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Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 33
In Ezekiel 33:1-11, the prophet is revealed as the symbol of a watchman, whose duty it was to warn of imminent danger. Ezekiel was a watchman in the Old Testament. Public trust was lodged in the faithful watchmen of old, for he was accountable not only to man, but also to GOD. John the Baptist, with his electrifying cry of ‘Repent’, lived in the dark days of Israel, but he never doubted the return of Israel’s national glory. He was deeply concerned for the religious welfare of the fatherland. A prophet today is anyone who brings the TRUE Word of GOD to people. May every modern prophet be God’s mouthpiece to his generation!
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING THINGS:
(1.) A watchman who does NOT watch. A watchman should be a person with wide-awake eyes and alert ears. But if he falls asleep and neglects to blow his trumpet, the city would fall into the enemy’s hands. The residents really put their lives in his faithfulness and reliability; but he never sounded the warning. So, what was the major result? Their blood shall be in the watchman’s hand (33:6). This Passage clearly teaches pastoral responsibility, for the watchman prophet [or pastor, or teacher] holds other lives in their hands. We must be like Ezekiel, faithful to rebuke false teachers and give solemn warning when we see something that is wrong. We must stress the absolute righteousness of GOD in His dealing with sin. The care of souls is an overwhelming responsibility (Jam.3:1).
(2.) People who were forewarned, but reject the warning. When people treat the serious sound of the watchman’s trumpet as a joke; their blood is on their own head, not on the watchman’s head. The blame of their death must rest upon them alone. If anyone knowingly refuses the warning, he must face the consequences. No prophet, no matter how faithful, can safeguard the salvation of his hearers, because they have the choice to accept or reject it. Ezekiel was a popular preacher, but since self-interest was always a threat, his solemn messages were ignored. They praised the man’s sermons, but they never put them into practice in their life; they heard the words he spoke, but they did it not apply it. There are multitudes in the world today who like the prophet’s preaching immensely, and agree with it . . . but they never honor it [and GOD] with their obedience. Because of this, their blood shall rest on their own heads alone! It will do NO good at all for these sinners to say that the prophet neglected his duty. If someone enters a flood zone that has been posted as such, he destroys himself; if someone drinks a cup of poison against your advice, he brings about his own death; and if, after perfectly clear warnings in the Holy Word of GOD, someone deliberately and willingly rejects the loving Saviour, it is suicide.
(3.) How happy things are when the watchman and the people are all paying attention. When both the watchman and the people neglect their duty, they must both die . . . but when the watchman does his job and sounds the trumpet, and the people hear it and obey, the city is saved. So, in reality, it has to be a two-sided transaction . . . a very alert watchman and willing and obedient citizens. Just one without the other, can ever save the soul of man. There are millions on life’s stormy sea who long for a safe harbor of peace. It is the duty of all TRUE Christians to help them to reach it. When the watchman sounds the trumpet, and the willing soul responds to its music . . . that is salvation.
(4.) Almighty GOD does NOT want to destroy, He desperately desires and is always ready to save.
LISTEN TO HIS VOICE: Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. (KJV) Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (KJV) . . . No pleasure . . . means that GOD suffers infinite pain when the sinner dies in his sin. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways . . . So extremely anxious the LORD is to save that He repeats the cry of Turn ye. This is one of the most beautiful declarations in the entire Bible of the LORD’S readiness to show mercy. He not only says it, but He swears it. As I live, saith the Lord. . . . for this is GOD’S way of taking an oath. He swears by Himself because there is none greater anywhere! His Word is enough; but here we have His oath also, so that there should have no doubt as to His happiness in the salvation of men. GOD does NOT want to destroy you . . . so WHY destroy yourself?
Dear one, as soon as you turn to Him, HE will turn to you! But it must be a sincere turn, and not a half-hearted turn. Why will ye die? WHY?? Good question! Can you come up with any good, sound reason for moral suicide? IF you die unrepentant, it will be entirely your own doing! Be wise instead, and do not waste your days signing your own death-warrant.
The Lord GOD is a good and loving GOD! He wants ALL to be saved, and NONE to be cast into an eternal Hell! 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (KJV)
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (KJV)
Chapter 33 brings us to the last major division of this Book. In Chapters 33 through 48 we will see the glory of the LORD and the Coming Millennial Kingdom. Chapter 32 ended the prophecies about the heathen nations that were around Israel. Some of these nations were right next to the land of Israel. They were closely related to Israel, some actually related by blood. Those prophecies were given BEFORE the destruction of Jerusalem. Now we come to the second part of this prophetic book, which contains Ezekiel's prophecies AFTER the fall of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel again is speaking of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel will be his subject, but his message is different. Up to Chapter 25 everything pointed to the destruction of Jerusalem; then Jerusalem was destroyed, exactly as Ezekiel had predicted.
Now the prophet looks into the far off future, to the coming Millennial Kingdom when the glory of the LORD will be once again seen on this Earth, so to me, this is a very interesting section of this marvelous Book. Not only is Ezekiel's commission renewed in this Chapter, but he will also be applauded and praised for the fact that he has done a good job up to this point.
Ezekiel is going to be speaking to the Jews in captivity, telling them that they are to live, looking forward to the future. These captives before, had no hope because of their sins. But in the future, Ezekiel foretells hope for the children of Israel.
Dear one, TRUE believers today, also have a blessed hope (Tit.2:13). Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (KJV) . . . Our hope is NOT anchored in anything that we do here on Earth, our hope rests solely on the Holy Word of GOD and what He has clearly told us what will take place in the future. This is the only thing that the child of GOD can count on in our day. Our hope is one day moving into the New Jerusalem (Heaven, Rev.21), Israel’s hope is one day moving into the Millennium Kingdom.
Theme: Recommission of Ezekiel.
Recommission of the Prophet (33:1-20)
Ezekiel 33:1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)
Again the word of the LORD came unto me . . . after the delivery of several prophecies concerning the ruin of other nations, the Ammonites, Tyrians, and Egyptians, a fresh prophecy comes from the LORD to Ezekiel, about the Jews, saying; as follows:
Ezekiel 33:3 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: (KJV)
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people . . . son of man is found 93 times in the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was the prophet of the Jews, and intends those who were with him in the captivity; and who, having behaved so badly, the LORD will not own them for His people, but calls them the prophet's people.
And say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land . . . a foreign enemy with an army to invade it, or any other judgment . . . for there is NO public calamity that ever comes upon a people, except that it is by the order, direction, or permission of the Lord GOD!
If the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman . . . a watchman was placed on some place of eminence; on the walls, or in a tower of a frontier town, from whence he might see the enemy coming at a distance. IF he sees the sword of the enemy, or any other danger coming, approaching to the land, he should blow the trumpet; sound the alarm. The sound of the trumpet is a warning, yet to this sometimes it is necessary to add a warning by word of mouth, and tell the people brought together by the trumpet, what he sees.
*****The first ten verses of Chapter 33 are very much like Ezekiel 3:17-22.
Ezekiel 3:17-22 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. 22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee. (KJV)
Ezekiel 33:3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; (KJV)
If what he seeth the sword come upon the land . . . the sword [invaders], those that kill with the sword . . . as soon as the watchman sees a body of armed men marching towards the borders of the land with a clear intention to enter and invade it, he is to sound the warning. A suitable picture is when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah (2 Kings 24 & 25).
He blow the trumpet, and warn the people . . . if the watchman sees any danger, he is to warn the people by blowing the trumpet, by which they would know that an enemy was at hand and danger near. The watchman was also to warn them by word of mouth, as well as by the trumpet, where he could do it, and when it was necessary. To blow the trumpet in today’s world means to warn people of Judgment Day and eternity. TRUE pastors and teachers of GOD’S Word are watchmen over His people. They must warn GOD’S people of any danger or the people will die in their sins and they shall be held accountable (3:17-22; 33:1-10). As you can see, pastors and teachers of GOD’S Word have a very serious job. False teachers are led and used by Satan. If they can make a dollar on GOD’S Word, they will do it! . . . . . . . . . .http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm
They, like Satan, will twist the Truth, lie and deceive people in any way they can. They, like Satan, tell people just exactly what they want to hear, NOT the Truth of GOD’S Word. Times have not changed in the respect to people not wanting the Truth. Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV) . . . People back then, or today, do NOT welcome the Truth from GOD’S prophets. The TRUTH makes people very uncomfortable and uneasy. They do NOT want to hear that they are sinners and must trust and obey GOD or they will be doomed to Hell. They want to hear that it’s OK to live in sin. Times have changed they say! They prefer lies and fantasies. They do not want to hear that one day they will stand in judgment before the Almighty Judge! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_day_IS_coming.htm
Most people believe the devil’s lies that there is no Hell. They are WRONG! There IS a literal Hell!
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
TRUE pastors and teachers of GOD’S Word are watchmen over His people. They must warn GOD’S people of any danger or the people will die in their sins and they shall be held accountable (Eze.3:17-22; 33:1-10). Pastors and teachers of GOD’S Word do have a very serious job. It is indeed a burden we have to bear, one we are never free of! False teachers are led and used by Satan. They, like Satan, tell people just what they want to hear, NOT the Truth of GOD’S Word. Times have not changed in the respect to people not wanting the Truth.
