Study 25 From the Book of
Ezekiel is: Ezekiel 36: 16-38
1.
Consider
carefully in this remarkable passage the following points: (a) why the Lord
cast the people into exile (verses 16-19); (b) why He brought them back (verses
20-24); (c) the change wrought in their moral and spiritual condition (verses
25-31). Reflect how closely the prophet's teaching here anticipates the New
Testament revelation of the steps by which God transforms a sinner into a
saint. See particular Rom. 3, 5, 6 and 8.
2.
How
will the change in the people and their restored prosperity affect the
surrounding nations? See verses 35, 36 and cf. Jn. 17:21, 23.
Notes
1.
Verse
20. ‘They profaned my holy name’: because the nations, seeing them cast out,
concluded their God could not protect them.
Cf. Ps. 42:10.
2.
Verse
26. ‘Heart of stone’: cf. 2:4; 3:7; Zc.
7:12. ‘A heart of flesh’: i.e., sensitive to the divine Word.
