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EZEKIEL The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date. 1:5 And, within it (a storm wind) there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. Apparently Ezekiel saw angels in a storm that was certainly a thunderstorm, perhaps with a tornado [verse 4] inside. The description of then angels with four faces seems hard to believe, as it is so different from this world. Even symbolically I have a hard time understanding the wings, hands and faces. Heaven will be interesting! (DRM 3/13/05) 1:6, 7 Each of them had four faces and four wings. 7Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf's hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze. While I can understand a lot of the Bible, there's still
challenges - like a lot in this book. 1:20 Wherever the spirit was about to go, they (the four angels) would go in that direction. And the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels. Ezekiel's description of the wheels attached to the angels is very confusing - or hard to visualize. The only help is to remember that angels don't have the Holy Spirit in them - like Christians believers do. It seems that His Spirit is external for them - within the wheels. I'm glad to be a Christian believer, as I wouldn't want wheels attached to me :-) ! (DRM 3/14/05) 1:27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Certainly my "vision" of Christ was not this vivid, but there are similarities. He was like a brilliant light, but my light contained many faces. I'm sure God appears in different ways. (DRM 4/19/89) 1:28 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. Nobody on earth knows what God or Jesus looks like. We can
only imagine. This verse describes His radiance, that He glows. Still, I don't
know if He is 5 feet tall or 7 feet tall, thin or heavy. 2:7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. This very short chapter has some very good verses. In this verse is the reminder to proclaim the Word to all people. Will I obey? I hope so - in some way. (DRM 4/20/89) 3:1 THEN He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." The scroll that Ezekiel ate had written on it: lamentations, mourning and woe [verse 10]. Ezekiel was commissioned to tell Israel to turn and follow the Lord God. To eat the scroll was to devour and internalize God's words so they would forever be IN Ezekiel to share at any time. I think Jesus wants believers to learn more of the Bible [verses] in the same way, so we can tell others of His love for them. (DRM 3/15/05) 3:3 He said to me, "Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you." Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. Eating the scroll is like internalizing the Word of God, the Bible. While I haven't been successful at memorization, I have gotten the ideas and He has given me understanding of a lot of His Word through constant intake - reading over and over - every day. I hope you will also find a way to internalize His word. (DRM 3/15/11) The scroll represents the information that Ezekiel internalizes to then deliver. There is an abundance of it ("front and back," 2:10), and it is sweet since it is a God's Word, but bitter because it is a word of judgment. (Word of Life Diary) 3:17 "Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me." While this directive from God was specific to Ezekiel, I think it could also apply to me. The Bible clearly tells us to share our faith. When God, through the Holy Spirit, indicates that I should speak to a certain person about their faith, it is my duty to do His will. This hasn't happened often yet, but I believe that it's frequency will increase as I age. I pray I may hear His voice and do His will. (DRM 3/16/05) 3:18 When I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. This is very convicting to me. Am I (you) telling every "wicked" non-Christian that they must trust in the Lord Jesus? There are many people that we effect every day. Do they see Christ (the Holy Spirit) in us? This is a difficult responsibility that God gave to Ezekiel, and desires us to follow also in some way. (DRM 3/16/11) We must note that in the Old Testament, the righteous man is not necessarily a born-again man, and conversely, an unrighteous man is not necessarily an unsaved man. Righteous and unrighteous refer to immediate obedience or disobedience, which results in temporal blessing or punishment. It does not automatically refer to eternal reward or punishment. Therefore you could have a righteous man ignore Ezekiel's warnings, die as a result, and still go to Heaven. It would not be a case of a righteous man losing his eternal salvation. (Word of Life diary) 3:19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. This is a very serious command that really makes me think. There are SO MANY people that I know that do not know or want to know our Lord personally. What should I do? (DRM 4/21/89) 4:15 "Very well," he said, "I will let you bake your bread over cow manure instead of human excrement." While this does not seem like a quotable verse, it shows me that God does listen to people and will reconsider if he knows the reason for our requests. (DRM 4/22/89) 5:5,6 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. 6Yet in her wickedness she has rebelled against my laws. . . The wrath of God against Jerusalem continues in this chapter. This verse reminds me why Jerusalem is so important — as it is the center of the world. I pray that the Lord leaves some Christians in Jerusalem to witness to the others. (DRM 4/23/89) 6:10 And they will know that I am the Lord; I did not threaten in vain to bring this calamity on them. Still the Lord tells us through Ezekiel that He will destroy the Israelites for their worship of idols. In v.12 they will die from plague or sword or famine. Lord, let me stay in Your favor! (DRM 4/24/89) 7:13 The seller will not recover the land he has sold as long as both of them live, for the vision concerning the whole crowd will not be reversed. This chapter is totally about the End. One of the prophecies in the chapter is shown here. With today's real estate dealings, land never reverts to its owner as was done in