Ezekiel 40:28 — We’re continuing to measure the Temple today. There’s many fascinating models of the Temple of Ezekiel on the internet, and many strange theories.
Ezekiel 40:38 — Burnt offering? In the eschatological future? Yes, we’ll see more about the sacrifices in Ezekiel 44-46.
Ezekiel 41:26 — Your pastor probably hasn’t preached in depth through this chapter. But imagine if you’re Ezekiel and you were told to document this building, but not much else.
Peter tells us that the prophets were studying what they themselves had prophesied because they didn’t understand the things they saw, heard, or said (1 Peter 1:10-12). Ezekiel’s prophecy wasn’t for him but for generations to come. The Messianic prophecies that were hidden became revealed in Peter’s day!
James 4:1 — More conduct unbecoming a Christian. Internal disputes rooted in lusts, deadly desires, fruitless fighting, and asking amiss. This is a worldly system that says that being on top is closer to God (James 4:4). God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
James 4:8 — You can be as close to God as you want to be.
James 4:15 — Ever hear someone say, “Lord willing we will do this?” This verse is the root of that. It’s an application of Solomon’s message in Ecclesiastes – life is vanity, a vapor. Don’t start with your plans and consider God later; rather, start with the certainty of God and the possibility of your plans.
James 4:17 — And if you thought you had enough sins to remember, James just upped the ante above the entire 613 laws of the Old Testament! In this passage he declares that abstaining to do any good act is sin. The New Testament is not introducing an Age of Grace that ignores the Law; rather, it is the Age of Grace empowering us to finally obey the Law!
Ezekiel 39:1 — Notice the repeat from the previous chapter (similar to Genesis 1 and Genesis 2). From EnduringWord.com:
In Hebrew literature it was common to give an account and then to repeat it to give emphasis and a few additional details. Ezekiel 39:1-8 is a summary of what was described in Ezekiel 38.
Ezekiel 39:2 — Notice the size of the destruction: 83% of the army is wiped out! It will take seven years to burn the captured weapons (Ezekiel 39:9)! Why would they burn the weapons?
Usually weapons left by a defeated enemy would be added to the victor’s cache of arms. After all, there would be other battles to fight. The war against Gog was to be no ordinary war. It will be the final battle, whose conclusion will make armaments obsolete.”
Ezekiel 39:22 — Again one of the 80 times we read that God acts so that people can know He is the LORD their God! Give God your attention and your obedience before He has to compel it!
Ezekiel 40 — Here’s a 3D Model of the Temple (this really helps when reading the chapter):
James 2:21 — Martin Luther famously referred to James as “a right strawy epistle,” because you like him may have run into people that claim James teaches “justification by works.” Let’s see what James means by “works.” James did not say Abraham was justified by the amount he gave to Melchizedek in tithes or in his lifetime of good deeds, but James points to one solitary action. Let’s look at how this incident is recorded across Scripture:
Genesis 22:1-2 – “God did tempt Abraham … offer him there for a burnt offering”
Hebrews 11:17 – “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac”
James 2:21 – “Abraham … justified by works, when he had offered Isaac”
God tried Abraham, Abraham had faith in God, and Abraham proved his faith by obedience.
If you want to say (in spite of cross-referencing) that James is saying you can be justified by doing generic good works, let’s look at the key text that says you can work your way to heaven: Leviticus 18:5. “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.” Moses repeats it in Deuteronomy 4:1. The prophets come back to this theme (Nehemiah 9:29, Isaiah 55:3, Ezekiel 18:9, Ezekiel 20:11, Ezekiel 20:13). Jesus reiterated there is life for those who keep the commandments (Luke 10:28). Paul echoes it as well (Romans 10:5, Galatians 3:12).
If you want to be saved by the Law and claim James as your proof text, then you better backup to James 2:10 that we read yesterday and remind yourself that you better keep all 613 laws perfectly for your entire life! See Romans 3:23 before attempting!
James 3:8 — James compares the tongue to a bridle for a horse (James 3:3), a rudder for a ship (James 3:4), and a fire (James 3:5-6). It can bless God and curse men (James 3:9). As James says, if you claim to be a Christian, you should act like a Christian (James 3:10).
