Sunday: Three Men: Ezekiel 18:1-18
Ezekiel refutes the erroneous proverb that God would punish children for the sins of their fathers (Ezekiel 18:1-4). The truth is illustrated by imagining three men in the same family. It begins with a righteous father: a man who keeps God’s law and would not die because of sin (Ezekiel 18:4-9). He avoids sinful offenses and models godly virtues. His unrighteous son (Ezekiel 18:10-13) models sinful behavior and wickedness and will die for it. The third man (Ezekiel 18:14-18) is the son of the second man. He follows after his grandfather’s righteous living. He isn’t condemned because of his father’s life but is granted life for his own righteous virtue. The real point was: A man can’t blame his ancestors—God punishes him for his own wickedness.
Monday: Who is to Blame?: Ezekiel 18:19-32
Ezekiel shows that if a wicked man will repent, He will live (Ezekiel 18:19-23), and if a righteous man returns to sinning, he will die (Ezekiel 18:24). A person’s destiny is determined by their own choices. Some of the exiles were actually bold enough to blame God, believing Him to be “unfair.” But again, they were in error. When they obeyed the Lord, they wanted Him to keep the terms of the covenant promising blessing, but when they disobeyed, they didn’t want to accept the negative consequences.
Tuesday: Leadership Failures: Ezekiel 19:1-14
Referring to the terrible failures of Judah’s leaders, Ezekiel used two images: the lioness (Ezekiel 19:1-9), and the vine (Ezekiel 19:10-14). The style of wording is a ridiculing funeral dirge for Israel’s “princes” (purposefully avoiding their “kingly” titles in sarcasm). Israel is seen as a short-lived “lioness” torn down in her prime, and a once fruitful vine that now lies barren in waste.
Wednesday: From Bondage to Exile: Ezekiel 20:1-32
God compels Ezekiel to give his Jewish audience a history lesson concerning God’s goodness and Israel’s defiance. The lesson began with Israel in Egypt (Ezekiel 20:5-8), to the exodus (Ezekiel 20:9-10), and then to their camping for two years at Mt. Sinai where God showed His glory and gave them His laws. Divine provision was also made for them in the desert wilderness. Despite God’s care, they remained stubborn and ungrateful!
Thursday: I Will!: Ezekiel 20:33-44
The powerful “I will” statements of God in this reading apply to Israel as a future righteous kingdom. They reveal both God’s mercy and power. Take note of each powerful “I will” statement: (1) rule over you (Ezekiel 20:33); (2) bring you out (Ezekiel 20:34); (3) bring you into the wilderness (Ezekiel 20:35-36, to deal with their sin and cleanse them); (4) bring you into the bond of the covenant (Ezekiel 20:37); purge out the rebels (Ezekiel 20:38); and (5) accept you (Ezekiel 20:41).
Friday: The Sword Readied: Ezekiel 20:45-21:17
True to His character and covenant, God punishes His people for rebellion. Ezekiel “sets his face” toward the “south,” meaning Judah and Jerusalem. The fire is the judgment to come upon them. God then draws the sword (Ezekiel 21:1-7), and then sharpens it (Ezekiel 21:8-17). Ezekiel conveys God’s message by (1) groaning like a man in pain and grief, and (2) by smiting his thigh and clapping his hands together. Judgment was imminent.
Saturday: The Task Completed: Ezekiel 21:18-32
In these grim verses, God directs the Babylonian army in making their attack. The great and mighty would now be humbled, and the humble would be exalted. Again, God looks toward restoration, as the Messiah is again promised (Ezekiel 21:27).