Biblical times. This has come true. (DRM 4/25/89) 8:3 He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem. . . God seems to have personally visited Ezekiel in this verse. Since I believe every word of the Bible, I certainly believe that God did this. This (to me) is more evidence that God is real! (DRM 4/26/89) 8:5 Then He said to me, "Son of man, raise your eyes now toward the north." So I raised my eyes toward the north, and behold, to the north of the altar gate was this idol of jealousy at the entrance. In Daniel 12:11 I wondered what the abomination of desolation is. In this chapter there are two explanations. This verse indicates that an idol was set up in the sanctuary that the people are to worship - instead of the Lord God - who has no earthly image. This is an abomination to God and we are to worship Him and only Him. (DRM 3/17/11) The idol was for Asherah, the goddess associated with Baal. Jezebel and Ahab promoted the religion in the northern kingdom and wicked king Manasseh promoted her in the southern kingdom (2 Kings 21). (Word of Life diary) 8:10 So I entered and looked, and behold; every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, were carved on the wall all around. God gave Ezekiel a vision of what was truly happening at
the temple (v. 3). The Israelites were worshipping idols and false gods in
various ways. These are an abomination to the Lord (v. 6). 8:16 Then He brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house. And behold, at the entrance to the Temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were prostrating themselves eastward toward the sun. In verse 15, this is called an abomination. People were worshipping a false god, the sun, in the Lord's temple. While this is only one example, it suggests what people will do at the new temple in the last days. It's hard to imagine building a temple to GOD, then worshipping something else there. Only God know when this will happen. (DRM 3/17/05) 9:4 . . . "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it." This verse seems to be similar to that of Revelation where the antichrist has marks put on the foreheads of non-believers. The same but opposite or "anti" God. (DRM 4/27/89) 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD. Exodus 40:34 states: "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." What Moses wrote about and what Ezekiel wrote about are the same thing. God's glory was on earth with Moses, but in Heaven when Ezekiel saw it. It appears to be a bright, glowing cloud. I can look forward to seeing it in Heaven and soon on the new earth! (DRM 3/18/05) 10:10 As for their (the cherubim) appearance, the four of them looked alike; each was like a wheel intersecting a wheel. I am having a difficult time visualizing something alive looking like wheels. This goes to show that God IS almighty and can do ANYTHING. I must trust totally in HIM. (DRM 4/28/89) 10:19 When the cherubim departed, they lifted their wings and rose up from the earth in my sight with the wheels beside them; and they stood still at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD'S house, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them. The cherubim are one class of angels. I read recently that
the wheels could represent a type of vehicle that is used in Heaven. The angelic creatures lift Jehovah up and transport Him to the threshold of the temple. (Word of Life diary) 11:17b . . . (the) Lord says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again. This prophecy is easy to understand — and it came true in 1948. To know that prophecy exists is good, but to actually see prophecy come true - recently - shows me that God is still here and hasn't forgotten us. (DRM 4/29/89) 11:18 When they come there, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations from it. I have never been to Israel, so don't know if all the
prior worship sites to Baal etc. have been removed or not. I hope so. 11:19 (when the Jewish nation returns to Israel) "And I shall give them one heart and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, Certainly the nation of Israel has gathered again, or is in that process, but the prophecy in this verse doesn't seem to have occurred yet. Either it will be a gradual process, or some great event will cause their eyes to be opened. Now I think the event will be the rapture of the church. It could occur at any time now - am I ready? (DRM 3/19/05) 12:2b . . .They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people. This verse is up-to-date right to this day. People refuse to believe that God is even alive and that He directs the world and knows what will happen. I hope that more and more people come to know Him as their personal savior — soon! (DRM 4/30/89) 12:20 "And the inhabited cities will be laid waste, and the land will be a desolation. So you will know that I am the the LORD. " ' " At the time of Ezekiel, I don't believe that Israel was a great nation. His immediate prophecies of a land laid in waste were approaching. This section of chapter 12 [verses 17-28] shows the people's doubts of the prophecy, and it's immediate fulfillment. Perhaps because of their doubts, God fulfilled His prophecy earlier, however, He can work as quickly or slowly as He desires, as He does in individual lives. (DRM 3/20/05) 12:25 For I the LORD will speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, for in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it," declares the Lord GOD.' " Lately I have been thinking of several human beings that
have told me, "I will," then don't. It's a long list and I wonder if I am guilty
