Daily reading
Today’s reading is: Ezek. 32:17-33:20; Jer. 52:28-30; 1 Chr. 4:24-5:17; Psa. 137
Video
Ezekiel Chapter Thirty-Two
(Outline continues from Day 253)
- Sheol itself is described and lamented (Ezek. 32:17-32).
- Ezekiel is commanded to wail (Ezek. 32:18).
- The eternal destruction of the Lord’s enemies is a cause for lamentation.
- The one “perfect in beauty” (Ezek. 28:12) is asked whom he surpasses in beauty (Ezek. 32:19).
- “The death of the uncircumcised” is a human death apart from the blessings of God’s covenant; i.e. the death of an unbeliever.
- The Chiefs of the Mighty Ones will tell the story of the fall of Egypt (Ezek. 32:21).
- “Him and his helpers” is in reference to Egypt & the supporting nations under him (Ezek. 30:5-8; Nah. 3:9).
- There is also a poetic allusion to Rahab and her helpers (Job 9:13; Isa. 30:7).
- 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.
- The arrangement of Sheol is outlined (Ezek. 32:22-32).
- Assyria occupies the remotest part of the pit, having been slain by the sword (vv.22-23).
- Elam also occupies the pit, having been slain by the sword (vv.24-25).
- Meshech, & Tubal occupy the pit, having been slain by the sword (v.26).
- The Nephilim Mighty Ones are there with their swords (v.27; Gen. 6:4).
- You (Pharaoh/Satan) will be in the midst of these people (v.28).
- Edom, having been slain by the sword (v.29).
- The chiefs of the north, and Sidonians, having been slain by the sword (v.30).
- Egypt, having been slain by the sword (vv.31-32).
- Angelic Conflict principles gleaned from Ezekiel & other passages:
- Satan rules this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
- Satan obtained this sovereignty over the kosmos when Adam abdicated his authority to him (1st Jn. 5:19; Matt. 4:8-9).
- Satan’s forces are organized into layers of agents (Eph. 6:12; Dan. 10:20-21; 11:1; 12:1).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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
- Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is re-commissioned to the prophetic ministry (Ezek. 33:7 cf. 3:17).
- “The sons of your people” indicates that Ezekiel’s message of encouragement is targeted to a coming generation (Ezek. 33:2).
- The illustration of an earthly watchman (Ezek. 33:2-6) establishes the principle for a spiritual watchman (Ezek. 33:7-9).
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- Chapter 5 begins with a chapter of Reuben’s tribal history (1st Chr. 5:1-10; Gen. 46:9; Num. 26:5-7).
- 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
- The exilic psalmist recounts how sorrowful the captivity was for those who were mindful of Zion (Ps. 137:1-3).
- To the devout Jew, there could be no substitute for Jerusalem (Ps. 137:4-6).
- 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).