Sunday, March 2 — Ezekiel 30, 31

1. What event is Ezekiel referencing when he states, “For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen?” Ezekiel 30:3.

2. Why is the nation of Assyria likened to a cedar tree in Ezekiel 31:3?

3. How does the vernacular in Ezekiel chapters 30 & 31 speak to us today as we await the final day of the Lord?

Ezekiel chapter 30 is a continuation of a prophecy that actually began in the previous chapter. This particular group of verses records the oracle of God’s judgement upon the nation of Egypt. It is an interesting point to note that God’s judgements are not solely inflicted on Egypt but also on its allies.

The prophecy warns that the destruction of Egypt and its allies will be full. From time to time, lovers of oppression and moral decay reach a comfortable plateau, and God, with His infinite wisdom and love, often steps in and destroys.

Such a warning is given in Ezekiel 30:3 “For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.”

A day of reckoning for Egypt and her allies would surely come. But, like with most warnings from God, the human heart reasons that the longer the visitation of His judgments are postponed then they might never occur. This, however, is a grievous error on the part of man. Ultimately, sin and its allies will be utterly and completely destroyed.

The language used to describe the day of the Lord in Ezekiel 30:3 is quite fascinating. Ezekiel states that day will be a cloudy day. It is as though Ezekiel is describing Egypt’s punishment as a great and dreadful storm complete with dark and ominous clouds. This is quite the contrast to the method in which God led His people out of Egypt— with a bright cloud and a pillar of fire. (Exodus 13:21)

A final storm is yet to come when God will put down all sin wherever it is found. Thus, previous days of the Lord become patterns of the final day of the Lord.

As we move into the 31st chapter of Ezekiel, we find the Assyrian Empire being compared to a great cedar. (Verse 3). Cedar trees were seen as a representation of strength, stability, and grandeur in the ancient world. Here the cedar is used to symbolize the great power, pride, and dominance of Assyria as a nation. Ezekiel uses the majestic towering cedar trees of Lebanon, known also for their strength and longevity, to portray Assyria as a mighty empire that reached great heights but would eventually fall due to their arrogance. In fact, Ezekiel states that this particular cedar (Assyria) would end up being cut down and thrown into the pit of Sheol. (Verses 14-17).

Ezekiel uses such imagery to warn that Egypt and her allies will one day suffer the same fate. By using the cedar metaphorically, God’s faithful people were to see that the fall of the cedar (Assyria) was a warning or example of what would happen to a proud and boastful people.

In this metaphor, God’s people were to find assurance that He alone would put an end to sin and ultimately bring deliverance and victory. The final day of the Lord is fast approaching. (2 Peter 3:19). Are you ready?

Just as God judged Egypt for its sins, including idolatry, arrogance, and immorality, so it will be on the soon coming final day of the Lord.

Just as Egypt’s allies were included in the heavenly judgment, so all who love, cling to, participate in, or align themselves with sin will be destroyed on the final day of judgment. “If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.” Desire of Ages, p. 313.

Just as God sought to destroy the idols of Egypt, including its great men and princes, so God will utterly obliterate our idols, including the great men in whom we put our trust.

Our only safety as we prepare for the great and terrible day of our Lord is to put our trust in Jesus. The good news today is that “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.” 2 Peter 3:9