also. 13:3 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! This chapter deals with false prophets. False prophets didn't exist only in Old Testament times, though. We have many false prophets in every city. Lord, use me to be a true prophet and tell people of Your second coming! (DRM 5/1/89) "Wouldn't it be nice if we could. . . " we might think. But where did the idea come from? Is this something that the Lord Jesus wants us to do? Did the Holy Spirit tell us to do it? How do we know God's will? Certainly I am in that mode right now. I haven't heard a voice from the Lord, but know that the Bible teaches me to sell my possessions and follow Him. I pray that I am doing what He wants me to do. (DRM 3/21/05) 13:9 So My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of My people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord GOD. In those days . . . but also today, there are false prophets who make up things and say that the Lord God "told them" when He didn't. As this verse states, they will not be allowed in the Kingdom (register of the house of Israel). If a person who prophecies gets your (my) attention, see if the prophecy comes true before taking the ministry seriously. (DRM 3/21/11) When we evaluate the ministry of current men of God, we should look at the man's message (theology), methods (ethics), motives (priorities), and fruit (both the spiritual quality of the man's life and also the spiritual quality of his converts). (Word of Life diary) 14:3 Son of man (Ezekiel), these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? Sometimes I feel that I have still got that "idol" in my heart and it is something that makes me stumble. Only the Lord can keep desires away from us and change our attitudes. (DRM 5/2/89) 14:6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations. What was Israel's problem over the years? They kept
following other gods, or worshipping idols like money. Are we (I) doing the same
thing? 14:7 For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person." This seems to be for everyone; "Israel or of the immigrants . . ." No one should set up idols, they are sin that need to be forgiven, and the Lord will answer each person through the Holy Spirit. (DRM 3/22/05) 14:14 . . . even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves," declares the Lord GOD. No matter how "important" you are, or what you have done
for the Lord - you can only save yourself from hell. Each person has to make a
personal decision - this is NOT a family activity, but one person at a time. No
one else can make a decision for you. 14:20 even though Noah, David, and Job were in its midst (from the same country, Israel), as I live, declares the Lord GOD, "they could not deliver either their son or their daughter. They would deliver only themselves by their righteousness." Christianity or righteousness is not inherited. I could be a devoted, committed follower of Jesus, but that doesn't mean that my children would be Christians also. Each person has to decide for himself or herself at some point, if they will follow Jesus in their heart. (DRM 3/23/05) 15:2 Son of man, how is the wood of a vine better than that of a branch on any of the trees in the forest? This short chapter shows us how useless a vine can be when used in a fire. I pray that I may not become a useless vine, full of wood, but rather a fruitful vine to serve Him. (DRM 5/3/89) 16:58 You will bear the consequences of your lewdness and your detestable practices, declares the Lord. This chapter was dealing with "unfaithful Jerusalem," but it could also be brought up to date with the United States who was founded to be "Christian" but has departed from God. (DRM 5/4/89) 17:24a, b All the trees of the field will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish . . . A great summary for this verse is: "Know that the Lord is in complete control." It's great to be reminded of that Truth, as it is so easy to ignore and be unappreciative. (DRM 5/5/89) 18:13 . . . he lends money on interest and takes increase; will he live? He will not live! He has committed all these abominations, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head. This is the Old Testament. Did Jesus say that people could lend money with interest? {NO} The list of abominations was longer than this verse, but it seems to show what type of Old Testament people got to live in Heaven. It seems that bankers were excluded! The point is that we can't follow ALL of the Law; and need Jesus as our Savior! (DRM 3/24/05) I now think this refers to believers lending to believers, rather than the world system of loans between unbelievers. (DRM 8/12/05) 18:18 As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity. This is similar to what I wrote yesterday (14:14). God judges each person individually on what they did on earth to serve Him and help others in need. As you would expect, I also think evangelism - sharing Christ with others in some way - is important. (DRM 3/24/11) 18:21 "But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. These words are from the Lord (18:1) to Ezekiel and tells
us who will live in His Kingdom and who won't. The reference to 'die' is
spiritual death in Hell; as all people who are not raptured will have physical
deaths. ALL will live spiritually in either Heaven or Hell depending on if they
trusted in Jesus while on earth. Because of Jesus' death, He is now the mediator of the new covenant (HEB. 8:6-13; 9:17; 12:24). Under the terms of the new covenant, God has made it possible for everyone who repents to "get a new heart and a new spirit" (EZEK. 18:31). (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHTS, SIM KAY TEE 10/24/16) 18:24 "But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that a wicked man does, will he live? All his righteous deeds which he has done will not be remembered for his treachery which he has committed and his sin which he has committed; for them he will die. Can I lose my salvation? I have been taught "no." This verse seems to say otherwise. Probably the conflict is that this was written before Jesus came to die for my sins. When I know that I have sinned, I must ask for His forgiveness, then I won't have to be concerned about losing my salvation. PTL! (DRM 3/25/05) 18:30 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord, Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. In the Old Testament this verse sounds great. But, because Christ died for our sins, we know now to Repent to Him and not depend on living a "good life" only. . . Jesus Christ is my Savior. (DRM 7/17/88) 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? We are all sinners. We all commit transgressions against
God's desire. While this verse is directed to Israel, it applies to each of us.
