Archives for September 2025

OVERVIEW:

The responsibility of the watchman and the fall of Jerusalem (chapter 33); Wicked shepherds and God’s Shepherd (chapter 34); Judgment against Edom (chapter 35); The restoration of Israel (chapter 36).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 33 begins with God’s admonition to Ezekiel concerning his responsibility as a watchman for Israel. Once again, God emphasizes that it is not Ezekiel’s responsibility to change the heart of the people. It is, however, his responsibility to proclaim His truth. Because of Ezekiel’s warning, the children of Israel considered their situation hopeless. (33:10) However, within God’s admonition, we also find His mercy.

As we have been reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel against Israel for the last several weeks, it may begin to seem that God takes pleasure in inflicting judgment on His people. Recognize, however, that nothing could be further from the truth! God reminds Ezekiel (and us!) that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that the wicked would repent and live. (33:11) Let us also recognize, that our responsibility to our lost friends and neighbors is no different than Ezekiel’s responsibility to his kinsman. We, too, are watchmen, entrusted with the responsibility to warn those who are presently on a collision course with God’s wrath to turn from their sin and turn to Christ (1^st Thessalonians 1:11), and begin walking in the statutes of life and live. (33:11–16) Like Ezekiel, we are seated on the wall of a city, as it were, knowing full well God’s judgment is imminent. Those asleep in the city are our own family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. God forbid that we would be silent. We would do well to ask ourselves, who have we warned of God’s impending judgment this week? With whom have we shared the incredible message of God’s mercy and grace through the gospel of Christ?

Note also, that chapter 33 reveals the unfathomable depths of man’s pride. Rather than responding to Ezekiel’s message in repentance, the children of Israel actually had the audacity to question God’s fairness in how He exercises judgment! (33:17–20) This is the typical response of man to the reproof of God’s message. To this day, we still hear people questioning God with questions like, “How could a loving God send people to hell?” We must recognize that questions such as this are nothing more than man’s attempt to refuse responsibility for his own sin. God makes very clear, regardless of their criticism of Him, that every man will be judged after his own ways! (33:20)

For years, Ezekiel had warned that Jerusalem would eventually fall to Babylon. In 33:21, one who had escaped Jerusalem notified Ezekiel that it had finally happened. Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. (2^nd Chronicles 36:19) Before the messenger even arrived, however, Ezekiel knew that Jerusalem had fallen. Verses 23–29 record God’s word to Ezekiel informing him of His judgment the night before the messenger came. Ezekiel further warns those who were spared in the destruction of Jerusalem and scattered in the land that they were still in the path of God’s impending judgment! (33:27–28)

The end of chapter 33 contains a short commentary on how many of God’s people in every generation speak against their leaders. Even those in exile with Ezekiel were talking against him. (33:30) Historically, it has been one of the enemy’s greatest tactics against any congregation of God’s people. God makes Ezekiel aware of what is taking place behind the apparent success in his “meetings!” God tells Ezekiel, “Sure, multitudes all flock together to be in your presence, and sure, they all look like they’re hanging on every word, and sure, it looks like something wonderful is taking place. The only problem is, they’re not going to do a single thing you tell them!” God goes on to explain to him, “Oh, they talk a big game about how much they love but their hearts have no interest whatsoever in following Me or My ways. Their hearts are only desirous of following their own covetousness. The only thing they really love is themselves!” God tells Ezekiel that he was really nothing more than the people’s entertainment and that nothing he said would change the way the people lived. I hate to sound so negative, but what God is describing to Ezekiel sounds a whole lot like what He could say to many pastor’s in these last days! God help us! God tells Ezekiel, however, that once His judgment had been poured out, His people would certainly know that a prophet had been among them! (33:31–33)

Chapter 34 contains Ezekiel’s condemnation of Israel’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 had failed to meet their needs. (34:2–6) Because of the failure of Israel’s leadership, the children of Israel had been scattered. (34:5–6) God says, however, that He would personally seek out His lost sheep and save them. (34:11–16 c.f. Matthew 9:36) There is still a future restoration for the children of Israel.

God then promises that He will set up “one shepherd” even His servant David. (34:23–24) This is a reference to the Shepherd who would come from David’s lineage, our blessed Lord Jesus Christ! (John 10:11) Note that the passage is pointing specifically to Christ’s ministry during His millennial reign.

