Daily reading

Today’s reading is: Ezek. 32:17-33:20; Jer. 52:28-30; 1 Chr. 4:24-5:17; Psa. 137

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Ezekiel Chapter Thirty-Two

(Outline continues from Day 253)

  1. Sheol itself is described and lamented (Ezek. 32:17-32).
    1. Ezekiel is commanded to wail (Ezek. 32:18).
    2. The eternal destruction of the Lord’s enemies is a cause for lamentation.
  2. The one “perfect in beauty” (Ezek. 28:12) is asked whom he surpasses in beauty (Ezek. 32:19).
  3. “The death of the uncircumcised” is a human death apart from the blessings of God’s covenant; i.e. the death of an unbeliever.
  4. The Chiefs of the Mighty Ones will tell the story of the fall of Egypt (Ezek. 32:21).
    1. “Him and his helpers” is in reference to Egypt & the supporting nations under him (Ezek. 30:5-8; Nah. 3:9).
    2. There is also a poetic allusion to Rahab and her helpers (Job 9:13; Isa. 30:7).
    3. The Chiefs of the Mighty ones are the Nephilim offspring of the fallen angels (Gen. 6:4) who sing the “praises” of those very same fallen angels.
  5. The arrangement of Sheol is outlined (Ezek. 32:22-32).
    1. Assyria occupies the remotest part of the pit, having been slain by the sword (vv.22-23).
    2. Elam also occupies the pit, having been slain by the sword (vv.24-25).
    3. Meshech, & Tubal occupy the pit, having been slain by the sword (v.26).
    4. The Nephilim Mighty Ones are there with their swords (v.27; Gen. 6:4).
    5. You (Pharaoh/Satan) will be in the midst of these people (v.28).
    6. Edom, having been slain by the sword (v.29).
    7. The chiefs of the north, and Sidonians, having been slain by the sword (v.30).
    8. Egypt, having been slain by the sword (vv.31-32).
  6. Angelic Conflict principles gleaned from Ezekiel & other passages:
    1. Satan rules this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
    2. Satan obtained this sovereignty over the kosmos when Adam abdicated his authority to him (1st Jn. 5:19; Matt. 4:8-9).
    3. Satan’s forces are organized into layers of agents (Eph. 6:12; Dan. 10:20-21; 11:1; 12:1).
    4. Satan’s activity is under God the Father’s stated limitations (Job 1:12; 2:6), and God the Holy Spirit’s world-wide restraint through the indwelt Church (2nd Thess. 2:6-7).
    5. Satan’s goal is to establish an alternative plan and program to God the Father’s plan and program (Isa. 14:13-14; Rev. 13).
    6. Satan is already judged, and his parole will soon be revoked (Jn. 16:11; Gen. 3:15; Lk. 10:18-20; 1st Jn. 3:8; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14-15; Isa. 49:24-26; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12:7-12; 20:2-3,10).
    7. God is in total control of human history, and He will fulfill His plan and program regardless of what human or Satanic opposition attempts to stop it (Job 42:2; Prov. 19:21; Eccl. 3:14; Isa. 14:24-27; 46:10; Dan. 4:35).

Ezekiel Chapter Thirty-Three

  1. Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is re-commissioned to the prophetic ministry (Ezek. 33:7 cf. 3:17).
  2. “The sons of your people” indicates that Ezekiel’s message of encouragement is targeted to a coming generation (Ezek. 33:2).
  3. The illustration of an earthly watchman (Ezek. 33:2-6) establishes the principle for a spiritual watchman (Ezek. 33:7-9).
  4. Ezekiel’s message of encouragement tells a people without hope that they can indeed have hope (Ezek. 33:10-20).

(Chapter Thirty-Three continues yesterday)

Jeremiah Chapter Fifty-Two

(Outline continues from Day 243)

  1. Jeremiah 52 tallies the exiles who were taken away (Jer. 52:28-32).

(Chapter Fifty-Two continues and concludes on Day 257)

First Chronicles Chapter Four

(Outline continues from Day 101)

  1. The chapter closes with a chapter of Simeon’s tribal history (1st Chr. 4:24-43; Gen. 46:10; Num. 26:12-14).

First Chronicles Chapter Five

  1. Chapter 5 begins with a chapter of Reuben’s tribal history (1st Chr. 5:1-10; Gen. 46:9; Num. 26:5-7).
  2. A chapter of Gad’s tribal history is included (1st Chr. 5:11-17; Gen. 46:16; Num. 26:15-18).

(Chapter Five continues and concludes tomorrow)

Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Seven

  1. The exilic psalmist recounts how sorrowful the captivity was for those who were mindful of Zion (Ps. 137:1-3).
  2. To the devout Jew, there could be no substitute for Jerusalem (Ps. 137:4-6).
  3. The exiles grief in particular focused anger against Edom for their celebration of the fall of Jerusalem (Ps. 137:7-9 cf. Jer. 49:7-22; Ezek. 25:12-14; Obad. 10-14).