct to which the priests had grown accustomed will not be tolerated during the millennium. 

 

Ezekiel 45:13-17 records the offeringsIsraelwill give to the prince.  The prince in turn will make provision for the public sacrifices for worship.  The rest of the chapter (45:18-20) records the institution of a new festival to start the “new year” with an emphasis on holiness and the reinstitution of the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles (45:21-25).  The offerings in the millennialTemplewill be much richer and more abundant than those under the law. 

 

Chapter 46 deals with the offerings and the sacrifices that will be offered during the millennium.  Here we learn that the Sabbath will be reinstituted (46:1).  The Sabbath, an entirely Jewish day, was never intended to be kept by anyone other than a Jew.  We see in this chapter that the context of these sacrifices and offerings will once again be entirely Jewish.  On the Sabbath, the prince will enter through the eastern gate of the inner court to lead the children ofIsraelin worship (46:12). 

 

Ezekiel 46:16-17 teaches that if the prince gives an inheritance to his sons it is permanent, but a gift to a servant lasts only to the year of Jubilee.  What a beautiful picture.  Praise God that His prince (Christ) deals with us as sons and not as servants (Rom.8:14)! 

 

Chapter 47 begins with Ezekiel being escorted again to the door of theTemple(47:1).  The waters issue forth from the entrance to theTemple.  This symbolizes that all blessing flows from the presence of the Lord.  God then heals the waters and transforms theDead Sea, which could not formally support life, into a living sea of fresh water (47:6-12).  What a picture of the transforming power of God.  That which could not support life is now made to support life. 

 

The rest of this chapter (47:13-23) and chapter 48 deal with the dividing of the land.  It should be noted that the stranger (the “non Jews”) living during the millennium will not be excluded (47:21-23).  The Mosaic Law did not permit the stranger to acquire land, as it is granted here.  The right is extended to those who will settle permanently in the land of promise, having children there.  This further reminds us that there will be children born during the millennium. 

 

The final chapter concerns the distribution of the Promised Land for the millennial age.  All the tribal portions extend across the breadth of the land.  All the tribes are west of theJordan.  A central tract of land is separated for theTemple, for the city, and for the prince’s land (discussed in chapter 45). 

 

Dan is the first tribe mentioned.  Dan is omitted during the tribulation (Rev. 7).  The omission during the tribulation is probably due to Dan’s idolatry.  However, here in the millennium Dan is restored.  That is what God is all about – grace!  He restores what has been lost!  He repairs what has been broken!  God sees past our failures!  God sees our restoration! 

 

The Book of Ezekiel began with much ofIsraelin exile. Nebuchadnezzar was the king of the world.  Over the course of Ezekiel’s life the glory of the LORD departed from theTemple, and theTempleandJerusalemwere destroyed and burned.  However, in these last nine chapters, God has given Ezekiel a glimpse ofIsrael’s future.  The Book ends (48:35) with anew city, and the name of that city is “The LORD is there”!  

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As waters of life coming forth form the presence of God – Eze. 47:1 (John4:14).

 

*Tomorrow we will look at the life of a man that was close to the same age as Ezekiel who also prophesied duringIsrael’s exile.

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 41-44

 

OVERVIEW:

Measurements ofMillennialTemple(chapter forty-one); measurements of the temple chambers (chapter forty-two); God’s glory returns to the temple (chapter forty-three); the priests (chapter forty-four).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapters 41 and 42 describe the specific measurements of the temple.

 

It is Christ alone, not Ezekiel, who enters the most holy place of the temple (41:3-4).  This serves as a reminder that it was Christ alone who entered the most holy place to make atonement for our sin (Heb. 9:8, 12,10:19). 

 

The side chambers of the temple (41:5-11) will be the priest’s quarters.  What a reminder that as the priesthood of believers (I Peter 2:5), our lives should be given wholly to offering up spiritual sacrifices, our own lives (Rom.12:1-2). 

 

The galleries mentioned in Ezekiel 41:15-20 were buildings having decorations described as palm trees and cherubim.  Between the palm trees was a cherub with two faces, the face of a man and the face of a lion.  These faces might possibly represent the humanity and kingship of the Messiah. 

 

The altar of incense is described in Ezekiel 41:21-26 (Ex. 30:1-3).  The incense represents the prayers of God’s people (Psa. 141:2). 