Proverbs 28:2 — Bureaucrats are part of the judgment of the land. There are over 2 million employees of the U.S. government, not counting the postal service or the military. If you are a government employee, Solomon is not saying your work is bad. He’s saying that many federal jobs would be unnecessary if this were a nation of righteous people (there are 105,000 full time federal law enforcement officers alone).
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Ezekiel 37:3 — Ezekiel didn’t have the answers but was full of obedience (Ezekiel 37:7). Contrast this humble servant to the arrogant rebel Jonah who was full of answers (Jonah 4:2) but didn’t have obedience (Jonah 1:3).
Ezekiel 37:12 — Further on in this chapter we’ll read about the coming King (Ezekiel 37:24). When that King made a way for man to connect to God (Matthew 27:51), this passage was literally fulfilled (Matthew 27:52). The bones came together (Ezekiel 37:7), breath came into them (Ezekiel 37:10), the graves opened, and they came out into the land of Israel (Ezekiel 37:12).
Ezekiel 37:19 — This is the “two sticks prophecy.” What does it mean? Does it refer to the union of the people who will reign with Christ with those who will dwell on the New Earth as the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach? Does it refer to the union of the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or LDS) teaches? Does it refer to the union of non-Jewish believers and Jewish believers under Torah observance? Does it refer to two Jewish nations that will exist in the Tribulation as Jimmy DeYoung teaches? I’m inclined to see it partially fulfilled in the post-Exilic Israel. God gathered them together into the one nation, but I don’t think it was fully fulfilled because the King has not yet come (Ezekiel 37:22).
Ezekiel 37:24 — Ezekiel often repeats his key themes. The end fulfillment will be David the King ruling over Israel dwelling in their land (Ezekiel 37:25), as part of an everlasting covenant (Ezekiel 37:26), faithful to the LORD (Ezekiel 37:27). This hasn’t happened yet; there is no King in Israel. King Alexander Jannaeus of the Hasmonean Dynasty in the first century BC reclaimed much of the land, but he illegally combined the office of King and Priest. Additionally, he was by no means identified as a peacemaker (Ezekiel 37:26).
Ezekiel 38:2 — What is this battle of Gog and Magog? From Jimmy DeYoung:
In verse 2, “Magog” is modern-day Russia, “Meshech and Tubal” along with “Gomer and Togarmah”, in verse 6 is present-day Turkey. “Persia” in verse 5 is Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The other two names, “Ethiopia and Libya”, are also nations that will join the “alignment” to attack Israel.
These nations make up the “who” in this passage. The “when” is revealed to us in two verses, verses 8 and 11. These verses speak of the time when the Jewish people come back into the land in the last days and are “dwelling safely” in the land. They also will be living in “unwalled villages”.
Both terms are referring to a time when there is “peace” in the land. It will not be the time when Jesus has brought “peace” but a time of a “pseudo-peace” one that will be a “short-lived” peace. This “peace” comes when the Antichrist has established a “peace” in the land, which is in the very beginning of the Tribulation.
The “what” is the unfolding of the war to destroy the Jewish people and take the “land” that God has given the Jews. As these nations attack Israel, God intercedes, verses 18 to 23. Couple this with the verses found in Ezekiel 39, verses 1 to 6, and you come to an understanding that the Lord protects His “Chosen People”.
Ezekiel 38:22 — How will God judge Gog & Magog? Similar to how He judged Sodom and Gomorrah – with fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24, Luke 17:29). The earthly judgment is but a foreshadowing of the eternal Lake of Fire and brimstone (Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10, Revelation 21:8).
James 1:21 — The best illustration of “superfluity of naughtiness” was from an evangelist who told about a new intern on his team, who was tasked with emptying the sewage tank on the evangelist’s RV. If you haven’t dumped an RV, it is an interesting experience! Apparently the hose wasn’t connected properly, and gallons of raw sewage poured out over the new intern, covering him in a “superfluity of naughtiness!” It’s a vivid picture of the despicableness of sin.
James 1:22 – James points out some behaviors are incompatible with the Christian life:
Lazy listeners (James 1:22)
Loose tongues (James 1:26)
Leaving the fatherless and widows (James 1:27)
Leaning to the rich (James 2:1)
James 2:10 — There were 613 laws under the Torah. James declares that we can keep 612 of the commandments perfectly, and yet still break the entire Law!
