I made a little booklet once, calling it a compilation of “Pauline-isms!” Quaint sayings, unusual phrases or clauses, from the mouth of the greatest statesman Christianity has ever had, since Jesus anyway.
I am tempted to try the same approach to Ezekiel! What might they be called, “Ezekiel-isms?” He certainly had a way with words, or else was a good stenographer, recording God’s Speeches, Sermons word-for-word.
If I ever pursue that endeavor, Ezekiel chapter 30, will have several “entries.” And that’s the way I’ve decided to study it today, all 26 verses.
Even the first verse is interesting! “The word of the LORD came AGAIN unto me, saying ….” The use of that adverb, “again,” is thrilling! For God Almighty to speak “once” is an underserved blessing! To be such a seasoned “hearer” of His Words that one merely says “again” is beyond description! (Especially when you consider that King Saul of Israel begged and begged God for a single word, to no avail! In his last days he did, God remaining completely silent!)
This “quote” too, an announcement about Egypt’s coming day of great judgment! “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, WOE WORTH THE DAY!” Verse 2, for the notebook, “WOE WORTH THE DAY!” In Hebrew, literally, “Woe TO the day.” And what a terrible day it must have been, was! (Egypt to this day is still a “has-been” Country!)
And God as a weather Man! “For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, A CLOUDY DAY; it shall be the time of the heathen.” Verse 3, “A CLOUDY DAY,” the very smoke and dust of battle playing a big part in it, I believe.
God is not only going to demolish (sinful, Jew hating) Egypt, but also her allies … “Thus saith the LORD; They also THAT UPHOLD EGYPT shall fall.” Whereas conversely, those who BLESS Israel will BE BLESSED of the dear Lord! (Genesis 12:1-3, among many other places.)
And God even names the aggressor He plans to bring against Egypt, before the battle begins! “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of NEBUCHADREZZAR king of Babylon. He and his people with him, THE TERRIBLE (ONE) OF THE NATIONS, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.” Verses 10-11, did you catch that nickname? “THE TERRIBLE OF THE NATIONS!”
Geography again: “And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.” Verse 13, with “No” being the city of Thebes, sort of the capital of Upper Egypt. By the way, the “ruins” of “Pathros” (the overall area of “Upper Egypt”) are still a major tourist attraction in Egypt, God’s Word having been fulfilled to the letter!
And Memphis (Egypt) is promised: “Noph shall have DISTRESSES daily.” Verse 16, “enemies, troubles, afflictions, straits,” and all “daily!” While God’s people can enjoy “peace which passeth all understanding!” (Philippians 4:7)
Last today, Verses 21-24, God in the medical business, orthopedics to be exact! “Son of man (God’s term of endearment for Ezekiel), I have BROKEN THE ARM of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller (bandage) to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and WILL BREAK HIS ARMS (plural now), the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. And I WILL STRENGTHEN THE ARMS of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I WILL BREAK PHARAOH’S ARMS, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man.”
Wow!
“Ezekiel-isms” for sure!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
The moral of the Lesson today … GOD JUDGES SIN, wherever it is found. In lowly individuals … or in mighty Nations! “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Deuteronomy 32:23, making me thankful that there is “forgiveness” in Jesus, through His shed Blood.