January 13, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Ezekiel? Here’s today’s reading:
Ezekiel 4 (NIV)
Siege of Jerusalem Symbolized
1 “Now, son of man, take a block of clay, put it in front of you and draw the city of Jerusalem on it. 2 Then lay siege to it: Erect siege works against it, build a ramp up to it, set up camps against it and put battering rams around it. 3 Then take an iron pan, place it as an iron wall between you and the city and turn your face toward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. This will be a sign to the people of Israel...........Continue Reading
An object lesson is always helpful but I am sure this is one that was very difficult for Ezekiel to portray. God is certainly serious about sin and the consequences of it and uses Ezekiel to paint a picture for the people to ensure they knew this!
Ezekiel 4
Although it may not be what God intended, the picture of the effects of sin on the individual is telling. Sin does “tie us up with ropes” in the sense that it forces us to continue in that direction. Seems that unless we repent of the sin it just keeps going on and on. This is evidenced by 390 years of sin for Israel and at least 40 years for Judah. Shows us that it is important to keep as clean a slate as possible with God.
Ezekiel 4
Ezekiel 4
Wow, an extended living picture of Jerusalem’s destruction that will come at the hands of Babylon supplied by Ezekiel for 430 days. What dedication and sacrifice it meant for Ezekiel and yet what a powerful image for the Jews already in exile of the further destruction that will happen back home. How faithful God has been to point out their sin and rebellion and make clear what He is going to do and why. And He has been very patient bit now the jig is up. But God would desire that they would learn their lesson and grow in faithfulness in this foreign land and He has Ezekiel do this to bring conviction so as to help them repent. The prophet’s role was unique but the kind of sacrifice He at times calls His servants to takes faith, perseverance and will. Ezekiel is a good model of all 3 here.
Ezekiel is certainly playing the part of the suffering servant. Ezekiel also shares he has never defiled himself with unclean food.
Yikes, poor Ezekiel having to act out an object lesson for Israel. Glad God relented and let him cook with dung instead of human waste!
God calls His servants to takes faith, perseverance and will. Ezekiel is a good model of all 3 here.
Ezekiel is chosen by God to act out the sin and the punishment of the people of Israel and Judah. With the purpose of showing them why they are suffering, so they would be motivated to repent and turn back to the Lord. And Ezekiel listens, and he is he willing to do it. A good example for all of us.