Chapter 35 contains a prophecy against Edom, which is called Seir. (Genesis 32:3) Mount Seir covers the mountainous area settled by the Edomites. This prophecy has already been fulfilled. Edom was first defeated by Babylon, then by Medo-Persia, and then in 126 B.C. by John Hyrcanus, the Hasmonean, who compelled the Edomites to become Jewish proselytes. Since that time, there has been no trace of the Edomites.

Chapter 36 speaks to the restoration of Israel. Even in the midst of their exile and judgment, God asks creation to remember His promise to Israel. (36:1) Because of their disobedience, Israel would be scattered but God also promises that they would be restored! God specifically says, in Ezekiel 36:24, that after they had been scattered, He would gather the children of Israel out of all the countries of the world, and bring them again into their own land. This was fulfilled in 1948 when the Jews returned to their homeland after World War II. It should be noted, that never in the history of civilization has any people ever been able to maintain their identity without a homeland. The Jews were miraculously able to do it, however, so that this specific prophecy could be fulfilled! The restoration of Israel is one of the greatest proofs that the Bible is, in fact, God’s word. Prior to 1948, many scholars scoffed at those who believed that Israel would be physically gathered together again as stated in Ezekiel 36:24. After 1948, however, it isn’t hard to see at all. Blessed are those who don’t have to see to believe! (John 20:29)

Ezekiel 36:25–38 speaks to the restoration of Israel in the millennium. Recognize that we are presently living in that tiny “space” between Ezekiel 36:24 and 36:25! “But this I say, brethren, the time is short!” (1^st Corinthians 7:29)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ONE SHEPHERD — Ezekiel 34:23–24 (1^st Peter 5:4)

OVERVIEW:

God’s judgment upon the prince/king of Tyrus (chapter 28); God’s judgment upon Pharaoh (chapter 29); God’s judgment upon Egypt (chapter 30); the fall of Assyria (chapter 31); a lamentation for Pharaoh/Egypt (chapter 32).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 28 concludes God’s judgment against Tyre. This passage has been dated shortly before the siege of Tyre by Nebuchadrezzar (585–573 B.C.). The prince in view in 28:2 was Ithobal II who reigned in Tyre during this siege. His bombastic arrogance is demonstrated by the fact that he considered himself to be God! (28:2) If the pride that this historical ruler of Tyre was exhibiting sounds familiar, it should because it was actually being fueled by the same being that at one time said, “I will be like the most high”! (Isaiah 14:12–14; Ezekiel 28:16–17) The precision of the imagery and the verbiage in this passage reveals that this judgment not only refers to the historical ruler of Tyre, but also to the judgment of Lucifer himself!

Ezekiel mentions that this “prince” was wiser than Daniel (28:3), which indicates that there was obviously some supernatural power enabling him, but it also indicates that Daniel was well-known throughout the world by this time. When Ezekiel made this statement, Daniel would have already served in Nebuchadnezzar’s court for an estimated 25 years.

While Ezekiel states that this “prince” has been successful in accumulating wealth, he also lets us know that it was his pride that brought about God’s judgment. (28:6) The demise of the prince is prophesied in 28:10: “Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.” Note that the invasion of Tyre by Babylon was also prophesied in Jeremiah 27:1–7. The word “moreover” in 28:11 marks a transition in this account, revealing to us that Ezekiel is about to go further in his condemnation of the ruler.

The careful reader will observe that this particular 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” of Tyre, 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.” (28:11) While the case may be made that this description could refer to a mortal man in some sense, the next phrase cannot. This physical, earthly king had certainly not been, and could not have been, “in Eden the garden of God”! Some scholars suggest that Ezekiel was simply referring to a garden that was so beautiful it could be compared to Eden. The only problem with that interpretation, is that it is very simply not what the text says! This “king” to whom the Lord was speaking, had literally been in Eden!