James 2:14 — James declared in James 2:10 that we cannot keep the Law. Those who try to be saved by works fall greatly short. We are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:5). But a person who displays behaviors incompatible with the Christian life needs to go back to the warning passages of Hebrews and realize that Jesus said we can know a Christian by his fruits (Matthew 7:15). James is reiterating what Jesus said, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18).
James 2:17 — Jesus said “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit” (faith without works) “is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). We are commanded to bear much fruit (John 15:8). This is why we were created (Ephesians 2:10). But we cannot do good works without the antecedent of faith, for our good works are but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). The proof that we have turned from sin to Christ is that we Bring Forth Fruit!
Psalm 117:1 — Worship need not always be long, but it should be frequent! Reminds me of 1 John 4:9 – Why do we love Him? Because He first loved us!
Proverbs 28:1 — We need some Christians that are bold as a lion to take the news of Jesus to people everywhere!
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Ezekiel 35:2 – Why is God focusing on the Edomites (the residents of Mount Seir)? From EnduringWord.com:
Alexander noted a long history of conflict between the Edomites and the kings of Israel (and Judah), during the reigns of: Saul (1 Samuel 14:47), Solomon (1 Kings 11:14–22), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1–23), Jehoram (2 Kings 8:21), Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:17).
Jordan Rift Valley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Israel#/media/File:Yarden_0182.JPG
Ezekiel 36:4 – There is something special about being in the land of the Bible. I’m proud to be an American, but America doesn’t possess a land that was prophesied to her. The Old Testament is full of descriptions of mountains (518x), hills (136x), rivers (247x), valleys (166x), even wastes (88x). The Old Testament is rooted in geography, and there is no better way to study the land of the Bible than in the land of the Bible!
The Lord even promises the Jews that the land they return to in the last days will be better than it was in the days of their forefathers, verse 11. By doing these things, for the Jews, with His promised land, they shall know that He is the Lord and they shall turn to Him.
Each year, around May 14, the Jewish people celebrate the “birthday” of the Jewish State of Israel and the productivity of the land He has given these Jewish people. This celebration of God’s work in fulfilling His promises about the “land of Israel” has been a witness to the entire world …
It’s not because of Israel or Judah that the Lord does what He does, but for “His Holy names sake.” By the way, that is why He does anything for each of us, as well, for “His Holy names sake.”
Ezekiel 36:26 – This verse is almost a repeat of Ezekiel 11:29. God’s not promising rehabilitation but transformation! He’s giving us the power of His Spirit to obey His statutes (Ezekiel 36:27)! Throughout the Old Testament we see disobedience after disobedience. Now we can walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
James 1:5 – This verse is often the hasty prayer of the student who has neglected his studies, yet too many adults neglect this passage when needing wisdom. We don’t need Dr. Phil, Dr. Laura, or Oprah giving us wisdom! We need the LORD’s wisdom!
James 1:9-10 – Matthew 23:12, Proverbs 29:23, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14, James 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:6 all teach that the humble are exalted, and the exalted are humbled. Flip through the television channels and you’ll find that American culture prizes the fastest athletes, the winning politicians, the famous Kardashians, the people who get the most screen time, etc. God’s priorities are completely opposite.
James 1:12 – There are five crowns that are possible for believers to receive:
Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:25 – for the faithful
Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – for the witness
Crown of life – James 1:12 – for the tempted
Crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8 – for the watching
Crown of glory – 1 Peter 5:4 – for the pastors
James 1:14 – Don’t boast in the fact that you are not tempted to drink, steal, commit fornication, etc., if you are tempted to view pornography, lie, and be proud. James warns us that we are “… drawn away by (our) own desires and enticed.” (NKJV) A pastor referred to these as “designer lusts,” i.e. custom designed lusts to hit our weak points! Beware! They bring forth death (James 1:15)!
Psalm 116:6 – Speaking of the low – God helps those who are low!
While clinging to a life raft, Zamperini prayed for one of the first times in his life: “God, if I survive this ordeal and get back to America alive, I’ll seek You and serve You.”
[Four years after the war,] For the first time in years, Zamperini remembered the promise he made to God when he was floating in the south Pacific.
“My life passed before my eyes, and I saw an ugly life,” Zamperini said. “Yes, I had a lot of great times. A lot of great experiences, and a lot of escapes from death, but I still didn’t like my life after the war. It was terrible.”
That night in L.A., Zamperini went forward and accepted Christ, and the biggest miracle of his life was set in motion.
