Day #242

Sermon - Audio
Ezekiel 9-12 - Audio
Ezekiel 9-12 - Reading

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Ezekiel 9-12

Chapter 9 – The focus shifts from the temple to the city of Jerusalem. It is a vision of what is to happen on the streets of Jerusalem. The prophet uses a pictorial approach, which are symbols of certain realities such as rampant evil and God’s judgment. The prophet’s anguished intervention does not dissuade God from judgment.

v. 2 – Linen garments were the attire of priests, but angels and those in the presence of God were also described as wearing them. (Ex. 28, Dan. 10:5) The writing kit was probably given to a scribe charged with keeping the heavenly record. (Rev. 3:5) Ezekiel’s vision was a reminder that idolaters had no place in the city of God.

v. 3 – The glory cloud that symbolized the divine presence dwelt among the Most Holy Place in the temple. The cloud began a journey visually showing the way in which God would forsake Jerusalem.

v. 4 – The symbolism of the mark on the foreheads is reminiscent of the blood on the houses of the Israelites during the first Passover. In the Passover there was shelter from God’s destruction for those displaying the appointed sign. But this time it seemed that few would be saved.

v. 6 – Just as the leaders had led the people astray, so now judgment begins with them.

Chapter 10 – This chapter continues the judgment scene of the previous chapter. As the angel begins to carry out God’s judgment by fire, Ezekiel experienced a renewed vision of the divine chariot with its supernatural attendants (see Ezekiel 1), but now the location was Jerusalem instead of Babylon.

v. 18-19 - Ezekiel saw a cloud filling the inner court and the glory of God was on the move once more. He departed slowly, as if reluctant to leave, perhaps symbolizing how God gives people every opportunity to repent.

Chapter 11

v. 1-15 – The “leaders of the people” were a small counsel of high officials who held significant power and had been able to remain in Jerusalem when many were exiled by the Babylonians. They arrogantly boasted that they were the “meat”, “the best portion” – implying that the exiles were the refuse. Through Ezekiel God declared that the “meat” wasn’t the elite in Jerusalem, but the innocent people they had killed.

v. 13 – Pelatiah means “the Lord provides escape.” When this man died unexpectedly during Ezekiel’s vision, Ezekiel feared that all hope of escape had died with him. The prophet interceded with God again on behalf of the remnant.

v. 18-21 – Ezekiel returns to the theme of a new heart and spirit. The fulfillment of this hope for a completely renewed people of God after the exile was initially fulfilled with the first coming of Jesus. It continues now and will reach completion when Christ returns in glory.

Chapter 12

v. 6 – “Cover your face” is a gesture of both shame and of grief suggesting that the exile would never again see Jerusalem.

v. 10 – The prince referred to here is Zedekiah who was the ruler of Jerusalem at the time of Ezekiel.

v. 17-20 – The eating and drinking symbolized the starvation rations Ezekiel had been allotted. His physical weakness and trembling represented the state of all of those remaining in Jerusalem.