18:32 . . .For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD, "Therefore, repent and live." When God made us, He knew everything about our lives, and
what our decisions would be. The great majority would not trust in Him
and would die spiritually and not get to Heaven. What then is the proper understanding of repentance? In verse 32 we have the root idea. It is the concept of turning due to a change of mind. In our sin, we are heading away from God and toward eternal destruction. As God convicts us of sin and His truth, and as we respond in faith, we also turn from our old way of life and turn to God, having changed our mind about Him and our lifestyle. (Word of Life diary) 19:3 She (Israel) brought up one of her cubs (a prince), and he became a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he devoured men. This chapter is titled a "lament" (regret) that Israel brought up two princes and they were taken by the world. The "good" of this is the reminder that God knows and He will choose the right leader. (DRM 5/6/89) 20:7 I [GOD] said to them, 'Cast away, each of you, the detestable things of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.' All throughout the Bible we (I) can learn God's will. In this verse reflecting on the Exodus from Egypt, God told them to throw away "the detestable things of the eyes" which today would include pornography. Also idols, which generally were little statues representing something they put their faith in - and we are to put all our faith only in God - who has no image/statue. (DRM 3/26/11) 20:11 And I gave them My statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live. This section of Ezekiel 20 [verses 1-16] is a history of how God had dealt with Israel since they left Egypt in the Exodus. He recounted their sins and how they kept going other ways - spiritually - away from Him. I think we all [I] have the same problem: we sin. The difference is if we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, we should confess our sins to Jesus. Without confession of sins, we could drift away from God. (DRM 3/26/05) 20:19 I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and observe them. This directive from God to the Israelites was something they couldn't or wouldn't do. As a result, in verse 23, God swore that He would scatter them among the nations. My goal is to serve the Lord Jesus. To do that, I have to try to obey His directives. I praise God that He sent Jesus to die for my sins, as He understands human failure. (DRM 3/27/05) 20:22 But I [GOD] withdrew My hand and acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. God didn't let the first generation who left Egypt live to
see the promised land, and then the second generation also wasn't following Him.
20:39 As for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to Me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols. This chapter seemed like a history of Israel from the time of Moses. My application is that Israel never really wanted to serve God and always got led astray. I pray that I will not also be led astray by the world. (DRM 5/7/89) 20:40 "For on My holy mountain, on the high mountain of Israel," declares the Lord GOD, "there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land; there I shall accept them, and there I shall seek your contributions and the choicest of your gifts, with all your holy things." This specific prophecy was fulfilled in 1967. I think the holy mountain is Jerusalem, so that 1948 was just a step towards it. Serving God in that location seems to me to still be prophecy, and most likely won't happen until after the rapture, but I am to watch and pray. (DRM 3/28/05) 20:41 As a soothing aroma I will accept you when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you were scattered; and I will prove Myself holy among you in the sight of the nations. Time after time there are prophecies that Israel will be
regathered as a nation and will return to following the Lord. In this verse God
says He will prove Himself holy. The tribulation period is designed to see that the Jewish people either get saved and as obedient people are worthy of receiving their kingdom promises, or if they will be killed by the judgments of that period in order to purify the chosen people. (Word of Life diary) 21:26b (prince of Israel) Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was; The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low. I think I have heard this phrase in other forms in the
Bible. I, as a Christian, must make myself a servant to others and not be the
commander-leader. 22:15 I will disperse you (Jerusalem) among the nations and scatter you through the countries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness. This "common" thought seems to be in several spots in the Bible. Certainly God made good on this promise to the people of Israel. God always keeps promises. (DRM 5/9/89) 22:26 "Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." There is no doubt what God thought of the priests of Israel at that time! How does He feel about them [priests, rabbi's] today? Have things changed? While I think it would be an individual basis, my job is to trust in Him and direct others toward Him. (DRM 3/29/05) 22:28 Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the LORD has not spoken. How do we know if a prophet has spoken the truth - or rather that the words are truly from the Lord God? We have to see if the previous prophecies have come to pass or not. If not, then this is a false prophet. If they have, then pay more attention! (DRM 3/29/11) 23:27 So I will put a stop to the lewdness and prostitution you began in Egypt. You will not look on these things or remember Egypt anymore. This whole chapter dealt with Samaria and Jerusalem, but by using the example of two women that were prostitutes. Again the application is that God IS watching and has control. (DRM 5/10/89) 24:14b You will be judged according to your conduct and your actions, declares the Sovereign Lord. All people will be judged someday and the judgment details
are in Revelation. 25:5 . . . I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and the sons of Ammon a resting place for flocks. Thus you will know that I am the LORD." Rabbah was a city in the territory of Ammon - which is in