TRUE children of GOD: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Saving Faith: http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
*****In verses 2 and 3, GOD returns to the commission that He gave to Ezekiel at the beginning of his ministry. GOD compares Ezekiel to a watchman of a city. In that day most important cities were protected by high walls. Those in authority appointed watchmen to be on guard for invaders [lookouts] from the top of the wall during the hours of darkness. Maybe during the night, the watchmen would call out "All is well" when there was no danger of an approaching enemy. But sadly, it seems that the false prophets were saying "All is well" when the enemy was coming. They were too blind to see him (2 Cor.4:4). The main thing then and today, is that that they simply do NOT believe GOD (1 Jn.5:10), and they want NO part of JESUS. This is NO fault of the Gospel, just as it is NO fault of the sun when men shut their eyes and will not see it. It is also NO fault of a fresh stream of water if men refuse to drink from it, but would instead choose to die of thirst. The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST does NOT obscure nor conceal its glory any more than the sun does. There is NO vail over the Gospel, like that vail that was over Moses’ face (Ex.34:35). The Gospel is a clear and full revelation of Almighty GOD and His grace; and that glory of GOD is well able to shed light upon the willing minds of mankind.
Ezekiel had been a faithful watchman and had given the people warning that the enemy, which was Babylon, was coming.
Ezekiel 33:4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. (KJV)
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh no warning . . . whoever does not consider nor pay attention to what he hears, who hears but turns a deaf ear, as though he had not heard the trumpet. Anyone who refuses to take warning, when clear warning of danger is imminent, is a fool!
If the sword come and take him away . . . those that kill with the sword, as the Targum, come suddenly on him, and take away his life, or carry him captive: his blood shall be upon his own head; the guilt of his slaughter will be his own; no blame can be laid upon any but himself; the watchman will be clear. Take him away, is to destroy him.
His blood shall be upon his own head . . . his blood; the guilt and blame of his blood, of his death, shall be upon his own head; shall never be charged on any but himself.
Ezekiel 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. (KJV)
He heard the sound of the trumpet . . . the alarm of the enemy was clearly at hand, and so it was inexcusable.
And took not warning . . . which the watchman had given.
His blood shall be upon him . . . the fault shall be imputed to him alone, not to any other; and he must bear it himself, and answer for it, and not the watchman.
But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul . . . anyone who, after hearing the sound of the trumpet, prepares for his own defense, and provides for his safety, shall save his life, and not fall into the enemies' hands.
Shall deliver his soul, shall save his life, preserve himself.
Ezekiel 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. (KJV)
But if the watchman see the sword come . . . if the watchman was doing his job, doing the duty of his job in the watchtower, and not asleep,
And yet blow not the trumpet . . . if the watchman sees the danger, but does NOT give the people notice of the enemy, and of their danger,
And the people be not warned . . . but feel secure, not thinking that they were in any danger at all,
If the sword come and take any person from among them . . . even if just one single person is taken, the idle watchman is guilty.
He is taken away in his iniquity . . . for he had not heard the trumpet, had no time and to be convinced, and to repent of his sin, and seek GOD’S pardoning mercy for it. It is dreadful indeed, to be taken out of the world, and cast into Hell all at once. The LORD shall punish his sins and trespasses done in the past, and he is destroyed, because the watchman was not watching, which is a responsibility of every one who thinks they are secure in time of war.
But his blood will I require at the watchman's hands . . . the watchman shall be punished for not doing his duty, for not giving the warning of danger, so the man was surprised with the enemy, and taken away unawares; and therefore his death shall be laid to the watchman, and he must be answerable for it.
*****Dear one this goes for today as well, because we are indeed at war with prince of this world (Jn.12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph.2:2). We today are in a continual, on-going spiritual war. BEWARE!!! Do NOT give in to the devil! You do NOT want to go where he is going! (Rev.20:10).
Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV)
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV)
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV)
Ezekiel 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. (KJV)
So thou, O son of man . . . here begins the application of the parable to the prophet himself, describing his office and his duty:
I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel . . . which is repeated from 3:17; The Targum is, I have appointed thee a teacher. Meaning a spiritual watchman; such as pastors, teachers, ministers of the Gospel, are watchmen in today’s world (2 Tim.4:5). Scriptures speaking of watching: (Isa.56:9-10; 62:6; Jer.6:17; Eze.3:17; 33;2, 7; Hab.2:1; Mat.24:42; 25:13; 26:38-41; Mk.13:34, 37; Lk.12:27; Acts 20:30-31; 1 Thes.5:6; Heb.13:17; Rev.3:2).
Therefore thou shalt hear the word from my mouth, and warn them from me . . . the Targum is, thou shalt receive the word from my Word, and warn them from sinning before me. The watchman’s job today is to bring the whole Word of GOD to people in the world, warning them against disobedience to GOD. False teachers today are like false prophets in Ezekiel’s day, who brought falsehoods to the people, which lead people to an everlasting Hell. BEWARE!!!
*****Ezekiel 33:7-9 say the same as Ezekiel 3:17-10.
Ezekiel 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (KJV)
When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man . . . the LORD tells Ezekiel what to say (3:18). The second time Ezekiel was made a watchman to the house of Israel, or the captive Jews in Babylon (3:17). His responsibility (to God and wicked men) was that of the duty of a watchman in any city at that time. Eze.33:3-6 matches Eze.3:7-9). . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_ezekiel_ch3.htm
GOD clearly tells Ezekiel: IF you do NOT warn of incoming danger, you shall answer for him; his death shall be laid to your charge, and you shall be chastised for your negligence. Dear one, it is the same today, once we KNOW what the Word of GOD states, and do NOT warn people of their sin and the penalty of that sin, WE shall be held accountable, because TRUE Christians are GOD’S watchmen in today's world!
*****The responsibility of the watchman is to warn the wicked that they are going to be judged. Ezekiel was faithful in giving the warning, even though the people would not listen to him. To sound the warning was the only way the watchman could clear himself.
In today’s world, those who are teaching the Word of GOD are not required to get results. But, just as Ezekiel, we are commanded to sound the warning, tell people of the certainty of the penalty of sin, and that Judgment Day is certain to come. Once we warn the people [blow the trumpet], of upcoming danger, we are not guilty of what they decide, we are absolved of any guilt.
Ezekiel 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (KJV)
This verse is the same as Ezekiel 3:19 . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_ezekiel_ch3.htm
Ezekiel had obeyed GOD and warned them; the false prophets had not. Ezekiel had done a good job.
*****The prophet Ezekiel was a watchman to the house of Israel. His job was to warn sinners of the misery and danger that was to come. He must warn the wicked to turn from their way, that they may live. If souls perish because he neglects his duty, he brings guilt upon himself.
Consider what those have to answer for, who make excuses for sin, and flatter sinners and encourage them to sin. Millions of people think they shall have peace, and they go on in sin. Times have changed, they say, but I say, GOD does NOT change! (Mal.3:6; Heb.6:18; 13:8; Jam.1:17). He is holy and pure, and He cannot, nor will NOT tolerate sin! Those who die with sin that is not repented of, is not cleansed by the precious Blood of JESUS (1 Pet.1:18-19), shall be cast into the lake of fire (Rev.20:15; Mat.25:41, 46).
How much wiser people are in temporary worldly decisions, than in eternal spiritual concerns! They set watches to guard their houses, and lookouts to warn of enemies approaching, but as to the eternal happiness or misery of their soul . . . they are greatly offended if the LORD’S servants obey their Master and faithfully warn of what one day shall surely be . . . an everlasting Hell. It seems that they would rather perish, and instead listen to smooth things of false teachers. Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch20.htmhttp://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch25.htm
Ezekiel is to vindicate the Divine Government (33:10-20)
These verses are the substance of what was seen before (18:20-32), and are so full and express a statement of the terms on which people stand with GOD, that it is no wonder that they are here repeated.
Consider: #1. The complaints of the people against GOD'S proceedings with them. GOD was now in His wisdom struggling with them, but their uncircumcised hearts were not as yet humbled, for they were still diligent to justify themselves. Spiritual Circumcision: (Deut.10:16; 30:6; Jer.4:4; 9:26; Eze.44:9; Acts 7:51; Rom.7:51; Col.2:11).
Two things they insisted upon, in their accusations of GOD, and in both they added more to their sin and misery to their punishment:
(1.) They argued with His Promises and favors, saying there was no kindness nor sincerity in them (33:10).
GOD had set life before them, but they said that He had set it out of their reach. The prophet had said, some time ago (24:23), You shall pine away for your iniquities . . . and with that he had ended his threats against Judah and Jerusalem; and this they now rebuked him with, as if it had been spoken to drive them to despair; although it was spoken conditionally, to bring them to repentance. So are the sayings of GOD'S servants perverted by men of corrupt minds, who try to pick fights. GOD’S servants strive to put them in hopes of life and happiness; and they try to make him contradict himself. It is common for those that have been hardened by sin, when they were warned against sin, to sink into despair when they are called to repent, for they decide there is no hope of life for them.
