Ezekiel’s first chapter is truly amazing, maybe thrilling too!

It records a “vision” Ezekiel is given, one depicting Almighty God!

It’s a “theophany,” in theological terms, an appearance of the Lord!

The Books first sentence helps here: “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” Ezekiel 1:1

Ezekiel is thirty years of age when his “ministry” officially begins, seems like we are being told.

Ezekiel identifies himself as being among the “captives” (slaves) … Jews relocated to Babylon by a military action. The Holy Land, invaded and overrun and stripped (with much more devastation to come, even by the Babylonians) … because of the sins of the people!

“Chebar” is the name of part of a canal system, an irrigation plan, that crisscrossed the City of Babylon. The name may mean “far-off!” We have just been given accurate historical information about one of the many “rivers” of the Bible.

But here’s the “key” to the chapter: Ezekiel saw that “the heavens were opened.” And thereafter he beheld “visions of God.” Using a synonym: “sightings” of God!

Then for the next 27 verses … God is depicted!

One of the fullest descriptions of His Majesty in all the Bible! (If not THE fullest!)

A cloud of fire … a whirlwind, glowing and bright!

Four living creatures, “cherubims” he calls them later. See Ezekiel 10:20.

And above them a “Figure” … radiant in Glory!

Then, a “Voice!”

Followed by the grandeur of a Throne!

Like a rainbow, Ezekiel reported!

(Sounds a lot like what John saw in the opening chapters of his Book of Revelation! In fact … the very Same God!)

Folks, this Vision of God deserves hours of study and chapters of writing. Read it today, several times if you can. I’m on my fifth time now.

But the chapter’s last verse has “arrested” me this morning.

“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.” Ezekiel 1:28

Moses wanted to see God’s Glory! (Exodus 33:18)

Ezekiel DID SEE God’s Glory!

(How about this? God’s Glory appeared in the darkest of circumstances! In captivity! Under divine chastisement! Danger everywhere!)

Note however what Ezekiel did, his response, to God’s Glory!

“And when I saw it, I fell upon my face.”

So did Daniel!

So did Peter, James and John!

And so shall we, some day!

On our faces, in adoration and worship and praise!

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

The name “Ezekiel” means “God strengthens.”

The etymology? In Hebrew “el” is one of God’s Names, also meaning “to be strong.” Plus the verb “chazaq,” meaning “to prevail,” a battle term. In fact, “chazaq” is translated these ways in the King James Bible: “strong” 48 times, “repair” 47 times, “hold” 37 times, “strengthened” 28 times, “strengthen” 14 times, “harden” 13 times, “prevail” 10 times, “encourage” 9 times, “take” 9 times, “courage” 8 times, “caught” 5 times , “stronger” 5 times, and “hold” 5 more times. A pretty consistent range of meanings.

What a name!

As far as I can tell (amazingly) the proper noun Ezekiel is only used in the Bible two times, both in the Book that bears his name.

We learn almost immediately (Ezekiel 1:3) that the man was a “priest.” Here’s the verse: “The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.”

Also among the Prophets of the Bible … Jeremiah and Zechariah and John the Baptist were sons of priests, therefore Priests themselves!

Ezekiel was 30 years old when he began his ministry, Ezekiel 1:1 tells us this. That’s when all Israel’s priest began their “life work,” according to Numbers 4:1-3. They begin serving at age 30 and retired at age 50. Why so young? Apparently in order to teach (mentor) the younger priests.

Ezekiel probably knew the Prophet Jeremiah personally. As well as Daniel.

There were three different times that Babylon “deported” the Jews to her strange, foreign land. In 606 BC and in 597 BC and again in 586 BC. The so-called “mass” deportation would have been the one that occurred in 586 BC, then the city of Jerusalem was sacked and the Temple destroyed.

Ezekiel was taken captive in that first raid, in 606 BC. The scholars give 2 Kings 24:14-16 as a proof Text here. “And he (King Nebuchadnezzar) carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land. And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king’s mother, and the king’s wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.”

So … Ezekiel has already been in Babylon for years before the final fall of Jerusalem. Around twenty years, if my math is correct.

Therefore Ezekiel would have been considered among the “intelligentsia” of Judah, at the time! The “cream of the crop,” so to speak. This practice is called “selective deportation,” taking all the potential leaders of a land first! Her most profitable citizens!

Then let me say this, when I think of Ezekiel the word “obedient” surfaces. Seems he did everything God asked of him, for all the years of his ministry!

Some strange (unusual) things too, one might add.

In reality … Ezekiel “acted out” a number of his sermons! Maybe his culture too had become more visually oriented than audibly oriented! Ours certainly has. A sad commentary alone!

And of course we will learn more about Ezekiel the MAN as we study the MESSAGE God delivered through him, chapter after chapter, for a total of 48 chapters in all.

True, a man and his message can never be separated!

Phillips Brooks, an American preacher of bygone years, defined preaching as “God delivering his Word … through human personality!” Not word for word here, but close.

I am excited … about a Book of Scripture thousands of years old!

Let’s learn … together … these next few weeks.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

 

I remember as a teenager being interested in the Book of Ezekiel, particularly the man for whom it is named. What a Prophet of God he was!