 

Note that there is no reference to the Ark of the Covenant in the furnishings of the millennial temple.  This is a direct fulfillment of Jeremiah 3:16-17.    There is no longer a need for theArkas a type of Christ, as it is Christ who sits physically on the throne during the millennium. 

 

Chapter 42 contains specific measurements of the court temple chambers (42:1-12), the use of the chambers by the priests (42:13-14), and the measurement of the outer wall and entire complex (42:15-20).  The walls will be approximately one mile on each side, which means that this temple will not fit on the currentMountMoriah(where Solomon’s temple stood).  This will require a “modification” of the land.  The prophet Zechariah spoke about this change in Zechariah 14:9-11. 

 

Chapter 43 must be understood in the context of Ezekiel’s previous prophecy.  Earlier in the book, we saw that God’s glory had departed from the temple (10:19,11:23).  This chapter speaks of God’s glory returning to a future physical temple (43:1-5).  As Christians, we should be encouraged by God’s desire to once again fill a Jewish temple with His glory.  However, for us the prophecy only pictures what has already happened in our life.  God has always desired a place for His glory to dwell.  When THE TEMPLE (Christ’s body) was destroyed (John2:19), it made it possible for our bodies to become God’s temple (I Cor.6:19)!  God allowed Satan to destroy one temple, and God in turn filled this world with His temples.  We are the place where God’s glory now resides. 

 

This should also serve as a warning to us.  The enemy hated Solomon’s temple (burned byBabylon), hated Zerubbabel’s /Herod’s temple (burned byRome), hated Christ (crucified byRome), and now hates us.  This is a war for glory!  We are now the target on planet earth.  Satan wants to destroy our lives.  There may even be times when he is successful.  However, just as God’s glory returned to a physical temple, God can take lives that the enemy has destroyed and restore them for His glory.  Unlike the physical temples of the Old Testament, however, God never leaves us! 

 

Chapter 44 deals with regulations for the priests who will serve in the millennial temple.  Once again, as the priesthood of believers, we will find numerous pictures of how we should minister in our priesthood. 

 

It should be noted that “the prince” described in Ezekiel 44:3 is allowed to enter through the vestibule/porch of the eastern gate (the same gate through which the Messiah has entered).  This prince cannot be the Messiah as he offers a sacrifice for his own sin (45:22).  This prince is referred to at least fourteen times in chapters 44-47.  We cannot be sure as to the identity of this prince.  Most likely, he is a descendant of David.  Some students of the scripture believe he may even be David himself. 

 

Is there sin in the millennium?  Sometimes this can be a confusing concept.  We must remember that at the end of the millennium there will be another rebellion against God (Rev. 20:7-9).  There will be those who came through the tribulation and those who are born during the millennium who will still reject Christ.  Why?  For the same reason people reject Christ today.  They will not submit to His Lordship.  As believers, we will have received our glorified bodies and will no longer struggle with sin— Hallelujah!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the One who enters the “most Holy place” – Ezekiel 41:3-4 (Hebrews 9:8, 12)

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 37-40

 

OVERVIEW:

The resurrection ofIsrael(Chapter thirty-seven); God’s Judgment against Gog (chapters thirty-eight through thirty-nine); Ezekiel’s vision of the millennial temple (chapter forty).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 37 continues a series of prophecies given to Ezekiel the night before the messenger of Ezekiel 33:21-22 arrives.  God knew thatIsraelwould faint in their hearts onceJerusalemwas destroyed and the temple was burned.  The word “hopeless” comes to mind.  God takes Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones.  He asks if the bones can live again.  It is important to realize that if the children ofIsraeldidn’t believe in an individual resurrection (as some liberal scholars would suggest) this vision would have no meaning.  Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the bones (37:4) and to the wind (37:9).  After Ezekiel follows God’s instructions, the bones are resurrected.  God explains the meaning of the vision in Ezekiel 37:11-14.  These bones represent the whole house ofIsraelbeing resurrected as a nation. 

 

The Jews were cutoff from their homeland, defeated, without hope.  God givesIsraelhope.  He gives them His Word. Israel, as a nation, will be resurrected (Isaiah 66:8).  God tells Ezekiel to join together the sticks upon which He has written a name that represents a part ofIsrael, and so illustrates thatIsraelwill be one nation (37:15-19).  The rest of the chapter looks forward to the millennium.