(2.) They argued with His threats and judgments, as having no justice or equity in them. They said, The way of the LORD is not equal (17:20), indicating that GOD was partial in His proceedings, that with Him there was respect of persons and that He was more severe against sin and sinners than there was cause.
Ezekiel 33:10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? (KJV)
Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel . . . speak, declare from me, unto the house of Israel, what remained of the two tribes, which are brought to Babylon; or to those already there, and here their brethren are on the way there, since Jerusalem was taken.
Thus ye speak, saying . . . you talk among yourselves, complaining about GOD and His prophet, and your own duty, some of you out of weakness, others out of willful rebellion. Tell them that the LORD has heard and made it all known to His prophet.
If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them . . . as the prophet said they would, (24:22-24), with which he had concluded his prophecies to them. They now take it up, and argue within themselves, and against him . . . if our sins and transgressions are laid upon us, and we must answer for them . . . if the guilt of them is charged on us, and they are not expiated and not atoned for; and the punishment of them is, or will be, inflicted on us . . . we would pine away, and be consumed in them, and by them.
How should we then live? . . . how can it be better with us? If the threats are true and sure, it will be worse; if not true, how can His Promises to be rested upon, that it would be better.
*****These are the words of persons both desolate and hopeless, and trying to make the prophet to say things opposite and contradictory, and which would not admit of a reconciliation (37:11). They felt a grievous burden, too heavy for them to bear . . . they did not know how they could live under such a load? We pine away in their sins . . . in circumstances such as this . . . but there are consoling words: Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV)
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (KJV)
Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord GOD . . . (5:11; 16:48; 17:16), the following is the answer returned from the LORD by the prophet to their above complaint and reasoning; to which is verified by the oath of GOD, showing the certainty, reality and sincerity of what is said, which can be depended on as true.
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked . . . (18:23, 31-32). It is clear from this verse that GOD does not want to judge. Isaiah said that judgment was His strange work (Isa.28:21). GOD truly wants to save them.
But that the wicked turn from his way and live . . . this is a short form; but I have pleasure in the rightful return the sinner makes from sin to holiness, and from death to life.
Turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?. . . turn ye; leave sin, cast it away, cease to do evil, be persuaded to repent; for it will greatly please GOD to pardon your faults, and to throw away the rod.
Rod of correction: (job 9:34; Ps.89:32; 94:10; Pro.10:13; 13:24; 15:10; 19:29; 22:15; 23:14; 26:3;, 29:15; 30:32; Lam.3:1; Mic.6:9).
Why will ye die? The Lord GOD is asking this question. He clearly tells us that death is our choice, not His! As long as we continue in any way that is not good; we sin against GOD and wrong your own soul, showing that it is clear we love to sin and are willingly choosing death. It is a person’s own will, not GOD’S decision that you die.
Answers to WHY will ye die?
#1. Because his heart is absorbed with worldly cares.
#2. Because he is ashamed that he is anxious.
#3. Because he is not willing to give up some beloved sin.
#4. Because he is not willing to leave his way of life.
#5. Because he is not willing to pray for his family.
#6. Because he is not willing to confess Christ before men.
#7. Arrogance and pride of will keep many out of Heaven.
#8. Many fear that if they start a good life, they will fail, so they will not begin.
#9. Some will lose their souls by complaining at GOD’S Truth.
#10. Many will perish because they cherish a secret sin, known only to GOD and their own consciences.
Ezekiel 33:12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. (KJV)
Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people . . . (33:2). The importance of what Ezekiel is told to say in this and some following verses is, that the righteousness of a man that trusts in it, he sinning and not repenting, shall not save him; and that the wickedness of a repenting sinner shall not damn him.
The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression . . . we must understand this, NOT of a truly righteous man, or of the righteousness of CHRIST, by which a person is made righteous . . . because THAT righteousness DOES deliver those to whom it is imputed, delivers them from sin and the condemnation of it, even in the day of his transgression, which is every day of his life, for there is not even one just man that does good, and sinneth not (Rom.3:10, 23). In the day when his sin is shown him, and he admits it, this removes the guilt of it; and in the day when the sins will be brought to an account, the righteousness by which he is justified will deliver him from avenging justice; from the curse of the law; from the wrath of GOD, from the second death (Rev.2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8) and eternal damnation (Mk.3:29; Rev.20:15). Wrath of GOD: (Ps.78:31; Eze.22:31; Jn.3:36; Rom.1:18; 2:5; 9:22; 13:4; Eph.5:6; Col.3:6; Jam.1:20; Rev.14:10, 19; 15:1,7; 16:1,19; 19:15).
As for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness . . . (3:20; 18:20-22, 24), when a person is truly convinced of his sin, and just how evil it is, and is truly deeply sorry for it, confesses it, and departs from it; applies to Christ, to His Blood and righteousness (1 Pet.1:18-19), for pardon and acceptance . . . even though his wickedness was great, yet it shall not damn him; nor shall he fall by it into Hell and everlasting damnation; but shall be saved in the LORD with everlasting salvation. Dear one, there are false doctrines out there that teach a TRUE Christian can lose their salvation. That is a damnable LIE (2 Per.2:1). Once a person is TRULY saved, they are saved forever! And only GOD and that person knows this fact.
http://www.hisservants.org/once_saved,_always_saved_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
Neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth . . . a righteous person cannot live by his righteousness, nor for it; because it cannot justify him, cannot save him, cannot bring him to Heaven, or entitle him to eternal life. A truly righteous person cannot live comfortably when they sin, because the ever present Spirit of CHRIST (Jn.14:16; Rom.8:9; 2 Jn.1:1), will make you miserable until you confess it and stop it . . . whereas a self-righteous person is not easily convinced of the truth of these things.
*****I think this is talking about arrogant, bold and rude sin. It speaks of an attitude of heart and mind taken up and hung on to. If the righteous man deliberately turns to sin and disobedience as a way of life, all his previous righteousness, all the good that he did, will be of no avail. NO one is not saved by the amount of righteousness he does. A person is saved by how he responds to GOD’S grace (Eph.2:8-9). And if and when that response to GOD’S lovingkindness stops, he is considered by GOD as an unworthy sinner, and so he cannot count on any righteousness that he had previously done. For there is absolutely NO amount of righteousness that can save a man’s soul.
On the other hand, if a man whose heart has been turned in the way of sinfulness, and has a change of heart and mind and turns to GOD and His grace, his past sins will be forgiven him. He will begin a new life in the mercy of a loving GOD. All his past sins will have been done away.
This may raise questions in the heart of a TRUE Christian concerning the fear of falling away. I believe that a TRUE Christian will do things he should not do, he will backslide at times, but I believe that the Lamb of GOD takes away sin from those who sincerely believe and trust in Him (Jn.1:29), and if they have believed and honestly trusted in JESUS’ work on the cross, they cannot lose their salvation. http://www.hisservants.org/once_saved,_always_saved_h_s.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
GOD promises to save a man out of his sins, not to save him in them. GOD’S Promise is to transform men’s hearts and minds (2 Cor.5:17), to take them from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor.3:18), to do His good pleasure (Phil.2:13-15). Dear one, GOD will NOT fail in any of those Promises. He will confirm to the end those who are truly His (Gal.3:26-29).
Should we believe in the perseverance of the saints? Yes, it is a good idea, but I think it wiser that we believe in the perseverance of our Saviour. Those whom the Saviour saves will persevere. They CANNOT fall back into sin permanently, or else CHRIST would have failed . . . and HE has NOT failed, it is us who fail Him! If CHRIST is truly at work within us, our hearts will be right at the end, for He will make sure that it is so. Dear one, there is no contradiction between Ezekiel and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
Ezekiel 33:13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. (KJV)
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live . . . (18:24), the righteous shall have a happy life, here and in the hereafter; eternal life, and not die the second death (Rev.2:11;20:6, 14; 21:8) . . . this must be understood, of those who are a truly righteous person; one that does not trust to his own righteousness, but in the righteousness of CHRIST, and lives by faith in CHRIST that alone; looking for the hope of righteousness (Gal.5:5) through it, and looking to the hope of eternal life (Tit.1:2; 2:13; 3:7).
But if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity . . . anyone who trusts his own righteousness, shall sin! Anyone who trusts his own righteousness to be accepted by GOD is a fool. NO one’s self-righteousness can justify them in the Eyes of the Lord GOD! No one can trust his own righteousness to keep them out of sin or out of the temptation to sin.
All his righteousness shall not be remembered . . . GOD will take no notice of his righteousness, it shall be of no avail to justify him from sin, nor secure him from GOD’S wrath; it will be as if it never had been.
But for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it . . . (18:26), he shall die, shall be punished, his comforts shall be taken away or die in his hand, he shall live and die miserably. An eternal death is the just wages of sin (Rom.6:23); from which a man's own righteousness can NEVER deliver him . . . but . . . the righteousness of CHRIST does deliver from it! Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. (KJV) Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) Phil. 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of god by faith: (KJV)
*****The warning here is against those who has lived rightly and thinks that he deserves the kindness of GOD. It seems they feel that GOD owes them something and that he can sin without losing GOD’s love. This is the damnable heresy (2 Pet.2:1), that man’s destiny depends on the amount of his good works. But that is denied here and in other places. Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) Salvation is a GIFT from GOD!