Proverbs 27:23 – The Son of the Shepherd King knew the importance of managing flocks. Whether a pastor, manager, or parent, this is a command for all of us.
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Ezekiel 33:7 — This echoes Ezekiel 3:17. The challenge of this passage using the watchmen as an example is actually an expansion from the five verses of Ezekiel 3:17-21 to the nine verses in Ezekiel 33:1-9. The question is, though, does this warning apply to us today?
The Temple laws of Moses were specific to a certain people and a certain building. The warning of Ezekiel to Tyre and Egypt were specific to a certain people at a certain time, but this passage is different. Ezekiel is given by God a universal principal and not a ceremonial command. Ezekiel was specifically appointed a watchman to Israel, but the context implies that there are others who could be called watchmen as well. In contrast to those that say the church is not responsible for the Great Commission, we have the same message that Ezekiel had, but to a different people and a different time.
The wicked shall die (Ezekiel 33:8)
The “righteous” will die as well (Ezekiel 33:12-13)
Turning (Repentance) saves from death (Ezekiel 33:11)
Our sins can be blotted out (Ezekiel 11:16)
Ezekiel 33:17 — Jeffrey Dahmer was one of the worst serial killers. Sodomized, murdered, dismembered, and cannibalized 17 men and boys over 13 years. Found legally sane.
On July 22nd, 1991, he was caught. He said “For what I did I should be dead.” Over the next two weeks, he confessed to everything. Shortly after he asked for a Bible. He sought legal help from a prominent Christian lawyer in the area. According to his father, books from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) led him from evolution to the Creator and then to becoming a born again Christian. Yes, it is possible for the wicked to live, and the righteous to die (Ezekiel 33:18-19)!
Ezekiel 33:24 — Israel was trusting in their strength, yet God was judging them for their sin!
Ezekiel 33:25 — In both the Old (Genesis 9:4) and New Testaments (Acts 15:29) God has condemned the eating of blood. The sins that Israel committed (Ezekiel 33:26-27) were universal – condemned in both Testaments.
Ezekiel 33:32 — Be a doer and not just a hearer (James 1:22)!
Ezekiel 34:17 — The Lord GOD (Yahweh Adonai) declares that He, the Shepherd of the flock, will judge between the rams and the goats. What did Jesus say in Matthew 25:32? He said that He would “… separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats …” Jesus claimed to be the Yahweh Adonai of Ezekiel 34:17. Now why wasn’t He stoned for this? Because it was told to the disciples privately (Matthew 24:3) as part of the Olivet Discourse. Those who had followed their rabbi, Y’shua, would not betray Him, save one.
Ezekiel 34:23 — Who is the Shepherd? David, the Shepherd King who wrote of the Lord as Shepherd (Psalm 23), was dead. In John 10:11, Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd. The Shepherd of Ezekiel 34:23 is prophesied to come, but in this passage is not identified with the LORD as it was in Ezekiel 34:17. Interestingly, this a-divine (not divine, nor anti-divine) claim of identification was made to the Pharisees (John 9:40).
Ezekiel 34:30-31 — This echoes Psalm 100:3 – we should know that the LORD is God, that we are His people, and that we are the sheep of His pasture!
Hebrews 13:2 — The Epistles contain many hard to understand statements about angels. We shall judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). The reason for head coverings is because of angels (1 Corinthians 11:10). We might be secretly visited by angels (Hebrews 13:2). We understand things angels don’t (1 Peter 1:12).
Also note the wide variety of people covered in this one chapter:
Hebrews 13:23 — The Pulpit Commentary thinks that this shows Hebrews was written by Dr. Luke:
It is observable that the word ἀπολύεσθαι, which does not occur in St. Paul’s writings, is, like so many expressions throughout the Epistle, one usual with St. Luke (Luke 22:68; Luke 23:16, etc.; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21; where it expresses release from prison or captivity). He uses it also for dismissal of persons on a mission (Acts 13:3; Acts 15:30); and hence one view is that Timothy’s having already set out to visit the Church addressed is all that is here meant.
Ezekiel 31:10 — God hates pride in case you haven’t noticed. Daniel uses the same phrase (“… lifted up thyself …”) when speaking of God’s judgment against Belshazzar (Daniel 5:23).
