2025 Daily Devotional
June 22-30
June 22 Reading: Themes from Jeremiah Part 5: Chapters 29-36
Takeaways
1. Jeremiah wrote to the captives in exile
Jeremiah sent a letter to the people who were carried away to Babylon. They were told to settle in peace and have wives, sons, and daughters. After seventy years, the LORD would cause them to return to their land (Jeremiah 29).
The LORD spoke to Jeremiah and instructed Jeremiah to write His words in a book. He spoke of Israel and Judah hearing a voice of trembling and fear, and that the yoke would be removed from their necks. God would correct the nations that kept His people in captivity. Israel’s and Judah’s sins were not totally forgotten because their sins were so grievous (Jeremiah 30).
Jeremiah sent a letter to the people who were carried away to Babylon. They were told to settle in peace and have wives, sons, and daughters. After seventy years, the LORD would cause them to return to their land (Jeremiah 29).
The LORD spoke to Jeremiah and instructed Jeremiah to write His words in a book. He spoke of Israel and Judah hearing a voice of trembling and fear, and that the yoke would be removed from their necks. God would correct the nations that kept His people in captivity. Israel’s and Judah’s sins were not totally forgotten because their sins were so grievous (Jeremiah 30).
2. Prophesies
The LORD spoke of restoring Israel. Jeremiah 31:22-40 are prophecies of a new covenant with Israel.
In Jeremiah 33:15-16, we see again the prophecy of the Messiah, referred to as the Branch of righteousness.
3. Jeremiah in prison
When the king of Babylon’s army besieged Jerusalem, Jeremiah was imprisoned by Zedekiah because of his prophesying. The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: If God’s covenant was honored, there would not cease to be a seed of David on the throne and a priest of the Levites (Jeremiah 32-33).
4. The Disobedience of Israel
The LORD told Jeremiah to speak to King Zedekiah. He said what He would do when Nebuchadnezzar burned the city. Zedekiah would not die at that time, but he would make a covenant with the people at Jerusalem, which they would disobey. The LORD told Zedekiah that the Babylon army would return and burn Judah and Jerusalem and make them a desolation with no inhabitants (Jeremiah 34).
The LORD told Jeremiah to gather the family of the Rechabites into the house of the LORD and give them wine to drink. They would not drink because Jonadab, their ancestor, commanded them not to drink wine, build a house, sow seed, or plant a vineyard forever. They were to live in tents. God blessed the Rechabites because of their obedience to their ancestor, yet Israel could not obey the LORD, who was speaking to them right at the present day (Jeremiah 35).
God told Jeremiah to take a roll and write all the words that God spoke against Israel. He called Baruch to write as he spoke, then told Baruch to read it to the people in the LORD’s house on the day of fasting. King Jehoiakim’s officials hid Jeremiah and Baruch and read it to the king. The king burned the scroll (Jeremiah 36).
The LORD spoke of restoring Israel. Jeremiah 31:22-40 are prophecies of a new covenant with Israel.
In Jeremiah 33:15-16, we see again the prophecy of the Messiah, referred to as the Branch of righteousness.
3. Jeremiah in prison
When the king of Babylon’s army besieged Jerusalem, Jeremiah was imprisoned by Zedekiah because of his prophesying. The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: If God’s covenant was honored, there would not cease to be a seed of David on the throne and a priest of the Levites (Jeremiah 32-33).
4. The Disobedience of Israel
The LORD told Jeremiah to speak to King Zedekiah. He said what He would do when Nebuchadnezzar burned the city. Zedekiah would not die at that time, but he would make a covenant with the people at Jerusalem, which they would disobey. The LORD told Zedekiah that the Babylon army would return and burn Judah and Jerusalem and make them a desolation with no inhabitants (Jeremiah 34).
The LORD told Jeremiah to gather the family of the Rechabites into the house of the LORD and give them wine to drink. They would not drink because Jonadab, their ancestor, commanded them not to drink wine, build a house, sow seed, or plant a vineyard forever. They were to live in tents. God blessed the Rechabites because of their obedience to their ancestor, yet Israel could not obey the LORD, who was speaking to them right at the present day (Jeremiah 35).
God told Jeremiah to take a roll and write all the words that God spoke against Israel. He called Baruch to write as he spoke, then told Baruch to read it to the people in the LORD’s house on the day of fasting. King Jehoiakim’s officials hid Jeremiah and Baruch and read it to the king. The king burned the scroll (Jeremiah 36).
