Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Ezekiel 25 - Addressing Israel's Neighbors

Ezekiel begins a new section of his book with his prophecies regarding the surrounding nations. They gloated over Israel's demise, and took it as a lesson that their gods were more powerful than the God of Israel.  God declares that they will soon receive their due punishment as well.

Ezekiel 24b - Forbidden to Mourn

We learn of the tragic passing of the prophet's wife, and God instructs him not to mourn publicly.  This sets the example for the people who are about to hear of the destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 24a - The Boiling Cauldron

The day of the siege of Jerusalem has begun.  God compares the people of Judah to the blood and guts of an animal to be boiled in a pot.  The wrath of God is now lighting the flame that will destroy the city.

Ezekiel 23b - The Sisters Follow the Same Sad Path

God is clearly frustrated, and sees no path forward other than destruction.  Judah has followed the same destructive path as her "big sister" Israel.  They have chosen the other nations over God, immorality over justice.  Their very "lovers" are now going to come and destroy them. 

Ezekiel 23a - Two Lustful Sisters

Ezekiel compares the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah to two disloyal and lustful sisters.  They never learned the lessons God tried to teach them from their early days in Egypt.  Instead they desired everything else but God.  The places they lusted after, ended up being the source of their downfall.

Ezekiel 22b - The Refiner's Crucible

Ezekiel is exasperated, the destruction of Jerusalem is imminent, but he wants us to know exactly what led to this terrible end.  Corruption, taking advantage of one another, lust for profit, God can no longer find anyone who is ready or able to turn things around.

Ezekiel 22a - Little Sins Lead to Big Ones

Ezekiel has given up on the people listening to his message, but he wants it to be clear what is going to happen to Jerusalem and why.  He lists the sins of Jerusalem.  It starts with talebearing and gossip and xenophobia, and ends with death and bloodshed.

Ezekiel 21b - A Tragic Fork in the Road

God tells Ezekiel about two paths of destruction that lay ahead of the Babylonian conquerors.  The lackadaisical attitude of the King of Babylon is striking.  Whom should I kill first?  The King of Babylon decides to head to Jerulsalem first, but the destruction of Ammon is not far behind.

Ezekiel 21a - The Sharpened Sword

Ezekiel tries again with a parable that falls flat.  The people dismiss him as just another storyteller, so he says it like it is.  The sword is about to fall against Jerusalem.  The sword has been polished and sharpoened by god Himself, and given to the hands of the oppressors.  The coming destruction is so awful, God Himself is clapping His hands in grief.  God so sadly asks His prophet,  "do I have a choice?"

Ezekiel 20b - God Cleans the House

God declares His wrath over the many generations of Israel that have consistently veered from the path He desired from them.  Too many times they have defiled His name with the most disgusting of practices.  They will be scattered among the nations, and they will be cleansed.  One day the remaining people will be gathered, but only those from whom God can build a righteous nation.