Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Ezekiel 27 - International Commerce Collapses

Ezekiel dramatically describes how Tyre became great due to all the many nations they traded with and took advantage of. However, they took all the credit themselves. It is so important to remember that we all depend upon each other. No one achieves greatness without the help of others.

Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy to Tyre

Ezekiel turns his attention to Tyre, a powerful and ancient island kingdom to the north of Israel.  The relationship between Tyre and Israel goes back many centuries, and at times they were close allies.  However, during the destruction of Judea, Tyre rejoiced, and anticipated the day they could join and take the spoils of Jerusalem for themselves.

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.