what we call Jordan today. 25:6,7 Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet, rejoicing with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel, 7therefore I will stretch out my hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. God is all powerful. Throughout the Bible, He makes it known that the Israelites are His chosen people. When others delight in their downfall, He will allow most anything to happen. God is love, God is strength also. (DRM 5/12/89) 26:7 For thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I will bring upon Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, chariots, cavalry and a great army. God can use believers and non-believers to further His
purposes. Certainly He used King Nebuchadnezzar in a great way. I have also been
blessed by non-Christians several times. The city of Tyre had an island fortress one-half mile out in the Mediterranean with 150-foot high walls. Invaders could conquer the mainland city, but not the island fortress. The Assyrians tried for five years and Nebuchadnezzar for 13 years. Finally, Alexander was successful in just seven months. He defeated the island fortress by scraping the mainland city into the sea, forming a mole 200 feet wide out to the island. Today, you can visit Tyre in Lebanon and see the bedrock where fishermen spread their nets to dry. (v. 14) (Word of Life diary) 26:14 I will make you (city of Tyre) a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread fishnets. You will never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord. "A place to spread fishnets?" This means that the city will become submerged under water! Again I am shown the incredible power of a vengeful God! (DRM 5/13/89) The people of Tyre saw that a gate to Jerusalem was broken [verse 2] and thought it was an opportunity to invade. The Lord had other plans for Tyre and the details are in verses 3-13. Like Tyre, I must remember that GOD can change any of my plans at any time He wants to. (DRM 3/30/05) 27:33 When your merchandise went out on the seas, you satisfied many nations; with your great wealth and your wares you enriched the kings of the earth. The city/nation of Tyre seemed to have everything in the first half of this chapter, then came the "shipwreck" (v.27). Again, God shows us in prophecy that He can change all things in a moment. (DRM 5/14/89)' 28:15 "You were blameless in your ways This was a message from God to the king of Tyre (v. 12).
The city was created perfectly, but as time progressed, the sinful people made
the city bad. 28:16 "By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire." Like yesterday, this verse is about the sins of Tyre, a city "perfect in beauty [verse 12]". It's not the outward appearance that matters to God, it's our inward desire to serve Him in any way He directs. While I want to be healthy and strong, I know serving God is priority. (DRM 3/31/05) 28:25b When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. What a great verse! Just over 40 years ago this prophecy came true. In v. 26 there seems to be a reference to the Israeli wars (esp. 1967) against their neighbors. To see prophecy fulfilled in your lifetime makes God seem even more real. (DRM 5/14/89) 29:4 I will put hooks in your jaws At least in older times, the wealth of Egypt was in the
Nile River. Without that river they would be dessert like their neighbors. They
depended on the Nile for food - fish and annual flooding for the soil to grow
crops. 29:15 It (Egypt) will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. This chapter was a little more confusing, mainly because I don't know the history of Egypt. In v. 2 it says Egypt will be desolate for 40 years. While I do not know of this, I do know exactly how weak Egypt is at present. (DRM 5/14/89) 30:3 For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near — a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. This chapter continues with a lament for Egypt. This verse however, shows a mixed hope for me. The day of the Lord IS near, however the tribulation for nations will be painful. (DRM 5/14/89) 31:14b No other trees so well-watered are ever to reach such a height; they are all destined for death, for the earth below, among mortal men, with those who go down to the pit. "The cedar in Lebanon" was the name of this tree. When this tree died it do so because men cut it down. The death of this tree was final, but by trusting in Him, we can live. (DRM 5/15/89) 32:15 When I make Egypt desolate and strip the land of everything in it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the Lord. This continuing prophecy about Egypt continues to remind me of the awesome power of the Lord. To think, that I pray to the God who has this power - and He love me - is incredible. (DRM 5/16/89) 33:8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die', and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. This is a convicting verse to me. Do I witness enough to
other people? Have I told them directly to trust in the Lord to save them from
hell? 33:9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself. What a convicting verse! This verse seems to demand people to witness to others about God's love. After doing this, God will not condemn you, but be pleased instead. . . (DRM 5/17/89) Just last evening I brought up this subject with an old friend. It's not easy to ask someone to trust in Jesus, when the person doesn't believe God exists. Where can you start? At least I talked about my Lord and said I would answer any questions. I need more knowledge and practice to defend my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (DRM 4/1/05) 33:11 "Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?' " Change or conversion was needed in Old Testament times as well as now. People lived in sin since the beginning and need to depend on God=Jesus to save them. Without this change, we can't get to Heaven. The problem is that people don't think they sin. God wants people to tell others of this need. How can I help? Verbal, written, or what? (DRM 4/2/05) 33:15 . . . if a wicked man restores a pledge, pays back what he has taken by robbery, walks by the statutes which ensure life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. When a person trusts in Jesus as his/her personal Savior, he or she repents and changes their ways to reflect their new beliefs. This verse shows the evidences that could/should occur right after conversion. Doing these things without trusting in Jesus doesn't get a person to Heaven. (DRM 4/2/11) 33:29 "Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I