Ezekiel 32:7 — When will these events be? Ezekiel doesn’t say, but looking at other passages we can tell. Isaiah 13:10 talks about the Day of the LORD when the moon will not give its light. Matthew 24:29 says that this immediately follows the Great Tribulation.
Hebrews 12:15 — What do we know about this root of bitterness?
It’s crafty – people don’t see it unless they know what they’re looking for
It’s costly – taking away the grace of God
It’s concerning – “trouble you”
It’s corrupting – “many be defiled”
Hebrews 12:24 — Why is Jesus better? An ignorant beast that touched the Holy Mountain of Moses was to be stoned. Now, we are invited to the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22).
Psalm 113:3 — I need to spend more time praising the LORD!
Psalm 113:6 — We pride ourselves on how big of a position we have attained on earth. The LORD “humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!”
Psalm 114:7 — We need a return to the fear of the LORD.
Proverbs 27:18 — Are we faithful in our service to our master?
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Ezekiel 29:1 — Did you notice the precision of Ezekiel’s dates? Continual references to the “Xth” year, in the “Yth” month, in the “Zth” day of the month. This is a formal dating system used at least 15 times in the Bible; twelve of those times are found in Ezekiel and none in Isaiah. This may be rooted in Ezekiel’s priestly heritage as opposed to Isaiah’s non-priestly heritage. Was the priest in exile careful to follow the details and dates of the Mosaic feasts?
Ezekiel 29:6 — Speaking of common phrases in Ezekiel, 51 of the 57 times that the phrase “shall know that I am the LORD” occurs in the Old Testament, it occurs in Ezekiel. We’ll see it 19 more times in this book. Compare this to the priestly declarations in Leviticus – 45 times we find the phrase “I am the LORD” as a justification (the reason why) for the laws that He created. Now 850 years later, God is using this as a justification for His judgment. The priests (representing God to man) had taught the Law as a way to know the LORD; now, 850 years later, they are teaching the judgments because people did not know the LORD.
Ezekiel 29:12 — Ellicott contends that Nebuchadnezzar sent the Egyptians captive to Babylon.
Ezekiel 30:15 — Sin in this verse is a geographical location (Sinai Peninsula) as opposed to a theological declaration.
Sin (“bush”). [1] A city on the eastern side of the Nile (Ezek. 30:15, 16). It is possibly Pelusium; but is also identified with Syene, which is present-day Aswan at the first cataract of the Nile. [2] A wilderness area located between the Gulf of Suez and Sinai (Ex. 16:1; Num. 33:11, 12).
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), lxvii.
Hebrews 11:32 — Jephthah and Samson were some of the less thrilling biblical judges, yet they were used by God in the same way as Gideon and David were!
Hebrews 11:33 — We have a godly legacy of heroes who wrought great exploits and suffered great losses (Hebrews 11:36-37). They lived by faith, and we can be glad for the Faith of our Fathers.
Hebrews 12:1-2 — How do we respond after we’ve walked through the Hall of Faith? Follow their example, run our race, look to Jesus, and ask God to make us a faithful man as well. This song is from our friend, Patch the Pirate, who named the tune after a pastor from Wisconsin that he respected for his faithful stand for the Bible.
Hebrews 12:8 — This is some of the harshest language in the Bible, yet it conveys a scary truth. If you are sinning on your race and God does not chastise you, you are an illegitimate son. John Bunyan paints a harsh scene of whipping in Pilgrim’s Progress for Christian when he was deceived off the path.
Psalm 112:1 — What does a modern day faithful man of Hebrews 12:1-2 look like? One that fears the LORD and delights in His commandments. Read through this Psalm and see the blessings that come to the faithful man.
Proverbs 27:17 — How does a faithful man stay sharp? With faithful friends! From Earl Martin:
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Ezekiel 27:3 — Tyre was the World Trade Center of its day. “A merchant of the people for many isles.” Forty-two different places are listed in this chapter that had commerce in Tyre. Oftentimes, biblical passages don’t strike us because the places are unfamiliar. That’s okay because Ezekiel was not writing to 21st-century Americans; he was writing to 6th-century-BC Greater Mesopotamian Jews! The closest we can get to understanding what this would be like is if someone at the turn of the last millennium prophesied that the commercial hub of the world, New York City, would be destroyed in such a way that all the inhabitants would be astonished (Ezekiel 27:35).