It is here clearly stated that GOD judges a person NOT by the quantity of his righteousness and good works . . . but by what is revealed in the person’s heart. Many believed then and now, that the sins of men are put in the balances . . . the good on one side, the bad on the other, and if the good outweighed the bad, they would go to Heaven. NO where in the Word of GOD does it say this!
Many believe that if a man had lived a righteous life, it was OK for him to get away with a little bit of sin. But Ezekiel gives a firm and forceful NO to such an idea. It does not matter what the weight of a man’s sins was, nor what the weight of his righteous deeds was. What mattered, then and NOW is, is the person’s heart must be rightly set towards the Lord GOD! Only a person whose heart is rightly set towards GOD could be sure that he would live and not die. Only he could look forward with confidence to the approval of GOD.
Ezekiel 33:14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; (KJV)
Again, when I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die . . . meaning, IF he continues in the same course of life, impenitent and unbelieving.
But if he turn from his sin . . . IF he repents of it, and forsake it, cast it away.
And do that which is lawful and right . . . does that which agrees with the law of GOD, does what is right between men; lives soberly, righteously and godly, and also denies ungodliness and worldly lusts; which would reveal that his repentance was sincere and true.
Ezekiel 33:15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. (KJV)
If the wicked restore the pledge . . . (18:7, 9), his neighbor’s raiment, which he has taken as a pledge for money lent him; and which, according to the law, was to be restored before sunset (Ex.22:26), which wicked men did not do; but when such a man is brought to a sense of his wickedness, and repents for it, as an evidence of it he would restore the pledge.
And give again that he had robbed . . . to him whom he had robbed; a thief was required to restore, four or five fold, according to the law (Ex.22:1), and which, when a man did this willingly, from the convictions of his own heart, and not by force of the civil magistrate, it was a sign of true repentance (Lk.19:8).
And walk in the statutes of life . . . the rule of life and the keeping of which the promise of long life, and which preserve persons from dying a shameful death by the hand of the civil magistrate; statutes, which, if a man do, he shall live in them (20:11).
Without committing iniquity . . . this does not mean living entirely without sin, for the best of men cannot do this; but without committing worse sins, as before; and without knowingly and willingly living in sin.
He shall surely live, he shall not die . . . he shall live comfortably now, and happily hereafter; he shall live eternally in Heaven, and not die the second death (Rev.2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8) in Hell.
Ezekiel 33:16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. (KJV)
None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him . . . credited to him; placed to his account; charged to him, or ever be spoken of to him, either now, or at the day of judgment; not by way of accusation or complaint, nor to condemn him. Remember sin on more (Heb.8:12; 10:17).
He hath done that which is lawful and right . . . has repented of his sin; looked to CHRIST by faith for the pardon of it; and laid hold on CHRIST’S righteousness for his justification; and being influenced and assisted by the grace of GOD, has done that which is right and good in the sight of GOD and man.
He shall surely live . . . (18:21), he now lives a life of faith and holiness; he shall continue to live, and persevere to the end, and inherit eternal life.
***** He that repents and returns to GOD shall escape the ruin he was heading into, and his former sins shall not stand in the way to his acceptance with GOD . . . IF he sincerely confesses and forsakes his sin, he shall find mercy. He shall surely live; he shall not die (33:15-16). He shall surely live, and again in (33:19), he has done that which is lawful and right, and he shall live.
As for the wickedness of the wicked, even though it was dreadful, yet he shall not fall in the day that he turns from that wickedness. Even though it has become his grief, it shall not be his ruin, for there is a solid separation between him and sin, there shall be no longer a separation between him and GOD. He shall not be so much as scolded for them (33:16). When sin is forgiven, GOD remembers it no more! (Heb.8:12; 10:17).
Ezekiel 33:17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. (KJV)
Yet the children of thy people say . . . (18:25; 33:10), notice that GOD does not call them My people, but thy, Ezekiel’s people. Surely the TRUE children of GOD could never say what follows; and one would think that even no one could say it, after so much had been said by the LORD concerning the righteous and the wicked, and His dealings with them, which must appear to be just and right, and yet such was the unbelief, the rebelliousness and spitefulness of these people, they went on to bellyache, just as they had done before.
The way of the Lord is not equal . . . the people accused the LORD that He did not act according to the rules of justice and equity. The Targum is, the ways of the goodness of the Lord are not made plain (or exposed) unto us. The answer which comes is,
But, as for them, their way is not equal . . . according to the rule of the Holy Word; as for GOD, His way and His methods, both of providence and grace, were/are always right and good.
Yet the children of the people say . . . this was a second complaint of theirs (33:10).
Their way is not equal . . . there is no fairness at all in this ridiculous complaint of theirs. TRUE children of GOD would never say such absurd words against a good and Holy GOD.
http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
*****These sinful, stubborn squabblers accused and condemned the just and Holy GOD, frantically trying to acquit themselves (18:25, 29). This really does sum up sinful man’s attitude. They cannot tolerate that a vile sinner can suddenly become acceptable to a Holy and pure GOD. And they cannot understand that one who has struggled to be righteous, and doing good works, can lose the benefit of all the good he has done. They think that it not fair. They believe that GOD should give a man what he deserves, and they think that they can earn their way to Heaven; because their good far outweighs their bad!
So, to suggest that a sinful man can suddenly [all at once], be put on the same level with the righteous was ridiculous to them. This is something that they cannot tolerate, that is why there are so many false teachers out there, bringing the damnable heresy (2 Pet.2:1), of Universalism [all people will one day go to Heaven], which is a LIE, according to JESUS. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)
http://hisservants.org/f_pluralism_universalism.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/trials_universalism_and_the%20world_to_come.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_f_d%20_universalisms_no_hell.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/1_promises_alternative_doctrines_of_hell.htm
Sinful man seems to think that he should go through a long trial period, building up good points to put in the scales, hoping to outweigh his former wickedness. They seem to think that there is a standard level, and that those who go above it are righteous, and those who go below it are sinful . . . and so the only way that a sinful man can become righteous is by catching up by great effort and getting above the line. That is NOT what the Bible says!
GOD says that there is only one level, and ALL people go below it (Rom.3:10, 23). The Truth is, that none of us deserve anything from GOD. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isa.64:6). When we are righteous in our life, we are only doing what we should be doing (Luke 17:10). We earn no merit points by doing good.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (KJV)
Dear one, we ALL have sinned (Rom.3:10, 23). It would have been no good at all for Adam in the Garden to plead that he had only sinned once, because without the mercy of GOD, his one sin condemned him forever. Only because of GOD’S abundant mercy, could Adam continue to live and not die. And so it is with us all.
So it was in Ezekiel’s time. Repentance towards GOD and looking to Him for mercy was the only way by which anyone, be they righteous or unrighteous, could find favor with the Lord GOD. The righteous found favor because he was looking to GOD and repenting of his sin, NOT because he was righteous. And the unrighteous could find instant favor when he turned from his sins, looked to GOD, repented of his sin, and began to walk as GOD wanted him to walk. So, both were in the same position, acceptable to GOD when they walked in the grace of GOD.
Ezekiel 33:18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. (KJV)
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness . . . this and what is said in the following verse are clear examples of the equality, fairness and goodness of the ways of GOD; and is again repeated, to make it clear to them that their charge and complaint was unsupported (18:24, 26).
And committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby . . . this is not talking about somebody losing salvation. GOD is saying that when one of His children gets into sin, He will judge him. That is precisely what the apostle Paul said: 1 Cor. 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (KJV) . . . For GOD does chastise and judge His children! (Heb.12:5-10; Rev,3:19).
And the apostle John also tells us that there is a sin unto death (1 Jn.5:16), where he is speaking about a child of GOD. What kind of death is he talking about? He is talking about physical death. Some Christians are judged for their sins by physical death. I know of a godly woman in Phoenix, who had a son that had taken up with a wild motorcycle gang. He had stopped going to church, and she was afraid for his soul. She prayed: Lord, either straighten him out, or take him home. He was killed that very night. I also know of a young girl, married to a pastor’s son, who got on drugs. She went kind of crazy, going to truck stops, getting in trucks with anyone. There was a bad accident. She was found dead in the sleeper cab of one of the trucks. She had been a good girl, until she got on drugs. GOD took her home. http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
Ezekiel 33:19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. (KJV)
But if the wicked turn from his wickedness . . . (18:27).
And do that which is lawful and right . . . GOD is righteous in all that He does. If a wicked man will turn to GOD, GOD will save him.
He shall live thereby . . . the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life (Rom.6:23). In these two verses the cases are very clearly stated, the ways of GOD are very just, and none but ill-informed atheists would think or accept anything else.
Web sites about watchmen and judgment:
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_promises_god's_wrath_1.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_alt_promises_fulfilled.htm
http://hisservantsministry.org/Poems_K_L.html
Ezekiel 33:20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways. (KJV)
Yet ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal . . . yet ye say, but therein ye lie, which is not how GOD’s children should be (Isa.63:7-8). They are still stubbornly persisting their false charges, even with plain proof to the opposite.