Application
Stubbornness can be a very self-destructive act; and coupled with pride, it’s almost impossible to stop, like the Pharaoh in Moses’ time. In Jeremiah 36, nearly every important person read or listened to Jeremiah’s prophecy and was moved by it. However, the king, full of pride, burned it instead of being moved by it.
We must respond to the truth God gives us, rather than ignore it or suppress it. If we gladly receive the truth, He will give us more. If we reject God's truth despite His repeated attempts to reach us, He will not continue to give us truth, but will eventually respect our wishes.
We must respond to the truth God gives us, rather than ignore it or suppress it. If we gladly receive the truth, He will give us more. If we reject God's truth despite His repeated attempts to reach us, He will not continue to give us truth, but will eventually respect our wishes.
June 23 Reading: Themes from Jeremiah Part 6: Chapters 37-44
Takeaways
1. Jeremiah in Prison…Again
The Egyptian army came out of Egypt, and when the Chaldeans heard, they left Jerusalem. Jeremiah was put in prison again for prophesying and was accused of being a deserter. After many days, King Zedekiah took him out and asked if he had heard from the LORD. Zedekiah would be delivered to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah was taken to the court of the prison (Jeremiah 37).
After being falsely accused and for prophesying Jerusalem's fall, Jeremiah was cast into a dungeon. Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch, heard what happened to Jeremiah and spoke to the king for him. Jeremiah was freed, and King Zedekiah put him into the house of the LORD. Jeremiah told the king his choices and what God would do. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken (Jeremiah 38).
Jerusalem was taken, and King Zedekiah and his princes escaped, only to be captured and taken to the king of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah's sons and then blinded him. Jeremiah was released to Gedaliah, who took him home. God had Jeremiah tell Ebed-melech that he would survive because he helped God's prophet (Jeremiah 39).
Jeremiah dwelt with Gedaliah instead of returning to Babylon under the charge of Nebuzardan. Johanan, commander of the Hebrew forces, told Gedaliah that Ishmael, a Judean commander, was hired by the king of the Ammonites to kill Gedaliah, but he did not believe it (Jeremiah 40).
Ishmael killed Gedaliah and many others. He spared ten men who promised wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in a field. Johanan and his forces overtook them, and the ten captives ran to Johanan. Ishmael and eight men somehow escaped and fled to the Ammonites. Johanan was afraid because Gedaliah was killed and unsure if he would be held responsible (Jeremiah 41).
The Egyptian army came out of Egypt, and when the Chaldeans heard, they left Jerusalem. Jeremiah was put in prison again for prophesying and was accused of being a deserter. After many days, King Zedekiah took him out and asked if he had heard from the LORD. Zedekiah would be delivered to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah was taken to the court of the prison (Jeremiah 37).
After being falsely accused and for prophesying Jerusalem's fall, Jeremiah was cast into a dungeon. Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch, heard what happened to Jeremiah and spoke to the king for him. Jeremiah was freed, and King Zedekiah put him into the house of the LORD. Jeremiah told the king his choices and what God would do. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken (Jeremiah 38).
Jerusalem was taken, and King Zedekiah and his princes escaped, only to be captured and taken to the king of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah's sons and then blinded him. Jeremiah was released to Gedaliah, who took him home. God had Jeremiah tell Ebed-melech that he would survive because he helped God's prophet (Jeremiah 39).
Jeremiah dwelt with Gedaliah instead of returning to Babylon under the charge of Nebuzardan. Johanan, commander of the Hebrew forces, told Gedaliah that Ishmael, a Judean commander, was hired by the king of the Ammonites to kill Gedaliah, but he did not believe it (Jeremiah 40).
Ishmael killed Gedaliah and many others. He spared ten men who promised wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in a field. Johanan and his forces overtook them, and the ten captives ran to Johanan. Ishmael and eight men somehow escaped and fled to the Ammonites. Johanan was afraid because Gedaliah was killed and unsure if he would be held responsible (Jeremiah 41).
2. Jeremiah Advised Survivors
Johanan and his men asked Jeremiah what they should do. God spoke and said not to go to Egypt or they would be killed. God would show mercy to them if they stayed (Jeremiah 42).
Despite what Jeremiah told Johanan, they went to Egypt anyway and took Jeremiah with them. Jeremiah prophesied that Babylon would conquer Egypt (Jeremiah 43).