 

Chapters 38 and 39 tell of a northern confederacy of nations (38:6, 15) who will invade the Promised Land and wage war againstIsrael(38:16).   The phrase “after many days” and “latter year” in Ezekiel 38:8 indicates that this prophecy is tied to the coming of Christ at the Second Advent (39:11).  This confederacy then, will be led by the anti-Christ (Rev.12:1-3) and will be the recipient of God’s fury and wrath (38:18-23).  It will takeIsraelseven months to bury the dead (39:12)!  God also instructs Ezekiel to speak to the carrion birds and carnivorous animals to consume the fallen flesh (Rev. 19:21).  Chapter 39 ends with God’s promise to never hide His face fromIsraelagain.  This refers to the beginning of the millennial kingdom. 

 

Introduction to Ezekiel 40-48

The last nine chapters of Ezekiel, beginning with chapter 40, form an inseparable unit.  Explicit details about Christ’s millennial reign follow the great battle described in chapters 38 and 39.  This portion of scripture provides more detail about the 1,000-year kingdom than all other Old Testament prophecies combined.  In these chapters we will find a vivid description of the millennial temple and reinstated Jewish rituals and sacrifices.  This portion of Ezekiel must be approached as the other thirty-nine chapters have been approached – literally.  Ezekiel, who is a priest, is speaking of a literal temple and literal sacrifices that will exist in a literal future kingdom.  We must be careful to understand that the reinstatement of the temple and sacrifices in no way nullifies or diminishes the finished work of Christ on the cross.  Just as the sacrifices in the OT pointed to the finished work of Christ on the cross, the sacrifices in the millennium will point back to the finished work of Christ on the cross.  These last nine chapters break down as follows:  New Temple (40:1 – 43:12); New Worship (43:13 – 47:12); New Appointment of Land (47:13 – 48:35).

 

Ezekiel began with a vision of Christ at the Second Advent and ends with a vision of Christ in the millennial kingdom. 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As “the man” in Ezekiel 40:3. 

 

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 33-36

 

OVERVIEW:

The responsibility of the watchman and the fall ofJerusalem(chapter thirty-three); Wicked shepherds and God’s Shepherd (chapter thirty-four); Judgment againstEdom(chapter thirty-five); Restoration of Israel (chapter thirty-six).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 33 begins with God’s admonition to Ezekiel concerning his responsibility as a watchman forIsrael.  Once again, God emphasizes that it is not Ezekiel’s responsibility to change the heart of the people.  However, it is his responsibility to proclaim God’s truth. 

 

Because of Ezekiel’s warning, the children ofIsraelconsidered their situation hopeless (33:10).  However, within God’s admonition we also find God’s mercy.  Oftentimes when reading the prophets of the Old Testament one might feel that God takes pleasure in inflicting judgment on His people.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God reminds Ezekiel that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that the wicked would repent and live (33:11). 

 

Our responsibility to our lost friends and neighbors is no different than Ezekiel’s responsibility to his kinsman.  We are to warn those who one day will be the recipients of God’s wrath, to turn from their sin and to walk in the statutes of life and live (33:11-16).  Who have you warned this week?  With whom have you shared the story of God’s mercy?  We are the watchman.  We are seated on the wall of a city, knowing full well God’s judgment is imminent.  Those asleep in the city might be our family, friends and neighbors.  God forbid we would be silent. 

 

This chapter also reveals the depth of man’s pride.  Rather than repent, the children ofIsraelwere questioning God’s fairness in judgment (33:17-20).  Oftentimes that is man’s response to reproof.  Questions such as, “Would a loving God send people to hell?” and statements such as, “I’m no worse than anyone else” are nothing more than man’s attempt to not take responsibility for his own sin.  However, God says he will judge every man after his own ways (33:20).  

 

For years Ezekiel had warned thatJerusalemwould eventually fall toBabylon.  One who had escaped notified Ezekiel thatJerusalemhad fallen (33:21). Jerusalemwas destroyed in 586 BC (II Chron. 36:19).  Ezekiel further warns those who were spared in the destruction ofJerusalemand scattered in the land that they are still in danger of God’s judgment (33:27-28). 

 

Ezekiel knows thatJerusalemhas fallen before the messenger even arrives.  Ezekiel 33:22 states that the hand of the LORD was upon him in the evening before the one who had escaped comes to him.  Verse 23 says the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel.  Ezekiel 33:23-39:29 records God’s word to Ezekiel the night before the messenger comes.  Chapters 40-48 are dated more than twelve years after the destruction ofJerusalem. 

