July 17
Introduction
Ezekiel 28:20–26: Today’s reading begins with God’s judgment against Sidon, a Phoenician seaport in the north. God promises to bless Israel and punish those nations that treated Israel with scorn.
Today’s Key Verse: Ezekiel 28:25a
The Sovereign LORD said, “I will bring back the people of Israel from the nations where I scattered them, and all the nations will know that I am holy.”
Reading
20 The Lord said to me, 21 “Mortal man, denounce the city of Sidon. 22 Tell the people there what I, the Sovereign Lord, say about them: I am your enemy, Sidon; people will praise me because of what I do to you. They will know that I am the Lord, when I show how holy I am by punishing those who live in you. 23 I will send diseases on you and make blood flow in your streets. You will be attacked from every side, and your people will be killed. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
24 The Lord said, “None of the surrounding nations that treated Israel with scorn will ever again be like thorns and briers to hurt Israel. And they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”
25 The Sovereign Lord said, “I will bring back the people of Israel from the nations where I scattered them, and all the nations will know that I am holy. The people of Israel will live in their own land, the land that I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will live there in safety. They will build houses and plant vineyards. I will punish all their neighbors who treated them with scorn, and Israel will be secure. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.”
Reflect
What message is Ezekiel told to say to the people of Sidon (verses 20–23)? What blessings are promised to Israel (verses 24–26)? How many times do you see the word “know” in this passage? What will the people of Sidon and Israel and onlookers know about God? How do you envision the new life that is promised? How might that promise look for God’s people today?
Pray
Sovereign God, you are holy, and I praise your holy name. Thank you for the blessing of your steadfast love and care in which I find safety and security. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ezekiel 33:1–20: God appoints Ezekiel as a lookout.
