In Today's Email:
Ezekiel 28 Notes
In this chapter is a prophecy against the prince of Tyre and against Sidon
vs. 1-10 – The ruler of Tyre at this time (586 B.C.) is known to history as Ithobaal III. The Hebrew spelling is Ethbaal, and its meaning is “with Baal”. His great wealth and wisdom are described, but also his great pride that would bring God’s judgment.
vs. 11-19 – This section is hotly debated. On the surface the prophecy against Ithobaal III of Tyre continues. However, the descriptions defy application to him, unless we look at them in the most hyperbolic extremes. Was Ithobaal in Eden? Is it literally the Garden of Eden or is Eden a representation of the grandeur of Tyre? If this is not about Ithobaal, who is it about? I think the best interpretation is that this looks beyond the Ithobaal, the king on the throne, to Satan, the true power behind these pagan world powers. There is therefore some parallel between the fall of Ithobaal and of Satan. The timing of Satan’s fall would likely be between the completion of Creation in Genesis 2 and the Fall of Man in Genesis 3.
vs. 20-24 – Sidon is another Phoenician port city located about 25 miles north of Tyre. They would face judgment, but nowhere near the extent felt by Tyre. It fell to Babylon in 572 B.C., but its navies were utilized by both Babylon and Persia. Its final destruction was by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.
vs. 25-26 – This chapter closes with a promise of restoration for Israel that contrasts with the judgments pronounced before.
Ezekiel 29 Notes
In this chapter are prophecies against Egypt.
vs. 1-16 – The year is 586 B.C. The pharaoh of Egypt at this time is Hophra of Jeremiah 44:30, known to history by the Greek form of his name, Apries. He is the king that briefly distracted the Babylonians during their siege of Jerusalem in Jeremiah 37. He had In vs. 3 he is compared to a crocodile, a fitting image for the land of the Nile. The desolation of Egypt for 40 years is noteworthy in that it is difficult (perhaps impossible?) to identify its fulfillment. There is no historical period that fits this well. The nation continued and even prospered under Amasis II in the decades that followed Nebuchadnezzars invasion. We are left with three possibilities. First, that the literal 40-year period somehow has no surviving historical evidence preserved for us. Second, that that the period of 40 years is symbolic, likely in reference to the 40-year wilderness journey of Israel. Third, that this jumps into the End Times and has not been fulfilled yet. To me, the first two are the most likely.
vs. 17-21 – The year is 570 B.C. Tyre fell to Babylon in 572 B.C., and now Egypt is promised as prey for Nebuchadnezzar to spoil.
Ezekiel 30 Notes
In this chapter are prophecies against Egypt.
vs. 1-19 – A lament for the fall of Egypt. Its fall to Babylon strikes fear into the hearts of the other nations in the area.
vs. 20-26 – The year is 586 B.C. The destruction of Egypt by the Babylonians is foreseen. The “broken arm” of vs. 21 is likely the result of the ill-fated attempt to intervene in the siege of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 31 Notes
In this chapter are prophecies against Egypt.
vs. 1-9 – The year is 586 B.C., just a couple of months after the prophecy given in Ezekiel 30:20-26. The greatness of Pharaoh Apries is compared to that of the Assyrian empire. The glory of the king and kingdom are compared to a mighty tree.
vs. 10-14 – Because Egypt had been lifted up in pride, God would send the Babylonians to cut her down.
vs. 15-18 – The fall of Egypt is described and its effects on the surrounding nations.
Closing Thoughts
Did you notice the same reason given as the basis for judgment against Tyre and Egypt? Pride. It is an ever-present temptation for us, and one that we can easily find an excuse for. Stay humble by remembering who you truly are and Who God is.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “The Fall”, written by Benjamin Beddome in 1818. It speaks of Satan’s reaction to his fall and warns us to avoid his snares.
When Satan saw his rebel host,
His cause, and Heav’n for ever lost,
Malice and wrath his mind possessed,
And fury burned within his breast.
He knew how vain th’ attempts to rise,
With impious rage against the skies;
But bent on ill, another way
He turns his arms, and wins the day.
‘Twas in a dark unguarded hour,
That our first parents felt his power;
Soft innocence and virtue fell
An easy prey to death and hell.
Ye sons of God, the tempter fly,
Nor the unequal contest try;
By promised bliss the fiend decoys—
First he allures, and then destroys.