Study 3 From the Book of Ezekiel is: Ezekiel
3:22 – 5:17
Jerusalem, under King
Zedekiah, had recovered a measure of strength after its capture by
Nebuchadrezzar in 597 BC, and false prophets were prophesying a period of
divine favour (see Je. 28: 1-4). These reports reached the exiles in Babylon,
and the burden of Ezekiel’s message at this time was that, on the contrary,
Jerusalem was about to experience God’s judgements.
The closing verses of
chapter 3 are best regarded as an introduction to the prophecies of chapters
4-24, which all relate to the approaching judgement on Jerusalem. During this
time, the prophet was commanded to live in seclusion, as if bound and dumb,
except when God gave him some message to deliver (3:25-27).
1.
In
chapters 4:1- 5:4 the prophet is directed to show by four symbolic actions the
impending siege of Jerusalem, with its privations and sufferings, and also the
plight of those who would be carried into exile after the city’s fall. What
were these actions? Which of them refer to the siege, and which to the
sufferings of those who would be carried into captivity? With 4:13, cf. Ho.
9:3, 4; and note the explanation of 5:1 – 4 in 5:12.
2.
What
is said in 5:5-17 of (a) the reasons, (b) the nature, and (c) the purposes of
the terrible judgment that was about to fall upon Jerusalem? Some Christians are less Christian in their
lives than many who reject or ignore Christ.
In the light of these verses what may we infer to be God’s attitude to
this sad fact?
Notes
1.
4:10,
11. Food restricted to eight ounces, and water to two pints or less. Cf. 4:16.
2.
4:15.
Animal dung was, and still is, a recognized form of fuel in the East.
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