Archive for November 2020

Ezekiel 42-44,  Job 15:17-35,  John 11:45-57,  1 John 4:7-21  Ezekiel 42-44:   This continued description of the temple in these chapters amounts to much the same as Ezekiel’s previous description—namely a timely reminder of the temple, but in a non-literal sense pointing to the fulfillment of the temple in Christ, in Christ’s people, the gospel-church, and…

Ezekiel 40-41, Job 15:1-16, John 11:38-44, 1 John 4:1-6 Ezekiel 40-41: Matthew Henry, of famous reputation, says this is “justly looked upon to be one of the most difficult portions of scripture in all the book of God. The Jews will not allow any to read it till they are thirty years old, and tell those who do…

Ezekiel 38-39, Job 14, John 11:17-37, 1 John 3:19-24  Ezekiel 38-39: In Ezekiel 38 and 39, we hear of God’s judgment and opposition upon Gog and Magog, the continued trouble that Israel would face even after it had returned from exile, but God’s final victory over that trouble. We do not know exactly who these opponents of Israel…

Ezekiel 35-37, Job 13, John 11:1-16, 1 John 3:11-18  Ezekiel 35-37: Chapter 35 begins with a prophecy against Edom (“Mount Seir”) for their sinful opposition to God’s people: “Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword” (35:5). As if to ensure pride does not thereby ensue to Israel,…

Ezekiel 33-34, Job 12, John 10:22-42, 1 John 3:1-10 Ezekiel 33-34: If any had been tempted to think that God’s message through Ezekiel was mere “doom and gloom,” God makes it clear that the warnings that have been given are intended so that people can repent and live. What is more, he makes it clear that there is…

Ezekiel 31-32, Job 11, John 10:11-21, 1 John 2:24-29 Ezekiel 31-32: When we read this continuing litany of judgment through Ezekiel from the mouth of God, it is important, critically so, that we do not, if we are Christians, become uncertain of our salvation. We, if we are in Christ, have been rescued. These words then are intended…

Ezekiel 29-30,  Job 10,  John 10:1-10,  1 John 2:18-23   Ezekiel 29-30:   Two more chapters of Ezekiel declaring God’s judgment—this time against Egypt. A “sword” will come upon them (29:8). Egypt has expressed overweening arrogance: “Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine, and I made it,’ therefore, behold, I am against you” (29:9-10). There will be…

Ezekiel 27-28,  Job 9:21-35,  John 9:26-41,  1 John 2:12-17   Ezekiel 27-28:   A predominant emphasis throughout the book continues: “The word of the LORD came to me” (27:1, 28:1, 11, 20). Ezekiel speaks God’s word and does not make up his own. Here he is to raise up a “lamentation” against Tyre (27:2)—to speak God’s word against Tyre. Tyre is proud:…

Ezekiel 24-26,  Job 9:1-20,  John 9:13-25,  1 John 2:1-11   Ezekiel 24-26:   A momentous day indeed: the day the king of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem (24:2). Ezekiel is to write down this day, this very day, to record it. And he is to tell a parable concerning what is going on (24:3). The parable—the story…

Ezekiel 22-23,  Job 8,  John 9:1-12,  1 John 1   Ezekiel 22-23:   Ezekiel is asked whether he will judge Jerusalem—the “bloody city” (22:2)—and then given words to declare to her all her “abominations.” Basically, she has “become guilty by the blood that you have shed, and defiled by the idols that you have made” (22:4). In…