O ye house of Israel, I will judge you everyone after his ways . . . (18:30), I will judge you every one after his ways . . .and would force a testimony from them, if not from their mouths, then from their consciences, of my impartial justice (Deut.32:4), A GOD of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. Judge; call you to account and pass sentence. Every one: this is added to rouse every one up to repent of all sins, and of this in particular. After his ways; a terrible threat, and I know not how a greater could be denounced against sinners than this. GOD, infinitely holy and perfectly just, will judge them according to their unequal, unrighteous, sinful ways, and according to His inflexible fairness. Who is it who can stand in His sight? (Nah.1:6).
*****The people persisted in claiming that the LORD’S ways of dealing with them were not just. Yet the Lord GOD assured them that He would deal with each of them fairly, according to their own individual conduct. GOD never blames one person for another person’s sins.
In today’s world, many people refuse to take personal responsibility for their lives and choose instead to blame someone else for the way they live (parents, employer, teacher, abuser, the devil, GOD). We are not responsible for the actions of others that have resulted in our present condition, but we are responsible for how we conduct ourselves in our present condition.
This message repeats GOD’S appointment of Ezekiel as a watchman over Israel (ch3) and His assurance of personal responsibility (chs3 &18). Clearly the exiles had difficulty accepting this revelation. They wanted to see Ezekiel as an entertainer (33:30-32) and GOD as being unfair.
Godly men were also carried away into captivity. Those who had trusted GOD were carried away just like the wicked people, and it is these supposedly godly people who are complaining saying GOD is being unfair.
And the truly good people in Israel were suffering because they were identified with the nation. But notice what GOD says: O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways . . . in other words, GOD is going to judge every last one of you. And, dear one, whoever you are, you shall stand before GOD for judgment some
day. IF you are a TRUE child of GOD, He will judge you for the sins you have committed, that you did not confess, but you will NOT lose your salvation. But, IF you are a lost person, you have no claim whatsoever on GOD. He has made that very clear in the New Testament. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (KJV)
The Desolation of Judea (33:21-29)
Jerusalem is smitten.
Those are unteachable indeed, when they do not learn to depend on GOD, when all worldly comforts fail. Many try to claim an interest in the special blessings to TRUE believers, while their conduct proves they are enemies of GOD. They are mortified, when GOD'S testimony declares them entitled to His threats and nothing more. http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Ezekiel 33:21 And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten. (KJV)
And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity . . . of Jeconiah's captivity, when Ezekiel with others were carried into Babylon (1:2).
In the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month . . . which was a year, four months, and some days, after the city of Jerusalem was taken; for it was destroyed in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, and so too, of the captivity, and in the fifth month, and tenth day of the month (2 Ki.25:2).
That one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me . . . one that had escaped after it had been taken by the Chaldeans, as it was foretold and promised he would (24:26).
Saying, the city is smitten . . . the city of Jerusalem; the walls were broken down, the houses burnt, and the whole destroyed. This exact message GOD had promised to the prophet (24:26-27).
*****Ezekiel had already said that Jerusalem was destroyed because GOD had told him, but as yet he had been given no information about it. When the news of the destruction of the city was brought to these people, it absolutely dumbfounded them. They were stunned by the news. They could not believe that anything like this could possibly happen. On the very day that this news was brought, Ezekiel's wife died, and GOD told him: Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead (24:16-18), and he did as the LORD commanded him to do.
Ezekiel 33:22 Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb. (KJV)
Now the hand of the Lord was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came . . . (33:2), the prophet felt a divine impulse on his heart and mind; he was under the influence of a spirit of prophecy, and knew before the messenger came to him what his message was, and was able to receive it, and to speak on it (Isa.8:11).
And had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning . . . the Hand of the LORD, or the power and Presence of the LORD had done it, as He promised He would (3:27), so that Ezekiel spoke freely and boldly, and continued to do so from the evening, to the time the messenger came to him in the morning, to all those that were with him.
And my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb . . . as he had been for the past three years; for even though Ezekiel had been prophesying against several nations, yet these prophecies were very likely not delivered by word of mouth, but by writing, and sent into those countries by messengers. But now the prophet's mouth is again opened by the Spirit of GOD, as it was said it would be, when this messenger should come to him (24:27), and from this time the prophet was not silent, but prophesied to his people, the Jews, verbally, as he was told to do by the LORD. GOD was angry at the Jews because of their sin, and did not call them MY people, but thy people meaning Ezekiel’s people (3:11, 17; 26:11; 33:2, 12, 17, 20; 37:18).
*****NO solution will ever be found for the problem of false shepherds and bad leaders until there arises One appointed by GOD, One out of the house of David, One who is like David, to be Prince over them. He will feed them rightly and be a Good Shepherd to them. And that is what Almighty GOD intends to bring about in the latter days. The Lord GOD intends to save His flock, and deliver them from being continual victims. He will separate the good from the bad (Mat.25:32-46), judging between cattle and cattle (34:17, 20, 22). And GOD will establish over His flock, the Shepherd of His own choosing. It is quite clear that this Shepherd was going to be a very powerful and striking figure, and we can see why people began to look forward to the Coming of a Son of David, of the Messiah. And this Promise was and is certain because it is the Word of Almighty GOD!
This idea of the raising up of a Son of David is found throughout the Old Testament. It is indicated that there could be no solution until He comes, and that nothing would be settled finally, until His arrival, or else why would He be needed?
Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. (KJV)
Numbers 24:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (KJV)
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
Isaiah 11:1-10 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. (KJV)
Isaiah 55:3-4 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. (KJV)
Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (KJV)
Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (KJV)
Hosea 3:5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their god, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. (KJV)
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (KJV)
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (KJV) . . . As you can see, many Old Testament writers spoke clearly of this Great Shepherd (Heb.13:20), Who was to come! See Special Comments at the end of this Chapter for more on what the Psalms say about Messiah’ Coming.
It is no wonder that many Psalms came to be interpreted in the light of the Messianic hope. It was clear that Israel’s destiny could not be settled until the One and Only Messiah (CHRIST) comes back to Earth (Zec.14:1-4; Rev.19:11-21). When CHRIST does come back, He shall bring an everlasting Kingdom with everlasting Promises. This majestic King is no ordinary mortal man. He is the JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-MAN, and His success and authority shall go on beyond the end of time. The idea of EVERLASTING clings to Him (Isa.9:6-7; 55:3; Dan.7:13-14; Mic.5:2). Dear one, He shall bring a perfect and peaceful eternal future for TRUE believers that simply cannot be put into words.
So none of the Old Testament writers, Ezekiel included, could have accurately put into words what the Messiah would achieve. It was totally outside their experience and their knowledge. It was beyond their comprehension. And so they all, without exception, needed to speak their prophecies in terms of what they could understand, of what their own ideas of perfection was. They knew that the Messiah would bring in the perfect everlasting state, but they simply had to say it in words of their own present understanding, and in words that their hearers and readers could understand. So the remainder of this chapter deals with that idea in terms that Ezekiel’s hearers would understand. New Testament ideas would have been totally beyond their understanding to them . . . but dear one, the Book of Ezekiel in NO way contradicts or opposes the Holy Word of GOD in the New Testament, nor does it ever oppose or contradict the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST! http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
Ezekiel 33:23 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)
Then the word of the LORD came unto me . . . after the messenger had delivered his message, the prophet's mouth is opened, that he may speak to the children of his people (24:26-27). It is very likely that he had, during these three years, been continually speaking to them as a friend, putting them in mind of what he had previously told them, but that he never spoke to them as a prophet, by inspiration, until now, when the Hand of the LORD came upon him, renewed his commission, gave him fresh instructions, and opened his mouth, furnished him with power to speak to the people as he should speak.
Ezekiel 33:24 Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance. (KJV)
Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel . . . the places which were laid waste by Nebuchadnezzar's army, going and returning, in and around Jerusalem, and in several other parts of Judea; these wastes were what was left in the land after the destruction, to the people, or who, having fled to distant parts, were now returned, and took possession of it, although it was in a shameful condition, a mere waste or desert; and yet they were lifted up with it, and proud and haughty, as their language shows: for thus they speak,
Saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land . . . he was but one, and had no child, when the Promise of inheriting the land was made unto him; and he was just one single worshipper of GOD, and yet he had this favor and privilege.
But we are many; the land is given us for inheritance . . . they debate against Abraham, and argue from the lesser to the greater; that if a single person was given to inherit it, then much more many, and those of his seed; and to whom the land was especially given for an inheritance, and who were now in the possession of it, as Abraham never was; and they being many, were able to defend their right, and secure themselves in the enjoyment of it; all this foolish reasoning shows their pride and vanity, even though they were under such humbling circumstances; their land being waste, their numbers lessened, and the enemy had but just left it, having made dreadful damages in it. Their argument was that the perpetual inheritance was theirs, so with vain, incorrect arguments they try to cheat one another.
*****The people of Israel are remembering how GOD took care of Abraham; yet there was only one of him, and there were many of them. They expect GOD to take care of them in the same way. They completely ignore the fact that there was a much difference between Abraham and themselves. Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Gen.15:6; Rom.4:5). These people do not believe GOD and are not righteous.