It is apparent that the Lord, by the mouth of Ezekiel, is no longer speaking to the ruler of Tyre, but speaking through the physical ruler to the spiritual ruler that, at that time, was working through him! Ezekiel is speaking to a being who had been in Eden over 3,000 years prior to this prophecy; none other than “King Lucifer” (Satan) himself! Lest that interpretation sound far-fetched, recognize that this is not the only time in scripture when the word of the Lord spoke “to Satan” as he was speaking to a literal, physical man! Do you recall that in our Lord’s earthly ministry, when looking directly at Peter, and responding to what Peter had just spoken, Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, SATAN!” (See Matthew 16:22–23) Obviously, Peter had not at that moment turned into Satan incarnate, but rather, Jesus was speaking to the spiritual power that was operating in him and through him at that moment. This is what is happening in Ezekiel 28:11–19.

So, what Ezekiel 28:11–17 provides for us, is a very enlightening description of Lucifer (meaning “light-bearer”) before his fall. Verse 13 lets us know that God had specifically created him with precious stones and musical instruments woven into the very composition of his being. The precious stones were obviously part of his composition so that he might fulfill his role as the “light-bearer” reflecting and refracting the light of God into every color of the rainbow throughout the universe as it passed through his jewels. The musical instruments, that also comprised his makeup, were apparently given so that he might fulfill his role as the “worship leader” of the “sons of God” as he would provide the music to which the “sons of God” would sing praises to the Lord. (Job 38:4, 7)

Notice that 28:17 also refers to Lucifer as the “anointed cherub” who was the epitome of perfection until iniquity was found in him. In Isaiah 14:13–14, Isaiah details that his “iniquity” was expressed through the declaration in his heart of his infamous five “I WILL’s”:

• “I WILL ascend into heaven”
• “I WILL exalt my throne above the stars of God”
• “I WILL sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north”
• “I WILL ascend above the heights of the clouds”
• “I WILL be like the most High.”

Note also that the ruler of Tyre not only pictures Lucifer, but the coming antichrist. Within this chapter we find this ruler described as:

1. A man. (28:2)
2. A prophet. (28:3)
3. A king. (28:2,11)
4. A priest. (28:13 — as symbolized by the precious stones which were also worn by priests in the Old Testament)

This ruler represents the presence of Satan (who was once in Eden), personified through a man, who will seek to counterfeit the offices of a prophet, priest, and king.

In 28:17–19, the judgment upon this man is also revealed. God will one day bring “fire” from within this adversary (the antichrist) to devour him. God tells him that he will be reduced to ashes and scattered for the world to see, and “never shalt thou be anymore.” (28:19) The “man” who is the rightful Prophet, Priest, and King, who is the very “God-Man” Himself, will defeat him! This chapter ends with a promise to Israel concerning the millennial reign of this “Man”, our glorious Lord Jesus Christ! (28:25–26)

Chapters 29 through 32 record God’s judgment against the nation of Egypt. Keep in mind, Israel had turned to Egypt for help against Babylon contrary to God’s instruction. (Jeremiah 42:14–22; 43:7–11) Egypt had been successful in causing the Babylonians to lift the siege against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37:5–7), however, in time, Egypt returned to their homeland and Jerusalem was eventually invaded and burned. (Jeremiah 37:8–10) In 29:17–20, once again, Egypt is falling under the condemnation of God, and once again, God is using Nebuchadrezzar to accomplish His will. From a historical perspective, Nebuchadrezzar was running out of resources as he continued to wage war against Tyre. (29:18) God empowered him to conquer the land of Egypt, and Nebuchadrezzar used the spoils to pay his army to continue to fight.

Chapter 29 ends with a prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, describing Him as “the horn of the house of Israel” that would “bud forth”. (29:21)

In chapter 31, once again, God addresses Satan by speaking to and through a man. This time, the man was Pharaoh. (31:1–9) In this passage, God likens Satan to a tree in Eden that stood above all the other trees (31:5) and talks about how the other trees of Eden envied him. (31:8–9) During this same time period, Daniel also uses the metaphor of a tree to describe Nebuchadnezzar, who is a type of the antichrist. (Daniel 4:10)

