Ezekiel 24-27

In chapter 24 Ezekiel is instructed to use a parable to illustrate how the people of God have sinned. Sometimes we have to see what we are doing from a different perspective to understand how others may view it. He says He tried to cleanse them of lewdness, but they would not be cleansed. Then we see how the Lord told Ezekiel that He was going to take his wife (the delight of your eyes). He wanted him not to mourn openly but to show his strength was by trusting in God. Many times we will not understand what the Lord is doing. That's where trust in Him is so important. He does have a plan, even when we don't see it.

In chapters 25 & 26 we see how God feels about other nations that delight in seeing the people of God turn from Him. These are nations that are instrumental in leading them to wander from God. He is very specific in handling them in order that they may understand God's power and in and through His action His people will realize the error of their ways and return to Him.

In chapter 27 we see a lament for Tyre. Being a prophet is not a job that won them many friends. A lament is a chant usually for mourning at funerals. Since the prophecy has not happened yet it is likely to upset them, like having a funeral before the death of a powerful, healthy person. Tyre was the largest seaport for trade in the region. They had joined a coalition of states to throw of Babylonian siege and rule. God had ordered King Nebuchadnezzar's steps at this time. Their throwing off the Babylonian yoke was against God's plan. With great power comes great responsibility. We should keep ourselves in a position to seek God's kingdom first and everything else will fall in order. It will help us interpret the times in which we live. That will keep us from getting into trouble with the Lord.