 

The end of the chapter contains a short commentary on many of God’s people in every generation.  Even those in exile with Ezekiel were talking against him (33:30).  How sad that one of the enemies greatest tactics is to deceive God’s people into talking against God’s leaders.  They still came and sat before Ezekiel as you would expect God’s people to do, and listened to Ezekiel as you would expect God’s children to do, and even enjoyed Ezekiel’s words as you would expect God’s children to do, but they just wouldn’t do what Ezekiel said!  God says that when His judgment is come, His people will know that a prophet had been among them (33:31-33). 

 

Chapter 34 contains Ezekiel’s condemnation ofIsrael’s leaders.  Instead of protecting and providing for God’s people, they had only served themselves.  They had failed to care for God’s people and to seek after God’s people (34:2-6).  Because of the failure ofIsrael’s leadership, the children ofIsraelhad been scattered (34:5-6).  God says that He will personally seek out His lost sheep and save them (34:11-16).  This is what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 9:36.  There is still a future restoration for the children ofIsrael. 

 

God then promises that He will set up “one shepherd,” even my servant David (34:23-24).  This is a reference to the Shepherd who would come from David’s line, the Lord Jesus Christ (John10:11).  Doctrinally, the passage is speaking of Christ’s millennial reign. 

 

Chapter thirty-five contains a prophecy againstEdom, which is called Seir (Genesis 32:3). MountSeircovers the mountainous area settled by the Edomites.  This prophecy has been literally fulfilled. Edomwas defeated byBabylon, then by Medo-Persia, and then in 126 B.C. by John Hyrcanus the Hasmonean, who compelled them to become Jews.  There is no trace of the Edomites now.

 

Chapter thirty-six speaks to the restoration ofIsrael.  Even in the midst of their exile and judgment, God asks creation to remember His promise toIsrael(36:1). Israelhas been scattered, but they will be restored!  God specifically says in Ezekiel 36:24 that He will gather the children ofIsraelout of all countries and bring them again into their own land.  This was fulfilled in 1948 when the Jews returned to their homeland after World War II.  Ezekiel 36:25-38 speaks to the restoration ofIsraelin the millennium.  We are living in the “space” between verses 24 and 25!  There has never been a nation in history that has been brought together again asIsraelhas.  The restoration ofIsraelis one of the greatest proofs that the Bible is God’s Word.  Prior to 1948, many scholars scoffed at those who believed thatIsraelwould be physically gathered together again as stated in Ezekiel 36:24.  However, after 1948 it isn’t hard to see at all.  Blessed are those who don’t have to see to believe!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ONE SHEPHERD – Ezek.  34:23-24 (I Peter 5:4)

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 28-32

 

OVERVIEW:

God’s judgment on the prince/king of Tyrus (chapter twenty-eight); God’s judgment upon Pharaoh (chapter twenty-nine); God’s judgment uponEgypt(chapter thirty); The fall ofAssyria(chapter thirty-one); A lamentation for Pharoah/Egypt (chapter thirty-two)

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter twenty-eight concludes God’s judgment againstTyre. This passage has been dated shortly before the siege ofTyreby Nebuchadnezzar (585-573 BC).  The prince in view in verse two was Ithobal II who reigned during this siege.  His arrogance is demonstrated by the fact that he considered himself a god (28:2).  Princes ofTyrebelieved they were descendents of the gods.  The precision of the imagery and the verbiage in this passage reveals this judgment not only speaks to the historical ruler ofTyre, but to another being as well.

 

Ezekiel mentions that this prince is wiser than Daniel, which indicates that Daniel was well-known throughout the world by this time.  At the time that Ezekiel made this statement, Daniel would have served in Nebuchadnezzar’s court for an estimated twenty-five years. 

 

While Ezekiel states that this prince has been successful in accumulating wealth, it is the prince’s pride that brings about God’s judgment (28:6).  The demise of the prince is prophesied in 28:10.  The invasion ofTyrebyBabylonwas also prophesied in Jer. 27:1-7. 

 

Verse eleven of chapter twenty-eight brings a transition. The word “moreover” emphasizes that Ezekiel is about to go further in his condemnation of the ruler.  The careful reader will observe that the ruler is referred to as “the king” (28:12) rather than the prince (28:2).  While it is true that the terms king and prince are often used interchangeably in Scripture, it is also true that secular history does not record a king ofTyre, only a prince.  Why the distinction?  Why did Ezekiel change terms? 

