Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
partners in crime
Ezekiel 25 Judah has taken the brunt of God’s judgment oracles from Ezekiel, but now it’s time for her partners in crime (her neighbor nations) to get theirs. Each prediction of disaster is followed by something like “then they will … Continue reading
the delight of your eyes
Ezekiel 24 A corroded pot defiles everything in it, and bits are taken out indiscriminately, symbolizing those who die in the siege. Then, Ezekiel faces his greatest challenge. The LORD tells him his wife will die, and he is not … Continue reading
your sister’s cup
Ezekiel 23 This is another one of those PG passages in Scripture. It describes the judgment upon Jerusalem and the reason for it. Jerusalem lusted after the young studs of Babylon like her sister Samaria had lusted after the young … Continue reading
all dross
Ezekiel 22 The LORD looked for some shining example of moral purity and obedience to the covenant. He found no silver – it was all dross. They were all murderers, idolaters, inconsiderate, defiled, lewd and greedy. Therefore, the LORD will … Continue reading
marked off in the map
Ezekiel 21 One of the prophecies here depicts Nebuchadnezzar using several means of divination to decide where to attack next. He decides to follow the sign, and attack Jerusalem. In doing so, he is following a path marked off in … Continue reading
intervention failed
Ezekiel 20 A group of elders make an appointment with Ezekiel in order to consult with him. They hope that their obvious display of solidarity and authority will take this errant prophet off guard and that he will come to … Continue reading
power politics
Ezekiel 19 Ezekiel describes what the ESV Study Bible calls Zedekiah’s last attempts at “power politics” which end in “disaster.” Showing one’s strength only works if there is something that goes beyond the strength. Judah had depleted its spiritual reserves, … Continue reading
restoring souls
Ezekiel 18 Some take this passage as a philosophical bashing of collectivist cultures, among whom were the Israelites. But the key to understanding the LORD’s complaint is that his people were blaming God for their sin. They were saying that … Continue reading
first resort
Ezekiel 17 All is not fair in war. After Judah’s defeat and exile in Babylon, the king broke his agreement with Nebuchadnezzar by seeking help from Egypt. The LORD held this against Judah. To break a covenant with the nation … Continue reading
abandoned and restored
Ezekiel 16 Through this long allegory, the LORD explains his relationship with his people. It was an act of grace by which the LORD rescued Israel as an abandoned infant, and brought her up, removing her shame. He brought her … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, deliverance, Ezekiel, forgiveness, grace, relationship with God
Tagged Ezekiel 16
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