The word of God came to Jeremiah to the Jews who went to Egypt. Despite God’s warnings of punishment for idolatry and abandoning their homeland, the people refused to listen and continued in their sin (Jeremiah 44).
Johanan and his men asked Jeremiah what they should do. God spoke and said not to go to Egypt or they would be killed. God would show mercy to them if they stayed (Jeremiah 42).
Despite what Jeremiah told Johanan, they went to Egypt anyway and took Jeremiah with them. Jeremiah prophesied that Babylon would conquer Egypt (Jeremiah 43).
The word of God came to Jeremiah to the Jews who went to Egypt. Despite God’s warnings of punishment for idolatry and abandoning their homeland, the people refused to listen and continued in their sin (Jeremiah 44).
Application
It appears that Israel's hearts were so hardened by sin and what was going on around them that they had no faith in Jeremiah and the word of the LORD. We are so blessed to have the word of God freely and abundantly to keep us in the truth. Let us never take it for granted.
June 24 Reading: Themes from Jeremiah Part 7: Chapters 45-52
Takeaways
1. Judgment against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, and Babylon
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah concerning Egypt. Egypt would be delivered into the hands of Babylon and suffer destruction. God assured Israel that He would save them, and they would face some correction (Jeremiah 46).
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah concerning the destruction of the Philistines. Disaster would come from the north against the Philistine cities (Jeremiah 47).
Jeremiah prophesied concerning the judgment of Moab. They magnified themselves against the LORD with pride, arrogance, and haughtiness of heart (Jeremiah 48).
Jeremiah prophesied judgment against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor and Elam (Jeremiah 49).
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah against Babylon and the Chaldeans. The captive children of Israel would seek the LORD their God, and God would answer with a sword against the nations for how they treated Israel. Babylon would face utter ruin (Jeremiah 50-51).
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah concerning Egypt. Egypt would be delivered into the hands of Babylon and suffer destruction. God assured Israel that He would save them, and they would face some correction (Jeremiah 46).
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah concerning the destruction of the Philistines. Disaster would come from the north against the Philistine cities (Jeremiah 47).
Jeremiah prophesied concerning the judgment of Moab. They magnified themselves against the LORD with pride, arrogance, and haughtiness of heart (Jeremiah 48).
Jeremiah prophesied judgment against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor and Elam (Jeremiah 49).
The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah against Babylon and the Chaldeans. The captive children of Israel would seek the LORD their God, and God would answer with a sword against the nations for how they treated Israel. Babylon would face utter ruin (Jeremiah 50-51).
2. A Message to Baruch and the Fall of Jerusalem
Baruch was a trusted friend of Jeremiah. He was lamenting about his life, but Jeremiah told him not to seek great things for himself. He encouraged Baruch that God would spare him from the coming evil (Jeremiah 45).
Chapter 52 summarizes the destruction of Jerusalem and recounts all of Jeremiah's fulfilled prophecies. In the end, Babylon showed kindness to King Jehoiachin of Judah.
Baruch was a trusted friend of Jeremiah. He was lamenting about his life, but Jeremiah told him not to seek great things for himself. He encouraged Baruch that God would spare him from the coming evil (Jeremiah 45).
Chapter 52 summarizes the destruction of Jerusalem and recounts all of Jeremiah's fulfilled prophecies. In the end, Babylon showed kindness to King Jehoiachin of Judah.
Application
The book of Jeremiah chronicles the terrible time for the nation of Judah. What makes this book amazing is that, despite all of the judgment that must occur due to sin, God is always calling His people back to Him. No matter what we do or go through, we can always return to the LORD. Seek Him daily and trust Him with your circumstances. Remember that He loves you.
June 25 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel- Part 1:Chapters 1-7
Takeaways
1. Who was Ezekiel and What is the Timeline?
Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, was a priest and possibly the son of a priest. He was called to be a prophet at 30 and prophesied until age 52 (Ezekiel 1:1-3, 24:18).
The book is set five years after Judah was attacked by Babylon in about 593 B.C. (Ezekiel would have been 25 years old then). It begins with Ezekiel sitting near the river Chebar (near the Euphrates in Babylon). We learn later that Ezekiel’s wife died about seven years later (Ezekiel 29:17).
Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, was a priest and possibly the son of a priest. He was called to be a prophet at 30 and prophesied until age 52 (Ezekiel 1:1-3, 24:18).