 

The answer lies in the identity of this king.  This king is said to be “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”  While the case may be made that this description could refer to a mortal man in some sense, the next phrase cannot.  This king has been inEdenthegardenofGod.  Some scholars say that Ezekiel was referring to a garden that was so beautiful it could be compared toEden.  However, this is not what the text says.  This ruler has literally been inEden.  It is apparent that Ezekiel is no longer referring to the ruler ofTyre, but is speaking to the spirit behind that ruler.  The pride that the ruler ofTyrepossesses comes from a being that actually said at one time, “I will be like the most high” (Isa.14:12-14; Eze. 28:16-17).  Ezekiel is speaking to someone who had been inEdenover 3,000 years prior to this prophecy.  This is none other than Satan himself. 

 

It is not uncommon for the Word of God to speak to Satan through a man (Matt.16:23).  Here Ezekiel provides a description of Lucifer before his fall.  He was covered in precious stones with musical instruments inside of him.  He is called the “anointed” cherub.  He was created perfect until the day iniquity was found in him (Isa.14:12-24). 

 

The ruler ofTyrepictures not only Lucifer, but the coming anti-Christ.  Within this chapter we find this ruler described as

1. A man – vs. 2
2. A prophet – vs. 3
3. A king – vs. 2
4. A priest – vs. 13 (as symbolized by the precious stones which were also worn by priests in the OT)

 

This ruler represents the presence of Satan (who was once inEden) personified through a man who will seek to counterfeit the offices of a prophet, priest, and king.  The judgment upon this man is also revealed (28:17-19).  God will one day bring fire from within this adversary (anti-Christ) to devour him.  He will be reduced to ashes and scattered for the world to see, and “never shalt thou be anymore.”   A man who is the rightful prophet, priest, and king – who is the very presence of God – will defeat him!  This chapter ends with a promise toIsraelconcerning the millennial reign of this man – Christ (28:25-26). 

 

Chapters twenty-nine through thirty-two record God’s judgment against the nation ofEgypt. Israelhad turned toEgyptfor help againstBabyloncontrary to God’s instruction (Jer. 42:14-22, 43:7-11). Egypthad been successful in causing the Babylonians to lift the siege againstJerusalem(Jer. 37:5-7).  However, in time,Egyptreturned to their homeland andJerusalemwas eventually invaded and burned. 

 

NowEgyptis falling under the condemnation of God.  Once again God is using Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His will (29:17-20).  From a historical perspective Nebuchadnezzar was running out of resources as he continued to wage war againstTyre(29:18).  He ended up spoilingEgyptand paying his army to continue to fight. Verse 18 says he had no wages, nor his army.  God’s gift of thelandofEgyptbecame their wages.  Chapter Twenty-nine ends with a prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ describing Him as the horn (Christ) of the house ofIsraelto bud forth. 

 

In chapter thirty-one Satan is once again addressed through a man – Pharaoh (31:1-9).  Satan is likened to a tree inEden.  The trees ofEdenenvied him (31:8-9), but he stood above the rest of the trees (31:5). During this same time period, Daniel, who is also in exile, uses the metaphor of a tree to describe Nebuchadnezzar, who is a type of the anti-Christ (Dan.4:10). 

 

Why does God use the Gentile leaders of these nations to picture the anti-Christ (Tyre,Babylon,Egypt)?  The anti-Christ’s kingdom will be a culmination of Gentile kingdoms that will unite in an effort to destroyIsraeland to rule this world.  We have to remember that God had promised that a man would be born that would eventually crush Satan’s head (Gen. 3:15).  God had revealed that this man would come from the nation ofIsrael.  Throughout history, Satan has risen up, and will continue to rise up, Gentile nations to destroyIsrael.  The tribulation is Satan’s last attempt to organize these nations in an effort to destroyIsrael. 

 

Speaking to Satan through these Gentile leaders, God continually reminds him that one day both he and his kingdom will be destroyed.  Then, as a preview of what the future holds in store for them, God does what He says He will do and destroys each one of these Gentile nations.  No doubt about it, God gets in Satan’s face.  The conflict is a personal one.  This is about a war for a kingdom and God continues to remind Satan just how the story is going to end!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the HORN OF THE HOUSE OFISRAEL– Eze. 29:21.