make the land a desolation and a waste because of all their abominations which they have committed." The Israelites constantly got distracted. The "neighbors" wanted to marry them and taught them their ways. Because they weren't obeying the Lord's laws, He turned off the rain, and still they paid no attention. Not only Israel of the time, but we all need to keep spiritually in tune with what God wants us to do. I pray that I am following His lead in my life - and not just my own. (DRM 4/3/05) 33:32 Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. This quote is from the Lord God to Ezekiel, but how many people today go to church out of "duty" and sit and hear the sermon but don't act on the words? In some churches in the USA the words aren't worth listening to, but where the Bible is preached, we are to listen - and act - on the message that is spoken. (DRM 4/3/11) 34:4,5 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. Another convicting verse, but discernment takes over here. . . I believe these sheep are people (v.31) looking for a shepherd, or leader. Is the leader David (v.23) or is God looking for people to "minister" to His flock today? I think both. (DRM 5/17/89) 34:12 As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. This refers to "The Restoration of Israel" as stated in
the title above this paragraph. 34:13 "And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, but the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land." Time after time God promised to bring the Israelite people back together and give them their own land back. The nation didn't exist for nearly 2,000 years. Now that this prophecy has been fulfilled - do the citizens of Israel praise and worship Jesus=God? No. There is more prophecy to be fulfilled. Hopefully I will see the Day. (DRM 4/4/05) 34:15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest." declares the Lord GOD. This paragraph refers to God bringing His flock or people
back to the land/mountains of Israel. 34:16 "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment." Considering the context of shepherding the sheep of
Israel, I think this verse refers to what Jesus did when He was on earth - or
will return. People get the type of leaders they want and deserve. (Word of Life diary) 34:24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be prince among them; I the LORD have spoken. As I have read similar verses about future Israel, I am starting to take this literally. While this could refer to David's descendent, Jesus, I now think this could refer to David - as all people that are believers of all time - will have a position in the eternal Kingdom. David is certainly qualified to be the prince, as Jesus is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (DRM 4/5/11) Many think that in the messianic kingdom, Christ will rule from Jerusalem over the entire world (Psalm 2) while the resurrected David rules over Israel. To complete the picture of the millennial government, in the New Testament the twelve disciples were promised that they would sit on twelve thrones ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. (Word of Life diary) 34:26 "And I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing." This chapter is about the restoration of Israel. So the sheep, flock refer to Israel. When we [I] please the Lord, He will bless us in our lives. He will meet our needs. He will shower us with food and drink to live. He will shower us with His love and protection - these are all part of His showers of blessing. I hope that I will please Him, so as to receive these showers. (DRM 4/5/05) 34:28 They [Israel] will no longer be a prey to the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not devour them; but they will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. Ezekiel was a prophet. This prophecy about Israel or the
Israelites certainly hasn't been fulfilled since 1948 when they came back to
their land. It's still future. 36:10 'And I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, all of it, and the cities will be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt.' Over and over the Bible proclaims that the people of Israel will get their land back, and they will populate it, and the land will be renewed, and they will come to know the Lord. If this hasn't occurred, we are certainly in the process of fulfilling these prophecies today. We now have millions of Jews in Israel, but when will they come to know the Lord? They need vision. (DRM 4/6/05) 36:15 "I will not let you hear insults from the nations anymore, nor will you bear disgrace from the peoples any longer, nor will you cause your nation to stumble any longer, 'declares the Lord GOD.' " I heard of a committee yesterday that's only purpose is to issue criticisms - insults against Israel for nations to ratify. This prophecy has not yet been fulfilled - but it will be in the millennial Kingdom. Then people will come to Israel to worship the Lord - what a great time that will be! (DRM 4/6/11) 36:23 "I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD," declares the Lord GOD, "when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight." Ezekiel prophesied that Israel would come back t the original land. This verse shows that God will bring them back even though they still wouldn't honor Him. This is to show the nations (still) that God STILL is in control and loves His people - even after thousands of years. (DRM 4/7/11) 36:24, 25 "For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands, and bring you into your own land. 25Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols." Yesterday I wondered how Israel would come to know the Lord. Verse 25 is a little clearer. He will sprinkle them with supernatural water. But what is that? What special water will this be, and how will they receive it? Perhaps future verses will reveal this to us, however, my job still is to tell and show Christ to all who will see and hear. I always need boldness! (DRM 4/7/05) 36:26, 27 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances." Yesterday, I wondered what the clean water was. Today it seems to be the infusion of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the new believers in Jesus received the Holy Spirit. Thus, the nation of Israel must receive Jesus in their heart to receive the Holy Spirit. That's still a missing piece. God willing, He will use me in some small way to reach all of the lost - before the rapture. (DRM 4/8/05) 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. When I first put all my trust in the Lord, it was a challenge to give all my doubts and worries to Him. Most of the time when I have a doubt or fear, I trust Him, but there are still times when the devil puts doubt in my mind. I need to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit through His Word, or doubts and fears of the world will return to me, and those fears are just defeating and wasteful. (DRM 11/29/86) 36:28 You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. The title given this section of Ezekiel is "Israel to Be
