July 16
Introduction
Ezekiel 20:33–44: The prophet Ezekiel lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. His message was addressed to both the exiles in Babylonia and to the people of Jerusalem. Today’s reading is from a section in the book that includes warnings to the people about God’s judgment on them, along with the promise of a brighter future.
Today’s Key Verse: Ezekiel 20:42
[The Sovereign LORD said:] “When I bring you back to Israel, the land that I promised I would give to your ancestors, then you will know that I am the LORD.”
Reading
33 “As surely as I, the Sovereign Lord, am the living God, I warn you that in my anger I will rule over you with a strong hand, with all my power. 34 I will show you my power and my anger when I gather you together and bring you back from all the countries where you have been scattered. 35 I will bring you into the ‘Desert of the Nations,’ and there I will condemn you to your face. 36 I will now condemn you just as I condemned your ancestors in the Sinai Desert,” says the Sovereign Lord.
37 “I will take firm control of you and make you obey my covenant. 38 I will take away from among you those who are rebellious and sinful. I will take them out of the lands where they are living now, but I will not let them return to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
39 The Sovereign Lord says, “And now, all you Israelites, suit yourselves! Go on and serve your idols! But I warn you that after this you will have to obey me and stop dishonoring my holy name by offering gifts to your idols. 40 There in the land, on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, all you people of Israel will worship me. I will be pleased with you and will expect you to bring me your sacrifices, your best offerings, and your holy gifts. 41 After I bring you out of the countries where you have been scattered and gather you together, I will accept the sacrifices that you burn, and the nations will see that I am holy. 42 When I bring you back to Israel, the land that I promised I would give to your ancestors, then you will know that I am the Lord. 43 Then you will remember all the disgraceful things you did and how you defiled yourselves. You will be disgusted with yourselves because of all the evil things you did. 44 When I act to protect my honor, you Israelites will know that I am the Lord, because I do not deal with you as your wicked, evil actions deserve.” The Sovereign Lord has spoken.
Reflect
According to verses 33–38, what form will God’s judgment take? The reference to the “Desert of the Nations” (verse 35) indicates that God will bring the people to a desert area surrounded by other nations where the people will have a new wilderness experience like their ancestors did (see Exodus 15—17). According to verses 39–44, what will take place after the people have returned to their homeland? Reread verses 42–44. What will the people remember? What are your thoughts as to why God will not deal with the people as their “evil actions deserve”? What does today’s reading teach you about God?
Pray
Sovereign God, in you there is forgiveness for my sins, and you offer hope and new life. As I seek to serve you and obey your teachings, may my actions and my worship be pleasing to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ezekiel 28:20–26: Israel will be blessed.