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 24-27

 

OVERVIEW:

God’s purging ofJerusalem(chapter twenty-four); God’s judgment against Gentile nations (chapter twenty-five); God’s judgment againstTyre(chapter twenty-six through chapter twenty-seven).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter Twenty-four contains an image ofJerusalemas a bloody city.  This accusation is mentioned numerous times in the book of Ezekiel.  Ezekiel is instructed to tell a parable about a bloody stew that representsJerusalem.  Numerous times in the Word of God the shedding of “innocent blood” is mentioned as a cause for God’s vengeance (Deut.19:10; I Sam. 19:5; I Kings2:31).  The shedding of blood in the Old Testament looked forward to THE innocent blood that would be shed one day atCalvary(Matthew 27:4).  It is true that the innocent blood of our Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us from sin, but it is also true that those who do not accept God’s gift of grace will be held accountable for the death of God’s only beloved Son and will suffer the wrath of God’s vengeance.  God hates the shedding of innocent blood.  How God must love us to have allowed His Son to shed His innocent blood!

 

Ezekiel is also instructed not to mourn when his wife dies (24:15-18).  In this, Ezekiel is picturing the fact that there will be no time to mourn when God’s judgment comes onJerusalem.  This foreshadows the coming Day of the Lord when judgment will be swift and extensive.  However, even in judgment there is mercy.  Ezekiel speaks specifically to certain Jews who will escape the judgment ofJerusalemand come toBabylon(24:25-27).  This is fulfilled in Ezekiel 33:21.  This foreshadows those who will be saved out of the tribulation. 

 

Chapter twenty-five contains Ezekiel’s prophecies against Gentile nations.  These nations are judged because they rejoiced whenIsraelwas chastened by God (25:3, 6, 8) and have taken vengeance onIsraelwhen she was weak (25:12, 15).  The doctrinal principle is clear.  Don’t rejoice whenIsraelis chastened!  Much of this world rejoices when bad news aboutIsraelis broadcast.  There are many who look forward to the dayIsraelwill suffer during the tribulation.  Those nations who bring judgment againstIsraelare a pawn in the hand of God to execute His sovereign plan.  However, after God has used them He will judge them!  On a more devotional note, the lesson is clear.  We should never rejoice when we see God’s chastening on others. 

 

Chapters twenty-six and twenty-seven begin a three-chapter judgment againstTyre.  The eleventh year in verse one refers to the eleventh year of Jehoiachin’s reign.  In 586 BC, the 11th year of Jehoiachin’s captivity, on the tenth day of the month,Jerusalemwas captured. 

 

It is Nebuchadrezzar that God will use to bring judgment onTyre.  It is interesting that Nebuchadrezzar is called “a king of kings” (26:7), making him a type of the anti-Christ.  Just as Nebuchadrezzar ruled the kings of the world, the coming anti-Christ will also stand in authority until the true King of kings arrives!

 

Tyre, an ancient city of the Phoenicians, appears for the first time in the Bible in the Old Testament in Joshua 19:29.   In Old Testament times,Tyrewas a great commercial city.  During the reign of David and Solomon,Tyreexercised great influence on the commercial, political, and even religious life ofIsrael.  Hiram, king ofTyre, was a devoted friend of David (II Samuel5:11) who helped both David and Solomon in their building operations (I Kings 5:1-12; I Chron. 14:1; II Chron. 2:3, 11).  ThoughTyreandIsraelwere friendly in the days of David and Solomon, they later drifted apart.  The Tyrians then later sold Jews as slaves to the Greeks and to the Edomites (Joel 3:4-8; Amos 1:9-10).  This entire chapter is a lamentation describingTyreas a very glorious and great trade ship destroyed by the high seas. 

 

The prophecies set forth in chapters twenty-six through twenty-eight were fulfilled literally with unmistakable clarity (Isaiah 23; Jer. 47:4).  Oftentimes we can forget that many of these prophecies have been fulfilled historically.  This only confirms the accuracy of God’s Word. 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the One who shall “set glory in the land of the living” during the Millennium (Ezekiel 26:20). 

 

TODAY’S READING: EZEKIEL 21-23

 

OVERVIEW:

Judgment pronounced againstJerusalem(chapter twenty-one);Jerusalem’s sin (chapter twenty-two);Jerusalem’s seduction (chapter twenty-three)

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter twenty-one contains instruction from God for Ezekiel to sigh in the midst of the people.  When asked by the people the reason for his bitterness and groaning, he is instructed to again remindIsraelthat God’s judgment is imminent.  God uses the visual image of a sword to picture His judgment in this chapter.  In the historical context the sword represents the king ofBabylon(21:19).   This sword foreshadows the day Christ will come in judgment upon this earth with a sword (the Word of God – Revelation19:15). 