Renewed for His Name's Sake." Numerous times in the Bible we are told that
Israel will get it's land back - and that occurred in 1948. The Jewish people
have and continue to be God's chosen people. 36:29 Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you. God made many promises to Israel in the form of
prophecies. This verse refers to the time after they were to become a nation
again (v. 24) which happened in 1948. 36:30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine among the nations. I have old photos of what Israel was like before 1948. It
was like a desert with mountains. 36:35 They will say, 'This desolate land has become like a garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified in inhabited.' While I've never been to Israel, I believe that nearly everything in this prophecy about Israel has occurred. The desolate ruined cities have been excavated, but I'm not sure how many are now re-occupied. This all points to the Lord's imminent return. (DRM 4/8/11) 37:7b, 8 . . . And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. If God can do that, He can do anything. Just the thought of God doing this is incredible! Thank God that He knows me and cares about me. (DRM 5/18/89) [re: 37:8] I really like the Valley of Dry Bones, as it proves that God can and will do anything He wants. The bones represent the Israeli nation that will come back together after being dead for a long time. Without the breath of the Holy Spirit, the bodies are still dead. In verse 10, they received breath and became a great army again. Someday soon, I believe these bodies, which are Israel today, will receive the Holy Spirit and live. (DRM 4/9/05) Ezekiel 37:8 illustrates the current situation in Israel. She has come back to her homeland in unbelief. Israel is a complete but spiritually lifeless nation. The breath of God will come into them, and like Adam, they will become a spiritually alive nation. This evangelistic event will take place during the tribulation period. (Word of Life diary) 37:13 Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I read this verse differently today. Here's a
different theory: 37:22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms. It seems that we (I) can read about the future of Israel from this chapter of Ezekiel. This verse (v. 22) has been completed, but v. 23 hasn't yet, so that is what we should expect next. Since v. 23 is expected AFTER the rapture of the church, it could happen at any moment. (DRM 4/10/11) 37:27 "My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people." I think this refers to the New Jerusalem, as
He [Jesus] will be at the center of attention and the Israelites [and everyone
else] will worship Him in His temple. 38:8 After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel which had been a continual waste; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them. This refers to Gog's (Russia) invasion of Israel in the "latter years." Russia's allies are listed in v. 5 and are applicable today. Israel had to be a nation for this to occur, and now all is being prepared. (DRM 4/11/11) 38:11 and you (Gog, verse 3) will say, 'I will go up against the land of unwalled villages (Israel). I will go against those who are at rest, that live securely, all of them living without walls, and having no bars or gates, Certainly the current ruler of God [Russia] seems capable of doing these things. The Russian people never liked the Jews, and most have left the country. Israel's neighbors would like to join in a battle, in my opinion. The correlation between the prophecy and today's events seems close. How many people are prepared? Do they know? (DRM 4/11/05) 38:16 You (Gog, Russia) will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me. . . This is the famous chapter about Russia invading Israel. If God says so, I believe it. It seems that Israel is getting prepared. Hopefully more people will be prepared for the rapture of the Lord which should come about the same time. (DRM 5/19/89) Or earlier! (DRM 7/4/2004) 38:18, 19 It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," declares the Lord God, "that My fury will mount up in My anger, 19in My zeal and in My blazing wrath I declare that on that day there will surely be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. Russia (Gog) will come against Israel and there will be a great earthquake in Israel. Why? God wants to protect Israel, and also to get the devotion of the Israelites. God knows the future and He knows that when this occurs the people will know to depend totally on Him. (DRM 4/12/11) Gog is most likely the leader of Magog. . . Since Russia is in the remote parts of the north in today's geo-political world, she and her Muslim allies would most naturally fulfill the role of Magog. (Word of Life diary) 38:22 "And with pestilence and with blood I shall enter into judgment with him (Gog-Russia); and I shall rain on him, and on his troops, and on many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone." One thing that is amazing to me about prophecy is that people can read it for thousands of years, know it's going to happen, and the people involved still will go ahead and do it, even though God states they will fail. The logic is they never read the Book. Thank God I did and know Him and the future! (DRM 4/12/05) 39:4 On the mountains of Israel you (God, Russia) will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. Again we are talking about the end of the Russian empire. This makes me appreciate living where I do, and, best of all, knowing that I am on the Lord's side! (DRM 5/20/89) 39:7 "And My holy name I shall make known in the midst of My people Israel; and I shall not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel." This verse is in the midst of the prophecy about the invasion from Gog into Israel. With that context it seems that the people of Israel will THEN admit that the Lord God Jesus truly loves them and is protecting them - THEN they will trust in Him. It's great to know that it will happen eventually . . . but people today also need to know. (DRM 4/13/05) 39:11 On that day I will give Gog a burial ground there in Israel, the valley of those who pass by east of the sea, and it will block off those who would pass by. So they will bury Gog there with all his horde, and they will call it the valley of Hamon-gog. This has to