The book is set five years after Judah was attacked by Babylon in about 593 B.C. (Ezekiel would have been 25 years old then). It begins with Ezekiel sitting near the river Chebar (near the Euphrates in Babylon). We learn later that Ezekiel’s wife died about seven years later (Ezekiel 29:17).
Chronologically, Ezekiel overlaps with Jeremiah, as well as accounts in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
2. Visions of God and Ezekiel’s Call to Become a Prophet
Ezekiel saw a whirlwind out of the north, a cloud with fire around it and four living creatures. Each creature had four faces–a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle–and four wings. Beside each creature was a wheel. This appears to be a majestic chariot, carrying the throne and the glory of God (Hebrew scholars refer to this as the merkabah, the divine throne chariot).
On the throne was the likeness of a man with brightness around it. It was the likeness of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel fell on his face (Ezekiel 1).
God called Ezekiel to stand, and God’s Spirit entered him when he stood. Ezekiel was sent to the rebellious, stubborn house of Israel. He was commanded to speak God’s words and not to fear their response. God commanded him to eat a small scroll, to speak to Israel and to be a watchman over them (Ezekiel 2-3).
Ezekiel saw a whirlwind out of the north, a cloud with fire around it and four living creatures. Each creature had four faces–a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle–and four wings. Beside each creature was a wheel. This appears to be a majestic chariot, carrying the throne and the glory of God (Hebrew scholars refer to this as the merkabah, the divine throne chariot).
On the throne was the likeness of a man with brightness around it. It was the likeness of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel fell on his face (Ezekiel 1).
God called Ezekiel to stand, and God’s Spirit entered him when he stood. Ezekiel was sent to the rebellious, stubborn house of Israel. He was commanded to speak God’s words and not to fear their response. God commanded him to eat a small scroll, to speak to Israel and to be a watchman over them (Ezekiel 2-3).
3. Four Symbolic Stories About Jerusalem’s Fall
Ezekiel made a clay model of Jerusalem falling. He laid on his side–at times each day for over a year, made defiled bread, and then cut and burned his hair. These were all to be symbols of Jerusalem’s fall and were done in front of the people (Ezekiel 4-5).
Ezekiel made a clay model of Jerusalem falling. He laid on his side–at times each day for over a year, made defiled bread, and then cut and burned his hair. These were all to be symbols of Jerusalem’s fall and were done in front of the people (Ezekiel 4-5).
4. Devastation and Judgment (Ezekiel 6-7)
Application
Ezekiel lost much and witnessed much devastation. This did not prevent him from answering the call of God. It is in difficult times when we are most likely to examine our lives. Take time to examine your life and do what God has called you to do. Pray for direction and clarity.
June 26 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel: Chapters 8-14
Takeaways
1. Visions of Judgment and the Departing of the Glory of the LORD
Through a vision, the LORD showed Ezekiel the abominations Israel was committing. They worshiped a false god named Tammuz, and priests worshiped the sun (Ezekiel 8).
Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s wrath upon Israel. He saw six men (likely angels), each armed with a weapon. After the godly were protected, the wicked perished at the hands of the six men (angels). Ezekiel was grieved, but judgment occurred because the sin was so great (Ezekiel 9).
Ezekiel once again saw the glory of the LORD upon the divine throne chariot. But this time, the chariot departed from the temple of Israel (Ezekiel 10).
God’s judgment will go beyond Jerusalem, but there is also a promise of renewal and sustaining of His people in exile (Ezekiel 11).
Through a vision, the LORD showed Ezekiel the abominations Israel was committing. They worshiped a false god named Tammuz, and priests worshiped the sun (Ezekiel 8).
Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s wrath upon Israel. He saw six men (likely angels), each armed with a weapon. After the godly were protected, the wicked perished at the hands of the six men (angels). Ezekiel was grieved, but judgment occurred because the sin was so great (Ezekiel 9).
Ezekiel once again saw the glory of the LORD upon the divine throne chariot. But this time, the chariot departed from the temple of Israel (Ezekiel 10).
God’s judgment will go beyond Jerusalem, but there is also a promise of renewal and sustaining of His people in exile (Ezekiel 11).
2. Ezekiel Prophesies and Speaks Condemnation to False Prophets and Idolaters
Ezekiel acted out captivity to the people of Israel. God told him to gather his belongings as though he were going into captivity and then dig through a wall, signifying desperation to escape. He also ate bread and drank water with worry and trembling (Ezekiel 12).