 

Ezekiel is also instructed to make a map and to trace on it two routes for the king ofBabylonto follow.  One route goes toJerusalem, while the other route will take him to Rabbath of the Ammonites.  Ammon had conspired withJudahin 593 BC to rebel againstBabylon.  The question was whether the king ofBabylonwould decide to attack Rabbath orJerusalem.  Ezekiel is instructed to illustrate how the king ofBabylonwould call upon his gods to decide which path to take and which city to attack.  To determine his course, the king ofBabylonwould use three types of magic.  The first type of magic was the use of arrows.  The arrows would be marked with a name, put in a quiver, and whirled about.   The first one to fall out would reflect the decision of the god.  The next form of magic was the use of “images” or teraphims (this was a statue much like Mary today).  These images were mummified children’s heads.  The third, and most common, form of magic was the liver.  It involved distinguishing judgment based upon the color of a sacrificed lamb’s liver.  Upon hearing from his gods, the king ofBabylonwould choose to attackJerusalem. 

 

The Jews were skeptical of Ezekiel’s continual prophecies againstJudahandJerusalem.  They doubted that the magic of the king ofBabylonwould result in his choosingJerusalemas a target, and further doubted his ability to take the city (21:23).  Although the king ofBabylonwas using magic, his heart was in the hand of God (Proverbs 21:1).  God would use the king’s magic to bring judgment against His people.  God instructsIsraelto remove the diadem (worn by the priests) and the crown (worn by the kings).  Neither of these offices would be restored after the captivity.  The historical “wicked prince ofIsrael” is Zedekiah (21:25-27).  In this context, Zedekiah typifies the coming anti-Christ.  The fact that God uses the term “overturn” three times expresses the severest judgment against these offices.  These offices will be no more until Christ comes, who has a right to both offices.  At that time God will give Him both offices.

 

Ezekiel chroniclesJerusalem’s sins in chapter twenty-two.  Once again God begins by judging the leadership.  He specifically mentions the prophets, priests and princes (22:25-28).  The specific sin of the priests was their violation of the law by not distinguishing between that which was holy and that which was profane (22:26).  The sin of the princes was their desire to make money at the expense of people (22:27).  The sin of the prophets was lying about what God had said (Ezekiel22:28). 

 

God looked for a man among the leadership to stand in the gap.  He found none.  Even Ezekiel and Jeremiah were unable to turn the heart of the children ofIsraelto repentance.  However, there was a man who would come 400 years later who would stand in the gap for all mankind! 

 

Chapter twenty-three serves as one of the most vivid illustrations of the seduction of sin.  This process can be summed up in three steps:  1) Desired    2) Delivered   3) Destroyed.

 

Israelwas theNorthern KingdomandJerusalemthe Southern Kingdom. These cities were their capitals. Samaria(Northern Kingdom) andJerusalem(Southern Kingdom) are likened to two women who are seduced into adultery by “lovers.” Samariawas seduced byAssyria(this historical alliance is recorded in Isaiah 7:1-2, 10:5-11) andJudahwas seduced byEgypt. Israelwas repeatedly warned in the Bible not to go toEgyptfor help.  However,Israelcontinually disobeyed God’s instruction.  This culminated in Zedekiah’s formation of an alliance withEgyptagainstBabylon(17:15).  The process goes as follows.  We start by beginning to desire what we shouldn’t (23:5-7, James1:14).  Eventually, we will be delivered to our own lusts (23:9, James1:15).  After we have been delivered to what we have desired, our sin will destroy us (23:10, James1:15).  BothSamariaandJerusalemgot what they wanted, and it ended up destroying them both. 

 

There are some other principles contained in this chapter.

• Lust for what we see will eventually lead to actions (23:14-16).
• What we see can destroy our mind (23:17).
• Those who seduce us in the name of “love” will eventually hate us (23:22, 28).

 

What a warning against the consequences of viewing pornography.  What a warning to those who covet wrong relationships! 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the One who has the “right” to be both Priest and King ruling over Israel – Eze.21:27

 

As the One who will stand in the gap – Eze.22:30