Recognize that God chooses to address these Gentile leaders of these Gentile nations (Tyre, Babylon, Egypt) to speak to Satan because the antichrist’s kingdom will be a conglomeration of Gentile nations who will ultimately unite during the Tribulation Period, in an effort to destroy Israel and to rule this world. (Psalm 2:2–3; Revelation 12) By speaking to Satan through these Gentile leaders, God is continually reminding him that one day, both he and his kingdom will be destroyed. As a preview of what God holds in store for him in his future judgment, God does what He says He will do and brings each one of these Gentile nations to ashes. We must keep in mind that the entire Bible is all about a battle for a kingdom and God continues to remind Satan, and us, of exactly how the story is going to end!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the horn of the house of Israel — Ezekiel 29:21

OVERVIEW:

God’s purging of Jerusalem (chapter 24); God’s judgment against Gentile nations (chapter 25); God’s judgment against Tyre (chapters 26–27).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 24 refers to Jerusalem as a “bloody city”. Twice Ezekiel speaks the word of warning from the Lord, saying, “Woe to the bloody city…” (24:6, 9) Ezekiel is instructed to tell a parable about a bloody stew that represents Jerusalem. Numerous times in the word of God the shedding of “innocent blood” is mentioned as a cause for God’s vengeance. (Deuteronomy 19:10; 1^st Samuel 19:5; 1^st Kings 2:31) The shedding of blood in the Old Testament looked forward to “THE innocent blood” that would one day be shed at Calvary. (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, suffering the judgment of God’s righteous wrath. God hates the shedding of innocent blood. Oh, how greatly God loves us to have allowed the innocent blood of His beloved Son to be shed for our sin!

Ezekiel is also instructed not to mourn when his wife dies. (24:15–18) In this, God intended that Ezekiel picture the fact that there will be no time to mourn when God’s judgment comes on Jerusalem. Once again, this foreshadows the coming “Day of the Lord” when judgment will be swift and calamitous. However, notice that even in God’s judgment there is mercy. In 24:25–27, Ezekiel speaks specifically to certain Jews who will escape the judgment of Jerusalem and come to Babylon. Historically, this is fulfilled in Ezekiel 33:21, but prophetically, points to those who will be saved out of the judgment of the Tribulation Period.

In chapter 25, Ezekiel prophesies against Gentile nations. These nations are judged because they rejoiced when Israel was chastened by God (25:3, 6, 8) and because they had taken vengeance on Israel when she was weak. (25:12,15) The doctrinal principle is clear: God does not take kindly to people rejoicing when Israel is chastened! Much of the world rejoices when bad news is broadcasted concerning Israel. There are many others who look forward to the day Israel will suffer during the tribulation. Those nations who bring judgment against Israel are a pawn in the hand of God to execute His sovereign plan. However, after God has used them He will bring His judgment upon them! On a more devotional note, the lesson is clear: we should never rejoice when we see God’s chastening on others. (Proverbs 24:17)

Chapters 26 and 27 begin a three-chapter judgment against Tyre. The eleventh year in 26:1 refers to the eleventh year of Jehoiachin’s reign. In 586 BC, the eleventh year of Jehoiachin’s captivity, on the tenth day of the month, Jerusalem was captured. It is Nebuchadrezzar that God will use to bring judgment on Tyre. It is interesting to note in 26:7, that Nebuchadrezzar is called “a king of kings” making him a type of the antichrist. Just as Nebuchadrezzar ruled the kings of the world, the coming antichrist will also stand in authority, ruling the world until the true King of kings arrives, making quick work of him! (Genesis 3:16; Revelation 20:1–3)

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, Tyre was a great commercial city. During the reign of David and Solomon, Tyre exercised great influence on the commercial, political, and even religious life of Israel. Hiram, king of Tyre, was a devoted friend of David (2^nd Samuel 5:11) who helped both David and Solomon in their building projects. (1^st Kings 5:1–12; 1^st Chronicles 14:1; 2^nd Chronicles 2:3, 11) Though Tyre and Israel were 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 describing Tyre as a very glorious and great trade ship destroyed by the high seas.

