Scripture Text: Ezekiel 33:1-35:15
Memory Verse: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” Ezekiel 33:11
Introduction:
Up until this point in the proclamations of Ezekiel, the news was mostly bad. Finally, the prophet declares positive words of hope with the exiles. After the exiles receive the news of Jerusalem’s fall, so they can fully appreciate the truth of judgment that the prophet has proclaimed to them, the future forecast turns bright.
Ezekiel 33-36 speak of the Promised Land and the holy city, Jerusalem, being restored. After this, the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel would be reunited under God’s divine protection (Ezekiel 37-39). Ezekiel then shared an incredible vision of a brand-new temple, a new sanctuary that the glory of God would inhabit to dwell among His people (Ezekiel 40-48).
Ezekiel 33-35 contain warning and promises from the “watchman.” Prophetic hindsight (the pronouncement against past failures and God’s ensuing judgment, and prophetic foresight (announcing future promises and blessings for obedience), were both important facets of a prophet’s ministry. However, the most valuable element these watchmen provided were in the realm of “insight.” Insight assists in understanding ourselves, especially our weaknesses and shortcomings. It also helps us to understand how to become better, more obedient people. Ezekiel will utilize hindsight, foresight, and insight through these three chapters to expose sin, analyze the situation, and instill hope for the future.
The people seemed to think that their main problem was that God was actually unjust, that He has overreacted to Judah’s failures. The prophet is directed to open their eyes, not only to the perfect justice and equity of God, but to help them better understand the depths and ugliness of their sins. The acknowledgement of our awful sinfulness, and the need we have of God’s forgiveness and salvation is the first step to the positive change that needs to be made in our lives.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What is God’s true desire for every soul? (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9)
- What does Ezekiel reveal about those left to tend the land in Judah after Jerusalem’s fall? (Ezekiel 33:25-29)
- How will the exiles’ opinion of Ezekiel drastically change with news of Jerusalem’s fall? (Ezekiel 33:30-33)
- Describe what had happened to God’s flock (the nation of Judah) because of the ravages of their leaders’ failures. (Ezekiel 34:1-10)
- What is God’s special future plan for His scattered flock? (Ezekiel 34:11-22)
- After all the centuries of struggle, wars, tumults, and painful experiences, what do you think Ezekiel’s prophecy about their future restoration to dwell in the land of promise in prosperity and safety meant to God’s people? (Ezekiel 34:23-31)
- What had the Edomites done against Israel, and what would be God’s responsive judgment against them? (Ezekiel 35:5-15)