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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ezek. 32
God, in His word through Ezekiel, repeatedly refers to those slain by the sword who descend to the pit as the uncircumcised. That got me thinking about the references in the Bible where those marked as God’s were spared from His sword of judgment. These references typically speak of a mark on the forehead. However, we know that physical circumcision is the sign and seal of the covenant between God and the Jews. Taking that deeper, the Bible speaks of circumcision of the heart as the sign and seal of God’s new covenant with us through Jesus Christ. Thus, I see these prophecies as yet another promise that those who are not marked as God’s will receive His judgment while those who belong to Him will receive His mercy.
Ezek. 33-34
I have mentioned before that Ezekiel seems to be a special kind of prophet. I see many indications, including the repeated “son of man” references, that his work as a prophet is representative of Jesus’ mission on earth. This passage contains a couple of good examples of that thought.
The last portion of chapter 33 speaks of how people flocked to hear Ezekiel’s words but didn’t obey them. “So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Their mouths go on passionately, but their hearts pursue dishonest profit.” (Ezek. 33:31). Sure sounds like Jesus’ experience to me! And in chapter 34 Ezekiel speaks out against the Jewish leaders. Jesus certainly did the same when He declared woes to the Scribes and Pharisees (see Matt. 32 and Luke 11). So Ezekiel’s prophecy went deeper than merely words. His very life was a demonstration of God’s Promise.