EZEKIEL

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A lesson on the history of two kings of Israel. A lamentation, a funeral dirge. They are mostly identified as Jehoahaz (Jehovah has grasped, or sustains) and Jehoiachin (Yahweh will uphold). According to the meaning of their names they should have experienced the blessing and protection of Jehovah. However, they continued the abominations that were so common to Israel and consequently lost the Divine protection of Jehovah. Jehoahaz was taken captive by Egypt. Jehoiachin, by Babylon. Once again we encounter the strong message sent by Ezekiel and that is, Israel never seemed to be able to comprehend, that if they forsake the Lord and go after other gods, He will forsake them and they would become extremely vulnerable to being taken captive by heathen nations. Eze. 19:1-9

Next we come to the history of the nation from the stand point of the Lord. Eze. 19:10-14 He saw them as the descendents of a mother greatly blessed of the Lord. Planted by the waters, she had become exceedingly fruitful and had grown into a great tree, a people, in the land. This immense tree was the source of strong rods or leaders who were powerful men in the Lord. Men such as Moses and Aaron whose rods were demonstrated as rods of power before the Egyptians. Ex. 7:9 Then there is the miracle of Aaron’s rod and its demonstration of life and fruitfulness all taking place in one night. A symbol of the Godhead. It budded, blossomed and bore fruit in one night. One rod, three miraculous actions. Added to that was the scepter, the sign of authority and power which the Lord bestowed upon the kings of Israel. That scepter is now to be found in a person, the Lord Jesus. The prophecy. Gen. 49:10 The fulfillment, a kingdom of righteousness. Heb. 1:8

What a powerful nation they would have become had they but followed the Lord. The key to a people blessed of the Lord is to do His will, both then and now. Their actions were so obnoxious to the Lord that He was forced into a denial of marital relationship with them. She is not my wife. Hos. 2:2 The Lord in utter disgust issued a bill of divorcement and put Israel away. Isa. 50:1 The words of the Lord through Ezekiel verify the judgments of the Lord which came upon them because of their vile actions in worshipping other gods, who are not gods. The great tree plucked up by the roots, in anger and fury, cast down, withered and utterly consumed by fire. Their kingdom, their God appointed and Divinely anointed leadership destroyed all because they forsook the Lord. The volume of their wickedness had reach such a great measure that the Lord could no longer tolerate such extreme actions. There is an end to His patience.

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