Ezekiel 33:25 Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land? (KJV)
Wherefore say unto them, thus saith the Lord GOD . . . send them this message (in writing), as coming from the LORD, for the prophet was now in Chaldea, and could not deliver it by word of mouth to those that inhabited the wastes of Israel; but he could tell it to the messenger that came to him, who had escaped from Jerusalem; or send it by him, or some other.
Ye eat with the blood . . . eat with the blood, whatever the reason, why they did it, it was forbidden (Gen.9:4; Lev.3:17; 17:11-14; 19:26; Acts 15:20). They sinned by disobeying this law. Abraham was righteous, they were not righteous. Eating blood in any way, or of flesh from which the blood had not been drained, was and is in the sight of GOD abominable. All such practices He has absolutely and forever forbidden.
And lift up your eyes towards your idols . . . they were devoted to their idols, praying to them, worshipping them, expecting help and assistance from them (18:6, 12, 15).
And shed blood . . . innocent blood (9:9; 22:6, 9, 27), as the Targum; they were guilty of murder as well as of idolatry, or shedding of blood, in sacrifice to idols.
And shall ye possess the land? . . . (7:9-10), can these scoundrels, these gross idolaters and murderers, ever think that they are the children of righteous Abraham, and have a right to inherit this land?
Ezekiel 33:26 Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land? (KJV)
Ye stand upon your sword . . . you trust your sword, and stand with it as if it were drawn ready to kill, you do everything with violence and force, never considering what is right and fair, and fear no restraints or punishments. Ye work abomination, idolatry, and many other evils not here named. Some think this is referring to the unnatural lust the apostle Paul speaks of (Rom.1:26-27).
And ye defile everyone his neighbour's wife . . . they were guilty of adultery, which was so common, that hardly any were free from it, and so it is charged upon the whole body of them.
And shall ye possess the land? . . . again the same question is asked of them . . . could such vile people as these, guilty of the abominations for which the land formerly spewed out its ancient inhabitants, the Canaanites . . . and the present possessors might expect the same, as being very unworthy inheritors of it . . . no matter what high thoughts they might have of themselves. Will not the land spit out Jewish sinners, as it spit out the dreadful Canaanite sinners?
*****They lived by plunder, rapine and murder. They were in every way impure. Ezekiel asks them for the Lord GOD . . . do you think you shall possess the land? The answer is a definite NO!
Ezekiel 33:27 Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence. (KJV)
Say thou thus unto them, thus saith the Lord GOD . . . send a messenger or write to them in the Name of the LORD, in this way,
As I live . . . this is the form of an oath; the LORD swears by Himself and His Life, because He could swear by none greater . . . this being the confirmation of what follows.
Surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword . . . they shall fall by their own sword, falling one with another; or by the sword of Ishmael (Jer.41:3), or by the sword of the Chaldeans, who got revenge for the death of Gedaliah and others; even those who dwelt amidst the ruins of the city of Jerusalem, and other places, that were desolate through the ravages of the enemy.
And him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured . . . of which it may be supposed there were the greater numbers, since the land was so depopulated: and they that be in the forts, and in the caves, shall die of the pestilence; such as were in fortified cities, or in caverns of the Earth, dug in rocks and mountains, where, in neither of them, men and beasts could easily come at them; here the LORD would send His arrow, the plague that flies by day, and reach them, and destroy them; none can escape His Hands; these are three of the LORD'S sore judgments, the sword, pestilence, and noisome beasts (5:12. 17; 6:11-12; 7:15; 12:16; 14;15, 21;28:23; 33:27). .
And they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence . . . caves (Judg.6:2; 1 Sam.13:6). In the hilly parts of Judea there were caves almost inaccessible, as having only crooked and extremely narrow paths of ascent, with rock in front stretching down into the valleys below.
*****They that are in the wastes . . . GOD seems to mean those Jews who had fled to rocks, caves, and fortresses in the mountains (Lk.23:30; Rev.6:16); whose death He predicts, partly by the sword, partly by wild beasts, and partly by famine.
Ezekiel 33:28 For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through. (KJV)
For I will lay the land most desolate . . . I will lay the land, GOD would purposely, utterly destroy all in this land. Who could escape when savage beasts, vicious men and disease ran through the land? There would be one terrible judgment after another, until the land is totally deserted; it had been very desolate already, through the ravages of the Chaldean army; but it would become much worse, through other judgments of GOD here threatened on them.
And the pomp of her strength shall cease . . . the splendor of her strength; the stately and arrogant show of her strength, and her former riches and power would be gone. Some understand this to be the Temple, which was the most magnificent building in the land, and in which they placed their strength and confidence; but this had already been destroyed (Eze.7:20-22; 24:21; Jer.52:13). It seems this could instead be interpreted of whatever riches, power and glory that yet remained, would be removed.
And the mountains of Israel shall be desolate . . . the mountains of Israel which once abounded with vines and olives, with flocks and pastures, would be utter desolation.
That none shall pass through . . . not only would there be no inhabitants, but no travelers in it. No one would dare to go there for fear of wild beasts, disease or famine in those deserted mountains.
Ezekiel 33:29 Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. (KJV)
Then shall they know that I am the Lord . . . then shall they know, by sorrowful experience. Dear one, the Almighty GOD is an all-knowing Being . . . He can foresee and foretell all things that would come to pass. He is all-powerful . . . He is well able to do whatever He has promised to do. GOD is always true and faithful to His Word, for He is a sovereign and supreme LORD. His will CANNOT be resisted by anyone, and this they [and we] should see, own and acknowledge.
When I have laid the land most desolate, because of all their abominations which they have committed . . . even though He is a sovereign LORD, He never executes His judgments in a random way, simply because it is His will, but because of the abominable [awful, repulsive] sins committed by men, which anger, disgust and provoke His Holy wrath (22:31) and the judgments of His glory.
*****GOD wanted them to acknowledge Him to be the LORD by the abundant blessings He had bestowed upon them which beautified the land, and by His Holy principles which directed them to faithfulness and fairness, and by His mercy and lovingkindness towards them . . . but they despised His mercy, broke His law, abused His bounty; and now, because by the punishment of their sins, as He threatened, and by laying the land desolate, they shall be forced to own and submit to Him as the One and Only Lord GOD. http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_is_there_really%20a%20god.html
Judgments on the Mockers of the Prophets (33:30-33)
Unworthy and corrupt motives sometimes lead people to the places where the Word of GOD is faithfully brought, either by speaking the word or writing, be it a simple tract or an article on the internet. Many come just to find something to which they oppose: many more come just out of curiosity and some just out of habit. There are some who do have their hearts changed, but as the LORD Jesus said, those are few and far between (Mat.7:13-14). But whether people hear and accept the Truth or refuse to hear and deny the Gospel, they will know by the hearing or reading of GOD’S Word that a servant of GOD has been among them. It is then their choice, what they do with what the servant of GOD brings to them.
Ezekiel 33:30 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. (KJV)
Also, thou son of man . . . GOD has something to say to Ezekiel, to inform him, not only about the Jews in Judea, of what they say, and what shall befall them; but also about those that were with him in Chaldea (33:25), and what they were saying about him, and what would be the result of it.
The children of thy people still are talking against thee . . . notice that GOD calls the Jews thy people [Ezekiel’s people] NOT My people [the LORD'S people], which was very cutting to him to hear, and so ungrateful in them; although they indeed acted like children, speaking against the prophet. They could not say that was Ezekiel was not a prophet, because they knew that he had his credentials and commission from the LORD, which was well known among them, for many of his prophecies had been already been fulfilled; and they certainly could not speak against his doctrine, which came directly from the Lord GOD; nor against his lifestyle and speech, which agreed completely to his character and office; but they said some things in a ridiculous and joking way, in an abusive and disrespectful way, showing they had little or no reverence and little respect for him, and were undisturbed and unmoved about what he had to say to them.
By the walls, and in the doors of the houses . . . meaning privately and secretly; by the walls, is where they would gather together and sun themselves, to pass away time. They talked against the prophet, by the walls, where no one could eavesdrop. They would at times stand in the porches or doors of their houses, to discuss with each other what the latest news of their country was, and talk about the prophet, jeering, laughing and mocking him.
Every man to his brother, saying, Come, l pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD . . . these people did not go to seek any spiritual profit, nor did they seek the Truth of what Ezekiel had to say to them, they came only to have their ears tickled (2 Tim.4:3-4), and their ideas pleased.
*****It seems that Ezekiel knew nothing of it, and thought they had respect for him, speaking kindly to his face, and acting decent towards him; but the LORD knew it, and He greatly resented it, and so He tells the prophet about it . . . for this they did continually. The people were talking against Ezekiel, not only the remnant in Judea, but those at the Chebar, although less boldly, they had the same unbelieving spirit.
Talking against thee although they went to the prophet to hear the Word of the LORD, they criticized him in a very unfriendly spirit, his strange and unusual manner and his puzzling style (20:49), making these the excuse for their feeling no regret. Their talking was not directly against Ezekiel, for they professed to like his helps (33:32); but GOD'S Word speaks of things as they really are, NOT as they appear.