God spoke against false prophets through Ezekiel. They spoke nonsense and envisioned lies to God’s people. There were male and female false prophets (Ezekiel 13).
God called Israel to repent from their idolatry. God mentioned Noah, Daniel, and Job. He stated the wickedness was so bad that if Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, they would only save themselves and not the rest of the nation because their wickedness demanded judgment from God (Ezekiel 14).
Ezekiel acted out captivity to the people of Israel. God told him to gather his belongings as though he were going into captivity and then dig through a wall, signifying desperation to escape. He also ate bread and drank water with worry and trembling (Ezekiel 12).
God spoke against false prophets through Ezekiel. They spoke nonsense and envisioned lies to God’s people. There were male and female false prophets (Ezekiel 13).
God called Israel to repent from their idolatry. God mentioned Noah, Daniel, and Job. He stated the wickedness was so bad that if Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, they would only save themselves and not the rest of the nation because their wickedness demanded judgment from God (Ezekiel 14).
Application
The wickedness was so terrible that judgment had to occur, and the glory of the LORD left Israel. It grieved Ezekiel. It is grievous to watch the sin of our nation get worse and worse.
Let us continue to pray for our nation despite how grievous the wickedness of America has been. Pray for our leaders and pray for mercy upon our nation.
Let us continue to pray for our nation despite how grievous the wickedness of America has been. Pray for our leaders and pray for mercy upon our nation.
June 27 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel – Part 3: Chapters 15-21
Takeaways
1. God Speaks to Ezekiel in Parables that Describe Israel
God asked Israel to compare the wood of the grapevine to the wood of the trees in a forest. If the vine had grapes, then it had a purpose. If not, then its only value was to be burned for fuel. God showed that His people in Jerusalem were like the wood of a grapevine that had no fruit. They had persisted in unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 15).
God had a loving covenant with Israel, but Israel acted like a harlot. Israel trusted in herself and forgot God. They burned their children in idol worship, which is an abomination to God. God laid out the sin of the people and pronounced judgment. But there was a promise of future restoration (Ezekiel 16) .
God told Ezekiel to speak a riddle to the house of Israel. This parable is known as the Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine. This parable describes Israel relying on other nations like Egypt and Babylon, rather than the LORD (Ezekiel 17).
God asked Israel to compare the wood of the grapevine to the wood of the trees in a forest. If the vine had grapes, then it had a purpose. If not, then its only value was to be burned for fuel. God showed that His people in Jerusalem were like the wood of a grapevine that had no fruit. They had persisted in unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 15).
God had a loving covenant with Israel, but Israel acted like a harlot. Israel trusted in herself and forgot God. They burned their children in idol worship, which is an abomination to God. God laid out the sin of the people and pronounced judgment. But there was a promise of future restoration (Ezekiel 16) .
God told Ezekiel to speak a riddle to the house of Israel. This parable is known as the Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine. This parable describes Israel relying on other nations like Egypt and Babylon, rather than the LORD (Ezekiel 17).
2. Rebellion and Accountability
The LORD stated that each person is responsible for their own sins. The son does not bear the burden of the sin of his father. This was a call for each person in Israel to repent and return to the LORD (Ezekiel 18).
The LORD stated that each person is responsible for their own sins. The son does not bear the burden of the sin of his father. This was a call for each person in Israel to repent and return to the LORD (Ezekiel 18).
3. Parable of the Lions and Vine (Ezekiel 19)
Ezekiel lamented three of Israel’s kings and their downfalls. He compared two of them as cubs to a lioness, and the lioness was Israel. The first king mentioned was a cub trapped and taken to Egypt. This was Jehoahaz, the son of King Josiah, also called Shallum. He was evil, and his reign was short. He was taken to Egypt as a prisoner (2 Kings 23:31-33).
The second king became a young lion and devoured men. The lion was taken to Babylon, and his voice was never heard again. This referred to Jehoiachin of Judah who was taken prisoner to Babylon. and he never returned. He reigned after Jehoahaz (2 Kings 24:8-15).
Israel was the vine in verse 10. Verse 14 speaks of fire gone out of a rod of her branches which devoured her fruit. This referred to King Zekekiah. The destruction came from within the vine. He was the king when Jerusalem was destroyed soon after King Jehoiachin (Jeremiah 27:12-13).
