In Today's Email:
Ezekiel 32 Notes
In this chapter prophecies against Egypt continue.
vs. 1-10 – The year is 585 B.C. Here is a lament over Pharaoh of Egypt for the coming destruction.
vs. 11-16 – The destruction of Egypt is seen that was accomplished by Nebuchadnezzar.
vs. 17-32 – This prophecy comes two weeks after the that in the first part of the chapter. Here is described Egypt going to the grave beside other mighty nations that had also fallen in judgment.
Ezekiel 33 Notes
In this chapter Ezekiel hears of Jerusalem’s fall.
vs. 1-20 – The role of Ezekiel as watchman over Judah is revisited. He had tried to warn the nation of its impending doom, but they had refused to heed him. They had been given space to repent but did not. They received their just reward.
vs. 21-33 – It took over a year and four months for a report of the fall of Jerusalem to reach Ezekiel. The loosing of the prophet’s tongue from his silence appears to be a fulfillment of Ezekiel 3:27. He first addresses the remnant in the land, saying that they would not escape the judgment. The sin of idolatry had still not been purged from their hearts. The effect of the news of Jerusalem’s fall on the people’ s relationship to Ezekiel is seen in vs. 30-33. He had been a popular curiosity, but now they would be convinced that he was truly a prophet of the Most High God.
Ezekiel 34 Notes
In this chapter God steps in as the Great Shepherd after the leaders of Israel failed.
vs. 1-10 – The shepherds, representing the leaders of Judah, who should have cared better for the people are indicted in their failures. They cared only for themselves. The Lord intervenes through this judgment to bring the people out from under their harmful leadership.
vs. 11-16 – God is the good shepherd that will step in and care for the lost sheep of Israel. He will find them and restore them to a place of blessing.
vs. 17-22 – The leaders of Israel are called cattle and not sheep. These two animals are vastly different in their manners and needs. God would remove the aggressive cattle so that His flocks could dwell in safety.
vs. 23-31 – The restoration of the flock of Israel is promised under the Great Shepherd, Christ the Messiah. It is not literal David that is seen here, but the heir of David. The wonderful scene that closes the chapter is the Millennial Kingdom.
Closing Thoughts
In ancient Israel there were many connections between shepherding and leadership. It founding fathers of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were well acquainted with sheep. Two of the nation’s greatest leaders, Moses and David, had spent time caring for flocks. There are many things that could be said on the matter, but for today I want us to note the failed leadership in Ezekiel 34. This is the same type of leadership the world pushes on us. We are told we should bully people around and do whatever it takes to get ahead. True leadership is quiet and consistent. It cares for the needs of those in its charge.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”, written by D.W. Whittle in 1883. It is directly inspired by the words of Ezekiel 34:26.
1 There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
2 There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain. [Refrain]
3 There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word. [Refrain]
4 There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call! [Refrain]
5 There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way. [Refrain]