Their motive was curiosity, seeking pastime and satisfaction of the ear (2 Tim.4:3-4); they were not interested in reforming their heart. Many came to hear the Word of the LORD, having no thought of ever doing it (Jer.42:1-22; 43:1-13). There is so much of that going on in today’s world. BEWARE!!!
Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. (KJV)
And they come unto thee as the people cometh . . . as the supposed people of GOD, they came to the prophet’s house to hear him bring the GOD’S Word, and explain it for their spiritual profit and education, they came when they did, early and constantly, and with what seemed to be pleasure.
And they sit before thee as my people . . . they sat with great politeness and reverence, and very seriously and serenely, and with what seemed to be graet devotion, staying until Ezekiel had ended what the LORD had given him to say, like scholars who sit at the feet of their masters (Lk.10:39), to hear and learn their doctrines. The Targum is, and they come unto thee as the men the disciples come.
And they hear thy words, but they will not do them . . . they listened to what he said, and really seemed to pay attention, but they simply did not understand what they heard, and what they did understand, they did not put it in practice. They were hearers only, NOT doers of the Word, like the foolish man. Matthew 7:26-27 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)
For with their mouth they show much love . . . they seemed to show love and appreciation by what they said after hearing, they seemed pleased and happy with what they heard, and made huge tributes about it, and spoke much in praise of the prophet. The Targum is the opposite, they made game with their mouth.
But their heart goeth after their covetousness . . . their desire, love and care was only about their gain, how to make prosperous deals, how to place and secure their money with extreme and unbearable interest rates. The cares of the world choked the Word, and made it unfruitful to them; these were like the seed that fell among thorns, the thorny ground hearers (Mat.13:22). http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch13.html
*****Ezekiel was warned about the people's hypocrisy by the LORD. They sat before Ezekiel, pretending to be GOD'S people, when they had NO intention whatsoever of obeying the LORD'S commandments. The only reason they went and listened to the prophet was simple curiosity or entertainment . . . it certainly was not that they had any intention to reform their evil hearts. Maybe some of them might have had hopes that GOD would confirm the things they already wanted to do. This can be seen in the example of Johanan's seeking the Word of LORD from Jeremiah (Jer.Ch.42-43).
These verses carry a vibrant picture of how popular Ezekiel was at that time. His prophecies had been literally fulfilled in all of the things he had foretold. GOD knew how insincere these people were, so He gave this harsh warning to Ezekiel, so that he might really know what could be expected from them.
On the surface they appeared to be turning to the LORD. They wanted to hear what the LORD had to say but had no intention of obeying Him. The people in Ezekiel’s time were like people today who go to church to hear a good sermon, but what they hear, goes in one ear and out the other. They have no intention to change their lives. James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (KJV) . . . There are millions today that hear GOD’S Words, but they do NOT do them. . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/james_commentary_ch1.htm
Ezekiel 33:32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. (KJV)
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice . . . Ezekiel’s words to them was as a beautiful song, a song of GOD’S love for them. They praiseed the way that he so beautifully expresses himself, but do not care for the subject of it, because it was a real and personal thing; just as many do in today’s modern church.
And can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not . . . they were affected and pleased, for no other reason than if they had been at a concert of music; or had been entertained by one that could not only sing, but could play well on an instrument at the same time, which brings much pleasure to music lovers.
*****The Gospel is indeed a lovely song to those who open their ears to hear it! It is a song of the love of GOD. It is a song of the love of GOD and of the love of His only begotten Son, JESUS CHRIST; and the voice of a Gospel minister is always a pleasant and delightful voice to those that understand it . . . but to others it is just a voice, nothing else; for they hear the words, but they do them not.
http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
Ezekiel 33:33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. (KJV)
And when this cometh to pass . . . the prophecy concerning the desolations in the land of Israel, by the sword, pestilence, and wild beasts (5:17; 7:15; 12:16; 14:15).
Lo, it will come . . . whatever is predicted by the LORD; in the mouth of His prophets, shall certainly come to pass . . . for then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them; and acknowledge it; and above all that Ezekiel was a true prophet of the LORD, by the exact accomplishment of his prophecies.
Then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them . . . what the LORD had predicted, and is even now at the doors, then they will be convinced that there was a prophet among them, by whose ministry they did not value as they should have.
*****Now that Jerusalem had fallen, just as Ezekiel had prophesied, the people know that he is a true prophet of GOD. Even though they know he is giving them GOD'S Word, they still will not obey it. Dear one, unbelief is a willful sin, and the reason is that people do not want to give up their sin. That was the problem with the people in Ezekiel’s time, and it certainly is a big problem in today’s world.
The people were willing to come and listen to what Ezekiel had to say, but it had NO effect upon them at all. You would think that the people would now turn to GOD, after they heard what the prophet had to say, but that was not the case. The LORD told Ezekiel, do not let the people deceive you, for even though they come and listen, they are not paying attention to what you say. They are not doers of the Word. They love it when you talk about love, the future and foretelling what is to come, but it has not affected their hearts . . . not even a tiny bit. They still live the same way they did before they heard what you said, choosing to live in sin and far, far away from the Lord GOD. It is the same in today’s wicked world! People refuse to forsake their beloved sins, refuse to believe that GOD would condemn them to a lake of fire, for eternal punishment of their sin, and for their disobedience to Him and His Word and His commands. But dear one, Judgment Day shall come! Every person who has ever lived shall stand before the Great Judge JESUS one day. John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch5.html
Judgment Day is coming: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_day_are_you_ready.htm
http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_judgment_sure.1.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/ld_judgments_of_god.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/judgment_seat_h_s.htm . . . for TRUE believers
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/judgment_day_the_great_white_throne.htm . . . for the wicked
http://judgmentcoming.org/j_c_many_judgments.htm
Ezekiel was the only one who said that Jerusalem would be destroyed. All of the false prophets said that it would not be destroyed. But Jerusalem was destroyed. Ezekiel was indeed a true prophet of the Lord GOD!
Special Comments
There are many Psalms that speak of the MESSIAH:
Psalms that refer to the Messiah’s birth:
#1. The Messiah will come from the line of David (Ps.89:3-4, 29-36; 132:11-17; Mat.1:1).
#2. The Messiah will come for all people (Ps.18:49; Eph.3:4-6).
#3. The Messiah will know His Father from His childhood (Ps.22:9; Lk.2:40, 49).
#4. The Messiah will be called by GOD while still in the womb (Ps.22:10; Lk.1:30-33).
Psalms that refer to the Messiah’s Nature and Name:
#5. The Messiah will be called King of the Jews (Ps.2:6; Jn.12:12-13; 18:32).
#6. The Messiah will be the Son of GOD (Ps.2:7; Mat.3:16-17; Lk.1:31-35; Heb.1:5-6).
#7. The Messiah is GOD (Ps.45:6-7; Heb.1:8-9). http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_is_jesus_god.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_jesus_really_god.htm
#8. The Messiah will call GOD His Father (Ps.89:26; Mat.11:27).
#9. The Messiah will be GOD’s only begotten Son (Ps.89:27; Mk.16:6; Col.1:18; Rev.1:5).
#10. The Messiah is and will be eternal (Ps.102:25-27; Heb.1:10-12; Rev.1:10-12).
#11. The Messiah is the Creator of all things (Ps.102:25-27; Jn.1:3; Eph.3:9; Heb.1:10-12).
#12. The Messiah will be LORD and King (Ps.110:1; Mat.22:41-45).
#13. The Messiah will be a Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Ps.110:4; Heb.6:17-20).
#14. The Messiah will be the Stone rejected by the builders (Ps.118:22; Mat.21:42).
Psalms that refer to the Messiah’s ministry:
#15. Infants will give praise to the Messiah (Ps.8:2; Mat.21:15-16).
#16. The Messiah will show that Hebrew Scriptures were written about Him (Ps.40:6-8; Lk.24:44; Jn.5:39-40).
#17. The Messiah will do GOD’s (His Father’s) will (Ps.40:7-8; Jn.5:30).
#18. The Messiah will not hide His mission from those who believe (Ps.40:9-10; Lk.4:16-21).
#19. The Messiah will bring a message of grace and mercy (Ps.45:2; Lk.4:22).
#20. The Messiah will be angered by dishonorable practices by the Jews in the Temple (Ps.69:9; Jn.2:13-17).
#21. The Messiah will teach in parables (Ps.78:2; Mat.13:34-35).
#22. The Messiah will calm the stormy sea (Ps.107:28-29; Mat.8:24-26).
#23. The Messiah will act with righteousness (Ps.45:6-7; Jn.5:30).
#24. The Messiah will come in the Name of the LORD (Ps.118:26; Mat.21:9).
Psalms that refer to the Messiah’s betrayal and death:
#25. Political/religious leaders will conspire against the Messiah (ps.2:1-3; Mat.26:3-4; Mk.3:6).
#26. The Messiah will feel forsaken by GOD at His crucifixion (Ps.22:1; Mk.15:34).
#27. The Messiah will be in constant prayer before His death (Ps.22:2; Mat.26:38-39).
#28. The Messiah will be despised and rejected by His own (Ps.22:6; Lk.23:21-23).
