In the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, write down the name of this day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. – Ezekiel 24:1-2

In today’s first two chapters Ezekiel continues to prophesy against Egypt and its king. To Pharaoh the LORD asserts that though “You consider yourself a lion among the nations… the sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon you.” In chapter 32 the LORD catalogues the nations – Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, Sidon – with which Egypt will lie in the grave.

Chapter 33 is a key pivot for this book, and it feels as though the LORD is resetting a number of threads, heading toward a climax. First, He reminds Ezekiel of his commission as “watchman” for his people. He then deals with Israel’s growing realization that their transgressions and sins are upon them. Finally, almost three years to the day that Ezekiel was commanded to make no mourning for the dead, a fugitive arrives from Jerusalem. The LORD opens Ezekiel’s mouth, and the exiles know that a prophet has been among them.

This begins one of Ezekiel’s longest sustained prophecies to his people. The LORD deals with the arrogance of those who expect to re-inherit the land; those who claim to want to hear what the word is that comes from the LORD yet their heart is set on their gain; and with the shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves.

Consider that all of this comes after the exiles learn of Jerusalem’s fall. The LORD promises to rescue His flock, and to judge between sheep and sheep. The LORD promises to make them and the places all around [His] hill a blessing. And the LORD promises to set up over them one shepherd, My servant David, and He shall feed them: He shall feed them and be their shepherd.

Our verse for this week is 2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ezekiel 31 through 34. Now let’s read it!

Day 229 Bible Only Podcast