And as I tried to read its pages (48 chapters in all) I was impressed what I still think is the most often recurring clause in the Book. (I said clause, not phrase.)

Here it is, God speaking to His people: “And ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

Just now, sitting here at my computer, I have counted 25 times those words appear in Ezekiel! I should say “that string of words.” And I did not count several similar clauses!

God wanted (still does) His children … to KNOW that he is God!

Then I can say, without doubt, that God’s Glory, God’s Essence, God’s Name is of paramount importance!

He, rightly so, does NOT want to be forgotten!

In fact, He WILL NOT be forgotten!

Therefore, beginning tomorrow morning with an introductory lesson about the man Ezekiel, we shall endeavor to traverse the book he left us!

Last Series … Deuteronomy.

This Series … Ezekiel.

From Law to Prophecy!

Sounds exciting!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

We have for several days been discussing Moses as a “picture” or a “foreshadowing” of Christ.

For example, Moses led the Jews to freedom, liberty … out from Egypt and toward Canaan. Jesus also … “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

On one occasion a rebellious Israel was ready to “stone” Moses to death! “And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4) Remember when the crowds also wanted to stone Jesus, attempted to do so in fact? “Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (John 8:59) “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” (John 10:31)

Moses was endowed with an extremely forgiving spirit. Even when Miriam and Aaron rose up against him, Moses was not bitter … but prayed for Miriam’s healing. (God had stricken her with leprosy for her bold words of accusation!) “And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (Numbers 12:13) And Jesus’ forgiveness is monumental! On the Cross even, He prayed: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Both Moses and Jesus are Biblically noted for their faithfulness! (See Hebrews 3:5 of Moses and then Revelation 3:14 of our Lord Jesus.)

Moses was a priest according to Psalm 99:6 … “Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.” Jesus was a Priest, too! Still is, in fact! “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Deuteronomy 33:4-5 calls Moses a King! And Jesus is born “King of the Jews!” (Matthew 2:2)

Moses was a judge as well, Exodus 18:13. And Jesus? “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22)

Moses sent out 12 spies! Jesus sent out 12 Disciples!

Moses needed 70 helpers to aid in his administrative work. Jesus called 70 helpers to assist in preaching the Gospel! “After these things the Lord appointed other SEVENTY also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” (Luke 10:1)

Moses had a few episodes of “holy anger.” So did Jesus … “And when he had looked round about on them with ANGER, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” (Mark 3:5)

Moses fasted, as did Jesus!

Moses, on the Mountain, had a face that glowed! “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE while he talked with him.” (Exodus 34:29) And Jesus was “transfigured” on a mountain as well! See Matthew 17:2.

Moses washed the Priests of Israel with water. Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples with water!

Moses “finished” the work of the tabernacle, Exodus 40:33. And Jesus finished His Work, too. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)

Moses died, still a strong man, Deuteronomy 34:7. Jesus died, still crying “with a loud Voice!” (Matthew 27:50) Jesus voluntarily laid His Life down … for sinners to be saved!

Moses did not leave the Israelites “comfortless,” a capable successor had been trained (Joshua). Jesus did not leave his disciples “comfortless” either! “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16, the Holy Spirit!)

Moses had to die before Israel could enter the Land of Canaan! “Moses my servant is dead; NOW therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.” (Joshua 1:2) Likewise Jesus had to die, before we could enter Canaan, the spirit filled Christian life! “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

One more … maybe.

Moses is recorded as having a “second coming” to earth, appearing with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration, over five centuries after Moses’ natural death! “And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.” (Matthew 17:3) So too will Jesus have a Second Coming to earth some day! “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east.” (Zechariah 14:4)

Wow!

Clearly, Moses is a type of Christ!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

I am trying to share certain points in which Moses well may be a “type” or a “picture” or an “emblem” of our Lord Jesus Christ. And I have discovered there are more of these than I had ever imagined!

Watch Moses identify with his people, the Jews. “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens.” (Exodus 2:11) Now here’s essentially the same heart-felt loyalty expressed about Jesus. “For which cause he (Jesus) was not ashamed to call them brethren.” (Hebrews 2:11)

Both Moses and Jesus relinquished great riches to identify with the poor people they came to serve. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:24-26) And Jesus: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:6) Or maybe better yet: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Both Moses and Jesus were (initially) rejected by their Brethren! Israel to Moses: “Who made thee a ruler over us?” (Acts 7:27) Israel to Jesus: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11)

Watch both men sitting on wells! And each well was outside the area where the Jews were living, on foreign soil! “But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” (Exodus 2:15) Our Lord: “Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well.” (John 4:5-6)

Both men were shepherds! See Exodus 3:1 and John 10:16.

Both men also spend many years in obscurity. Moses 40 years in the desert, and Jesus 30 years at home in (despised) Nazareth!

Both men worked miracles!

Both men either already have or will wield mighty rods of power! Moses’ rod is well known. And when Jesus comes again … “I (God the Father) shall give thee (God the Son) the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a ROD of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (Psalm 2:8-9)

Others similarities exist which I have not discerned, I am sure.

But surely these are enough to prove, that even in Moses’ middle years, he was a type of our Saviour.

The Lord willing, tomorrow, the last third of Moses’ life.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

You know what?

We Christians today are supposed to be “like Jesus” in many ways!