Ezekiel lamented three of Israel’s kings and their downfalls. He compared two of them as cubs to a lioness, and the lioness was Israel. The first king mentioned was a cub trapped and taken to Egypt. This was Jehoahaz, the son of King Josiah, also called Shallum. He was evil, and his reign was short. He was taken to Egypt as a prisoner (2 Kings 23:31-33).
The second king became a young lion and devoured men. The lion was taken to Babylon, and his voice was never heard again. This referred to Jehoiachin of Judah who was taken prisoner to Babylon. and he never returned. He reigned after Jehoahaz (2 Kings 24:8-15).
Israel was the vine in verse 10. Verse 14 speaks of fire gone out of a rod of her branches which devoured her fruit. This referred to King Zekekiah. The destruction came from within the vine. He was the king when Jerusalem was destroyed soon after King Jehoiachin (Jeremiah 27:12-13).
4. Israel Continued in Rebellion and There is Judgment
God recapped Israel’s history of sin going all the way back to the wilderness. Despite all of this sin, God was merciful. Israel rejected God’s mercy, and now judgment must come in the form of a sword (Ezekiel 20-21).
God recapped Israel’s history of sin going all the way back to the wilderness. Despite all of this sin, God was merciful. Israel rejected God’s mercy, and now judgment must come in the form of a sword (Ezekiel 20-21).
Application
In these chapters the LORD shows us that He is merciful and is always looking for a way to restore. Israel stopped seeking that mercy, and then judgment came. Ezekiel saw all of this and lamented much, like Jeremiah. It didn’t have to be that way. Let us always reach for the mercy and restoration of God.
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6-7).
June 28 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel – Part 4: Chapters 22-28
Takeaways
Takeaways
1. God lays out the sins of the Israel and her leaders (Ezekiel 22)
2. The LORD gives Ezekiel more parables describing Israel’s situation
Ezekiel was given a parable from the LORD about two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah. Ezekiel 23:4 tells us that Aholah represents Samaria (or the Northern Kingdom, Israel) and Aholibah represents Jerusalem or Judah. They sinned against the LORD with terrible idolatry and received judgment (Ezekiel 23).
Jerusalem is like a cooking pot, filled with their scum (sin and abominations). Ezekiel also lost his wife in this chapter and was told how to react. This would be a sign for Israel as many would face the death of their loved ones and would not be able to mourn normally due to captivity (Ezekiel 24).
3. Prophesies against the nations
The LORD tells Ezekiel about the coming judgment upon Ammon, Moab, Edom and the Philistines. These nations rejoiced at Israel and Judah’s desolation (Ezekiel 25).
The LORD pronounced judgment against Tyre for the same reasons. God used Nebuchadnezzar’s army to judge Tyre. Ezekiel 26 and 27 were judgment against the city; but Ezekiel 28 was judgment against the leader, the prince of Tyre. He saw himself as a god but was humbled. He is compared to Satan, who was the power behind the prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28).
Ezekiel was given a parable from the LORD about two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah. Ezekiel 23:4 tells us that Aholah represents Samaria (or the Northern Kingdom, Israel) and Aholibah represents Jerusalem or Judah. They sinned against the LORD with terrible idolatry and received judgment (Ezekiel 23).
Jerusalem is like a cooking pot, filled with their scum (sin and abominations). Ezekiel also lost his wife in this chapter and was told how to react. This would be a sign for Israel as many would face the death of their loved ones and would not be able to mourn normally due to captivity (Ezekiel 24).
3. Prophesies against the nations
The LORD tells Ezekiel about the coming judgment upon Ammon, Moab, Edom and the Philistines. These nations rejoiced at Israel and Judah’s desolation (Ezekiel 25).
The LORD pronounced judgment against Tyre for the same reasons. God used Nebuchadnezzar’s army to judge Tyre. Ezekiel 26 and 27 were judgment against the city; but Ezekiel 28 was judgment against the leader, the prince of Tyre. He saw himself as a god but was humbled. He is compared to Satan, who was the power behind the prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28).
Application
The neighboring nations rejoiced at the destruction that came upon Israel and Judah and that brought the wrath and judgment of the LORD upon them. This can be applied by obeying Proverbs 24:17-18:
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. The LORD will see it and be displeased.
Pray for your enemies and mind your own business in these matters.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. The LORD will see it and be displeased.
Pray for your enemies and mind your own business in these matters.