The prophecies set forth in chapters 26 through 28 were fulfilled literally, and with unmistakable clarity (Isaiah 23; Jeremiah 47:4), reminding us that everything in the word of God will come to pass, exactly as God has detailed it. Let us receive that reminder today as a blessed promise and a stern warning!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

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

OVERVIEW:

Judgment pronounced against Jerusalem (chapter 21); Jerusalem’s sin (chapter 22); Jerusalem’s seduction (chapter 23).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 21 contains instruction from God for Ezekiel to sigh amidst the people. When asked by the people the reason for his bitter anguish, he is instructed to again remind Israel that God’s judgment is imminent, and will affect every person in the entire nation. God uses the visual image of a sharp sword being removed from its sheath to illustrate His judgment in this chapter. In the historical context, the sword represents the king of Babylon. (21:19) From a prophetic standpoint, this sword foreshadows the day Christ will come in judgment upon this earth with a sword that proceeds out of His mouth which, of course, is the word of God! (Revelation 19:15)

Ezekiel is also instructed to make a map and trace on it two routes for the king of Babylon to follow. One route goes to Jerusalem, while the other route will take him to Rabbath of the Ammonites. Ammon had conspired with Judah in 593 B.C. to rebel against Babylon. The question was whether the king of Babylon would decide to attack Rabbath or Jerusalem. Ezekiel is instructed to illustrate how the king of Babylon would call upon his gods to decide which path to take and which city to attack. To determine his course, the king of Babylon would 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. From the history record, we learn that these images were the mummified heads of children! 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 of Babylon would choose to attack Jerusalem.

The Jews were skeptical of Ezekiel’s continual prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem. They doubted that the “magic” of the king of Babylon would result in his choosing Jerusalem as a target, and further doubted his ability to take the city. (21:23) Although the king of Babylon was using magic as His guide, as Proverbs 21:1 teaches us, his heart was in the hand of the Lord. God would use the king’s magic to bring judgment against His people.

God instructs Israel to remove the “diadem”, worn by the priests, and the “crown”, worn by the kings. Pay special attention to Ezekiel 21:27. God says: “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.” The fact that God uses the term “overturn” three times expresses the most severe judgment against these offices (the office of priest and king). God specifically states that after their captivity, neither of these offices would be restored, that is, until our Lord Jesus Christ comes! Notice how God the Father refers to His beloved Son in this verse. He states that Christ is the only One who truly has the right to the title Priest and King anyway!

Note also, that from an historical standpoint, the “wicked prince of Israel” is Zedekiah. (21:25–27) From a prophetic standpoint, however, Zedekiah typifies the coming antichrist.

In chapter 22, Ezekiel chronicles Jerusalem’s sins. 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 in 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 just flat-out lying about what God had said. (22:28) God looked for a man among the leadership to stand in the gap. The sad reality is He found none. Even the great prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah were unable to turn the heart of a single man among the children of Israel to repentance. There would be a man who would come 400 years later, however, who would stand in the gap for all mankind! The “God-Man”, our Lord Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

Notice in chapter 23 that the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, Samaria, and the capital city of the Southern Kingdom, Jerusalem, are likened to two sisters who are seduced into adultery by their “lovers”: the elder sister, Aholah, representing Samaria, and the younger sister, Aholibah, representing Jerusalem. Samaria was seduced by Assyria (this historical alliance is recorded in Isaiah 7:1–2; 10:5–11), and Judah was seduced by Egypt. As we have seen, Israel is repeatedly warned in scripture not to go to Egypt for help. But as we have also seen, Israel continually disobeyed God’s instruction. This culminated in Zedekiah’s formation of an alliance with Egypt against Babylon. (17:15)

Through the illustration of these two harlot sisters, chapter 23 provides one of the most vivid descriptions of the seduction of sin in the entire Bible. Interestingly, sin always follows a specific pattern, or process. This process can be summed up in four observable steps identified in this chapter:

1. Desire. (23:5–7; James 1:14) The process begins when sin becomes “desirable” (23:6) to us.
2. Delivered. (23:9; James 1:15a) It continues as God allows us to be “delivered” (23:9) to the passions we are allowing to control us.
3. Defiled. (23:13, 17; James 1:15b) Acting upon our passions causes us to be “defiled”. (23:13, 17)
4. Destroyed. (23:22–49; James 1:15c) God then allows our sin to run its destructive course in our lives. (James 1:15c; Romans 6:23)

Note also in chapter 23, that both Samaria and Jerusalem got what they wanted and it ended up destroying them both! There are also several other key principles worth noting 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. And 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 — Ezekiel 21:27

As the One who will stand in the gap — Ezekiel 22:30