Nov 2, 2024
EZEKIEL 38-39:
Yesterday we heard the famous ‘dry bones’
chapter of Ezekiel. Again the prophecy is that David will rule over
the nation of Israel, which is like a nation of bones brought back
to life. The references to David of course point to his heir,
Christ.
Starting in this chapter we hear of the kingdoms of Gog and Magog. These names point to future kingdoms in the north (in Turkey or farther north). Like Ezekiel’s prophecies against the kings of Tyre and Babylon, Gog and Magog point to spiritual entities beyond this world, and we will hear those names coming up again in Revelation. I doubt that these names pointed to a specific kingdom in Ezekiel’s day, but if they did, the knowledge about that is lost.
ISAIAH 15:
Yesterday’s reading in Isaiah started out like
Ezekiel, talking of Israel’s return from exile and slavery. Then we
heard another portion where the king of Babylon is clearly
portraying Satan. That section starts with these words:
Is.
14:12 NLT “How you are fallen from heaven,
O
shining star, son of the morning!
You
have been thrown down to the earth,
you
who destroyed the nations of the world.
13
For you said to yourself,
‘I
will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s
stars.
…
HEBREWS 10b:
In
the first part of chapter 10, the writer is still speaking of the
advantages and greater glory of the new covenant, proving this with
a reference to Psalm 40 and returning to the extended quote from
Jeremiah 31.
NLT translation notes:
37
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not
delay.
38 And my righteous ones will
live by [fully believing in Me//faith]. But I will take no pleasure
in anyone who turns away.”
39
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own
destruction. We are the [fully believing//faithful] ones, whose
souls will be saved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.