#29. The Messiah will be mocked (Ps.22:7; 109:25; Mat.27:39).
#30. Skeptics will say about Messiah, He trusted on the LORD, let Him deliver Him (Ps.22:8; Mat.27:41-43).
#31. The Messiah will be abandoned by His disciples (Ps.22:11; 69:20; Mk.14;50).
#32. The Messiah will be encompassed by wicked people (Ps.22;12-13; Col.2:15).
#33. Blood and water will flow from the Messiah’s body (Ps.22:14; Jn.19:34).
#34. The Messiah will be crucified (Ps.22:14; Mat.27:35).
#35. The Messiah will thirst while hanging on the cross (Ps.22:15; 69:21; Jn.19:28).
#36. Gentiles would surround Him at His crucifixion (Ps.22:16; Jn.19:23).
#37. The Messiah will be observed by Jews at His crucifixion (Ps.22:16; Mat.27:41-43).
#38. The Messiah’s Hands and Feet will be pierced (Ps.22:16; Jn.19:23).
#39. The Messiah’s garments were divided among the soldiers by casting lots (Ps.22:18; Jn.19:23-24).
#40. The Messiah will be accused by false witnesses (Ps.27:12; 35:11; 109:2; Mat.26:59-61).
#41. The Messiah will cry out to GOD, Into thy hands I commend my spirit (Ps.31:5; Lk.23:46).
#42. There will be many attempts to kill the Messiah (Ps.31:13; Mat.27:1).
#43. The Messiah will have no bones broken (Ps.34:20; Jn.19:32-33).
#44. The Messiah will be hated without cause (Ps.35:19; Jn.15:24-25; 18:19-23).
#45. The Messiah will be silent, as a lamb before His accusers (Ps.38:13-14; Mat.26:62-63).
#46. The Messiah will be GOD’S Sacrificial Lamb for redemption of all mankind (Ps40:6-8; Heb.10:10-13).
#47. The Messiah will be betrayed by one of His own disciples (Ps.41:9; Mk.14:17-18).
#48. The Messiah will be hated and rejected without cause (Ps.69:4; Lk.23:13-22; Jn.15:24-25).
#49. The Messiah will be condemned for GOD’s sake (Ps.69:7, 9; Mat.26:65-67; Rom.15:3).
#50. The Messiah will be rejected by the Jews (Ps.69:8; Jn.1:11).
#51. The Messiah’s very own brothers will reject Him (Ps.69:8; Jn.7:3-5).
#52. The Messiah’s heart will be broken (Ps.69:20; Mat.26:38, 56).
#53. The Messiah will be offered gall mingled with vinegar as he dies (Ps.69:21; Mat.27:34, 48).
#54. The Messiah prays for His enemies (Ps.109:4; Lk.23:34).
#55. The Messiah’s betrayer will have a short life (Ps.55:3; 109:8; Mat.27:5; Acts 1:16-17; Jn.17:12).
#56. The Messiah’s betrayer will be replaced by a more faithful man (Ps.109:8; Acts 1:20-26).
Psalms that refer to the Messiah’s resurrection and exaltation:
#57. The Messiah will be resurrected (Ps.16;8-10; Mat.28:6; Acts 2:25-32).
#58. The Messiah’s body will not see corruption [natural decay] (Ps.16:8-10; Acts 13:35-37).
#59. The Messiah will be glorified in the Presence of GOD (Ps.16:11; Acts 2:25-33).
#60. GOD shall give the Messiah His inheritance (Ps.2:8; Jn.17:4-24).
#61. The Messiah will have complete authority over all things (Ps.2:8-9; 8:6; Mat.28:18; Heb.1:1-2).
#62. The Messiah will destroy those who do not honor Him (Ps.2:12; Jn.3:36).
#63. The Messiah will bring many into the family of GOD (Ps.22:22; Heb.2:10-12; Mat.12:50; Jn.20:14).
#64. The Messiah’s enemies will stumble and fall (Ps.27:2; Jn.18:3-6).
#65. The Messiah’s throne will be eternal (Ps.45:6-7; Lk.1:31-33; Heb.1:8-9).
#66. The Messiah will ascend back into Heaven (Ps.68:18; Lk,24:51; Eph.4:8).
#67. The Messiah will give good gifts to those who believe (Ps.68:18; Mat.10:1; Eph.4:7-11).
#68. The Messiah will be exalted to the right Hand of GOD (Ps.80:17; 110:1, 5; Acts 5:31).
#69. The Messiah shall come again, this time as Judge (Ps.72:7-11; Rev.20:11-15)
#70. All nations will be blessed through Messiah, and that the whole Earth will be filled with His glory (Ps.72:17-19).
Many more Psalms speaking of the Messiah being Judge: (7:11; 9:7-8, 19-20; 50:3-6; 58:11; 67:4; 75:7; 78:62; 82:8; 94:2; 96:13; 98:9; 110:6)
Many more New Testament Scriptures on Messiah as Judge: (Mat.16:27; 25:31-46; 28:18; Mk.9:43-487; Jn.5:22, 27; 3:35; 17:2; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom.1:32; 2:2, 5-16; 3:4-6, 26; 9:14; 11:22; 14:10-12; 2 Cor.5:10; Eph.6:8-9; Col.3:25; 2 Thes.1:4-10; 1 Tim.3:6; Heb.4:13; 6:10; 10:30-31; 12:22-23, 29; 1 Pet.1:17; 4:5, 17; 2 Pet.2:4, 9; 1 Jn.1:9; Jud. 1:6; Rev.6:15-17; 11:18; 14:10-11; 15:3; 16:5-7; 18:8; 19:2; 20:10-15).
Teachings of Righteousness in Ezekiel Chapter 18, goes right along with this Chapter:
#1. All souls will give account to GOD on the same basis (18:4).
#2. The soul that sins will die (18:4, 20).
#3. If a man is just and does that which is lawful and right, he will live (18:5-9).
#4. If a righteous father has a wicked son, the righteousness of the father will not save the son (18:10-13)..
#5. The wicked son will die for his own sin and be responsible for it (18:13).
#6. A righteous son of a wicked father will live for his own righteousness (18:14-17).
#7. The wickedness of a father will not be passed upon a righteous son because of human relationship. He will not die for the sins of his father.
#8. The wicked father will die for his own sins only (18:18).
#9. The only time a son of a wicked man will bear the iniquity of his father is when he commits the same sins his father did (18:19).
#10. The son will not bear the iniquity of the father, nor the father bear the iniquity of the son, except they commit the same sins (18:20).
#11. The righteousness of the righteous will be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon him.
#12. The wicked will live by having the death penalty cancelled only when he ceases to sin and turns to GOD with a whole heart (18:21, 27-28).
#13. All the sins of the wicked man will not be mentioned against him or damn his soul in the day that he stops his sin and does righteousness (18:22).
#14. GOD takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked that he should die (18:23).
#15. A righteous man who becomes wicked again, dies in those sins, but if he turns again from his wickedness back to doing what is right and lawful, he shall live (18:24-28).
#16. All the righteousness of the righteous will not deliver him from death in the day that he goes back into sin.
#17. All his righteousness that he has done will not be mentioned, for it cannot deliver him from death when he sins.
#18. The ways of GOD are always right, equal and just (18:25, 29-30).
#19. All men will be judged according to their own ways as to whether they have or have not obeyed the ways of GOD (18:30).
#20. GOD asks and commands all people:
(1) To repent (18:30).
(2) To turn from their transgressions so that sin will not damn them.
(3) To cast far away all their sins (18:31).
(4) To make themselves a new heart and a new spirit by meeting GOD'S terms of salvation and becoming new creatures in Christ (2 Cor.5:17; Gal.6:15).
(5) To turn yourselves away from sin, and live (18:32).
Book of Ezekiel
Eze.Ch.1 . . Eze.Ch.2 . . Eze.Ch.3. . Eze.Ch.4 . . Eze.Ch.5 . . Eze.Ch.6 . . Eze.Ch.7 . . Eze.Ch.8 . . Eze.Ch.9 . . Eze.Ch.10 . . Eze.Ch.11 . . Eze.Ch.12 . . Eze.Ch.13 . . Eze.Ch.14. . Eze.Ch.15 . . Eze.Ch.16 . . Eze.Ch.17 . . Eze.Ch.18 . . Eze.Ch.19 . . Eze.Ch.20 . . Eze.Ch.21 . . Eze.Ch.22 . . Eze.Ch.23 . . Eze.Ch.24 . . Eze.Ch.25 . . Eze.Ch.26 . . Eze.27 . . Eze.28 . . Eze.29 . . Eze.30 . . Eze.31 . . Eze.32 . . Eze.33 . . Eze.34 . . Eze.35 . . Eze.36 . . Eze.37 . . Eze.38 . . Eze.39 . . Eze.40 . . Eze.41 . . Eze.42 . . Eze.43 . . Eze.44 . . Eze.45 . . . Eze.46 . . . Eze.47 . . . Eze.48 . . . Eze. Millennial Temple . . . Eze.Special Comments . . . Eze.What is Shekinah Glory? . . . Home Page
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