Thursday, February 27 – Ezekiel 24, 25

1. What command did God give the prophet as an illustration? (Ezekiel 24:3-5).

2. What did this illustration say about Jerusalem? (Ezekiel 24:6-14).

3. What message was Ezekiel to give the people through his apparent insensitivity to the death of his wife? (Ezekiel 24:19-27).

4. After having proclaimed and written his message against Jerusalem and Judah due to their disobedience to God, Ezekiel now directs his warning to several nations considered enemies of God’s people. Which nations were they? (Ezekiel 25:2, 8, 14, 15).

We continue our study of the book of the prophet Ezekiel. This vital document is closely tied to a significant and crucial historical period: the exile of Judah to Babylon. A summary of chapters 24 and 25, which occupy our study today, reveals:

1. The boiling pot parable symbolizes Jerusalem’s inevitable destruction.

2. The prophet’s restrained mourning over the death of his wife symbolizes the calamities of the Jewish people, greater than any lamentation.

3. Divine retribution against the Ammonites, Moabites, the people of Seir, Edom, and the Philistines for their arrogance against Israel.

God often commanded His prophets to act out messages to help the people better understand His word. Considering that in those times, they had no electronic devices, not even a blackboard, the people needed a way to receive the message in a manner that was hard to forget.

The “choice pieces” of meat to be placed in the pot likely represented the upper class, who considered themselves socially superior. That rusted pot represented the city of Jerusalem, which, along with its inhabitants, would be subjected to the fire of affliction.

The text appears to say that God took the prophet’s wife. However, death resulted from circumstances, and God used this situation to provide an objective lesson to the people through Ezekiel’s stoic attitude. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary notes that “his wife may have been ill for some time, and God may have warned him of her approaching death.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Ezekiel 24:16). The author of sin and death is Satan. Still, due to the expressions of biblical language, it may appear God was the one who caused it.

Matthew Henry, the eminent 18th-century English biblical scholar, comments on Ezekiel’s wife’s death:

“Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner’s prayer are always acceptable before God.” (Matthew Henry Bible Commentary, Ezekiel 24:15-27)

It is notable that among Israel’s traditional enemies were those who were once close relatives. Consider Edom first. The name means “Red” and was given to Esau, Jacob’s brother. It is uncertain whether the name was due to Esau’s red hair or the red stew Jacob was preparing—his delicious lentil dish, which is still popular in the Middle East today. Edom was a perpetual enemy of Israel, his brother.

Also mentioned are two other nations: the Ammonites and the Moabites. As you may recall, Ammon and Moab were the sons/grandsons of Lot, born from his incestuous union with his daughters after escaping Sodom. That drunkenness resulted not only in a shameful sin but also in the birth of two nations that would be a thorn in Israel’s side for centuries.

As an interesting note, let us remember that one of Moab’s descendants is included in Jesus’ genealogy—Ruth the Moabitess, who became the great-grandmother of King David.

Although God’s people may endure severe trials in the past and today, the Lord continuously extends His mighty arm over them. We would be wise to apply the lessons learned from Israel’s tragic history to our lives today. History can repeat itself, and we must keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

May you all receive many blessings as you dedicate yourselves to studying God’s Holy Word.