June 29 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel – Part 5: Chapters 29-35
Takeaways
1. Ezekiel prophesies against Egypt
Egypt was compared to a great crocodile which would be dragged out of the Nile River and put into the wilderness. They did not help Israel as they could and should have and would be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. God said they would wander for forty years and return (Ezekiel 29).
God’s judgment and the destruction of Egypt would be severe, like what happened to Assyria (Ezekiel 30-32).
Egypt was compared to a great crocodile which would be dragged out of the Nile River and put into the wilderness. They did not help Israel as they could and should have and would be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. God said they would wander for forty years and return (Ezekiel 29).
God’s judgment and the destruction of Egypt would be severe, like what happened to Assyria (Ezekiel 30-32).
2. Ezekiel appointed as Jerusalem’s Watchman on the Wall; Prophecy against Israel and Edom
Ezekiel was told by God to be Israel’s watchman and to warn them of the coming judgment of God due to their sin. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but judgment must occur due to the sin of the people. They listened to Ezekiel but did not act (Ezekiel 33).
God judged the leaders of Israel (shepherds) for not taking care of the people (sheep). God gave assurance to the flock, His people, and stated that He is their God (Ezekiel 34).
God judged the Edomites in Mount Seir due to an ancient hatred of Israel and their jealousy (Ezekiel 35).
Ezekiel was told by God to be Israel’s watchman and to warn them of the coming judgment of God due to their sin. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but judgment must occur due to the sin of the people. They listened to Ezekiel but did not act (Ezekiel 33).
God judged the leaders of Israel (shepherds) for not taking care of the people (sheep). God gave assurance to the flock, His people, and stated that He is their God (Ezekiel 34).
God judged the Edomites in Mount Seir due to an ancient hatred of Israel and their jealousy (Ezekiel 35).
Application
God’s judgment has a purpose for us today. It should caution us to seek to love God and avoid the things He hates. We should strive to be just when we can, unlike Egypt. We should obey the Word of God and not be like the world. We should take comfort that we are the sheep of His pasture and that He will take care of us. Lastly, we should take steps to remove hatred and jealousy from our lives.
June 30 Reading: Themes from Ezekiel – Part 6: Chapters 36-42
Takeaways
1. The Tide Changes – God promises blessings and restoration for Israel
God not only dealt with Israel’s enemies, but Israel was promised they would return to their land. God gave promises to clean and renew Israel from their sin and give them a new covenant. They would receive a heart of flesh in place of their stony heart and would walk in the ways of the LORD (Ezekiel 36).
The LORD showed Ezekiel a valley of dry bones and asked him if these bones could live. Ezekiel replied that only the LORD knows. The LORD had Ezekiel prophesy to the bones, and they came to life. God explained that the bones represented Israel (Ezekiel 37).
God not only dealt with Israel’s enemies, but Israel was promised they would return to their land. God gave promises to clean and renew Israel from their sin and give them a new covenant. They would receive a heart of flesh in place of their stony heart and would walk in the ways of the LORD (Ezekiel 36).
The LORD showed Ezekiel a valley of dry bones and asked him if these bones could live. Ezekiel replied that only the LORD knows. The LORD had Ezekiel prophesy to the bones, and they came to life. God explained that the bones represented Israel (Ezekiel 37).
2. Prophecy against Gog, who rules over the land of Magog, who will try to attack Israel. Gog defeated. (Ezekiel 38-39)
3. The New City and Temple
Ezekiel was taken up to a high mountain and saw a vision of a city. A man with the appearance of brass or bronze (likely an angel) went through the entire city, and they measured it all (Ezekiel 40).
Ezekiel and the man with the appearance of brass or bronze went to the temple and measured the inside (Ezekiel 41).
Ezekiel and the man measured the chambers for the priests and the outer dimensions of the temple (Ezekiel 42).
Ezekiel was taken up to a high mountain and saw a vision of a city. A man with the appearance of brass or bronze (likely an angel) went through the entire city, and they measured it all (Ezekiel 40).
Ezekiel and the man with the appearance of brass or bronze went to the temple and measured the inside (Ezekiel 41).
Ezekiel and the man measured the chambers for the priests and the outer dimensions of the temple (Ezekiel 42).
Application
Chapter 36 begins the final section of Ezekiel and describes Israel’s restoration. While there must be judgment, God is interested in restoring and renewing relationships with His people. Be encouraged to seek the LORD and return to Him in every way. He desires a relationship with you.