refer to the valley of Armageddon. Where Gog, the leader of Russia and all his
"horde" of troops will die. 39:17 And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD, 'Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, "Assemble and come, gather from every side to My sacrifice which I am going to sacrifice for you, as a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood." ' This prophecy had to be about Jesus. He was sacrificed on the mountain outside of Jerusalem. He was God's sacrifice for all of mankind. When we have communion, we spiritually eat Jesus flesh [bread] and drink His blood [wine, juice] as He said to do at the Last Supper. He [Holy Spirit] is now in believers. (DRM 4/14/05) 39:22 And the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God from that day onward. The battle of
Armageddon is over. God=Jesus stopped the advance from the north and all the
birds and beasts (v. 17) are working on the carnage. THEN the house of Israel
will know and believe that God is still protecting them. Since this same imagery is used of the Battle of Armageddon, some have argued that God and Magog refer to the Antichrist and his defeat at the Battle of Armageddon. Yet similar imagery does not prove identical events. (Word of Life diary) 40:4 The man (an angel?) said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the house of Israel everything you see." After this verse, Ezekiel got all the measurements of the Temple. This verse is important as it is a reminder that when God talks to us, in whatever way, that we are to "pay attention." 41:22 There was a wooden altar three cubits high and two cubits square; its corners, its base and its sides were of wood. As we continue with the measuring of the temple, I find it interesting that just about the only material used that is mentioned - is wood. This wood could represent the cross that Jesus died on? (DRM 5/21/89) 42:14 Once the priests enter the holy precincts, they are not to go into the outer court until they leave behind the garments in which they minister, for these are holy. This makes me think of how I will be getting a new "body" and garment in heaven. I will leave behind the old and get a new garment as I enter His Kingdom. (DRM 5/22/89) 43:2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory. To actually "see" God, or His glory, must have been an incredible experience. I would personally think that anyone who saw this sight would believe in Him. To those of us who didn't, it was more difficult to believe. . . but I'm so glad I did! (DRM 5/23/89) 43:9 "Now let them (the house of Israel) put away their harlotry and the corpses of their kings far from Me; and I will dwell among them forever." God's ways are often different from man's logic. If I had "friends" that always disobeyed my suggestions, and never listened to me; probably I would just want to ignore them. God decided to love the Israelites no matter if they ignored Him or tried to worship Him occasionally. Here He says that He will live with the Israelites [in Jerusalem] forever. As Father, He truly loves His family! (DRM 4/15/05) 44:3 As for the prince, he shall sit in it as prince to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the porch of the gate and shall go out by the same way." This refers to Ezekiel's vision of
the future Temple in Jerusalem. The prince is clearly identified as David in
Ezek 34:24, thus David's future role seems to be in charge of the new Temple. 44:28 I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. I could live by that! To be saved by the grace of God is all that a person needs to go to Heaven. To have God as a possession (in their soul), is all that we need. Thank God!!!!!! (DRM 5/24/89) 45:21 In the first month on the fourteenth day you are to observe the Passover, a feast lasting seven days, during which you shall eat bread made without yeast. Matzos are unleavened bread. Certainly the use of this "bread" is traced to the Bible here - among other places. It is interesting to think of the uses for Matzo today! (DRM 5/25/89) 46:13 Every day you are to provide a year-old lamb without defect for a burnt offering to the Lord; morning by morning you shall provide it. I get a lot of symbolism out of this verse. The lamb of God was Jesus Christ who died for our sins. He died on the cross so that "every day" people could come to accept Him. (DRM 5/26/89) 47:8 Then he said to me, "These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh." This is another prophecy. This water came from the temple, and increased in volume as it reached the sea. Today the sea is salt water and saltiness goes up the the river [like the Hudson River]. Here the fresh water in the river makes the sea fresh, which is opposite of today. God will make everything new - including our bodies - so long as we love Him. (DRM 4/16/05) 47:9 It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. This section in my Bible is titled, "Water from the Temple." I would call it the river of life, like what is mentioned in Rev. 22. This also shows that other creatures than humans will be in Heaven. So there is a lot to look forward to! (DRM 4/16/11) Revelation 22 uses similar imagery for Heaven, but this does not require that Ezekiel is describing Heaven. (Word of Life diary) 47:12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing. This "river from the temple," seems to me to be the "river of life" for believers or the river in Psalm 1. As we become believers in Christ, we depend on the fresh waters (Truth) that comes from Christ. (DRM 5/27/89) 48:35 The distance around will be 18,000 cubits. "And the name of the city from that time on will be: The Lord is There." As I was reading about this special city, sometimes I wondered if it was on Earth. Now we know, as in Revelation, that this city represents Heaven or the New Jerusalem. (DRM 5/28/89) |