Ezekiel 28:2 — There is a clear difference between God and man. That is why the deity of Jesus Christ is so important, and why religions from Anthroposophy to Zen Buddhism deny the deity of Jesus. Jesus made divine claims about Himself. The best resource on this topic is the book Putting Jesus in His Place. God is a jealous God and will not share His glory with another (Exodus 34:14), and so …
The city of Tyre was the recipient of some of the strongest prophetic condemnations in the Bible (Isaiah 23:1–18; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:1–11; Ezekiel 26:1–28:19; Joel 3:4–8; Amos 1:9-10).
Ezekiel 28:14 — Wait a minute! How is the king of Tyre an anointed cherub in the holy mountain of God, perfect at creation? This isn’t the sarcasm of Ezekiel 28:3. This seems to be a prophetic jump (see Isaiah 7:14) where the prophet jumps from the temporal to comparing them to events that shook eternity, i.e. the fall of Lucifer.
Hebrews 11:17 — In contrast to Tyre and Lucifer who thought it wasn’t fair to be less than God, Abraham didn’t care about whether it was fair to be asked for “his only begotten son.” This is the same phrase used in John 3:16 and elsewhere in John’s writings to show how Abraham’s action was a foreshadowing of God’s action.
Hebrews 11:28 — The Passover is a seemingly weird ritual. Publicly marking your house with blood? Yet, Moses was rewarded for his faithfulness in keeping the Passover.
Psalm 111:1 — Why does the Psalmist say “my whole heart?” Perhaps as you look around during the song portion of your church service you will notice people singing without their “whole heart.” Perhaps you’ve even caught yourself – the music is familiar and your mind is elsewhere. Praise the LORD with your whole heart, not just Sunday but everyday!
Psalm 111:8 — The commands of God, preserved in His Word, shall stand fast for ever and ever! Yes, the Bible stands!
Proverbs 27:15 — A “contentious woman” is compared to a “continual dropping.” From Forever Be Sure:
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Ezekiel 24:2 — EnduringWord.com compares this date to 9-11 – nation-changing and unforgettable! They note this date is also recorded in 2 Kings 25:1, Jeremiah 39:1, and Jeremiah 52:4. John MacArthur identifies this as January 15, 588 BC.
Ezekiel 24:6 — The key to Ezekiel 24:3-13 is this word “scum.” “Scum” is used 5 times in the next 7 verses. Webster’s Dictionary 1828 identifies it as “the extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquors in boiling.” God is purging Jerusalem with Babylon, and He’s having Ezekiel demonstrate it with a pot. Job used a more pleasant metaphor – removing the dross from gold (Job 23:10). Though dross is a less offensive word than scum today, it refers to the same concept. This process of refining metals is referred to in Psalm 66:10, Proverbs 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:2-3 and 1 Peter 1:7. The Old Testament refers to dross 8 times (Psalm 119:119, Proverbs 25:4, Proverbs 26:23, Isaiah 1:22, Isaiah 1:25, and Ezekiel 22:18-19.) Basically, Jerusalem has a wicked heart (Proverbs 26:23), and God is trying to remove the wickedness from her. He will not repent (Ezekiel 24:14).
Ezekiel 24:18 — Ezekiel’s wife was taken by the LORD. Jeremiah was denied a wife (Jeremiah 16:2). Hosea was told to marry a prostitute (Hosea 1:2). Job’s kids were taken by permission of the LORD (Job 1:19). Fairness isn’t a concern of the LORD. Holiness is (Romans 8:28-29). Whatever God has for you to do – praise the LORD (Job 1:21).
Ezekiel 25:3 — Don’t interfere when the LORD is judging another. Schadenfreude is not part of God’s plan of holiness for you.
Ezekiel 26:4 — This was prophesied in 587 BC and fulfilled in multiple steps. EnduringWord.com talks about Nebuchadnezzar’s 13-year siege from 586-573 BC, the Persian conquest in 525 BC, and Alexander the Great’s destruction in 332 BC. Alexander’s Siege of Tyre was quite dramatic, ending with 8,000 civilians massacred and 30,000 residents being sold into slavery.
Hebrews 11:4 — We have entered the Hall of Faith! It houses those who are marked by the following of one of Paul’s three cardinal virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Peter said faith in God’s Word is better than hearing God’s voice (2 Peter 1:19). Faith is powerful – they believed that there was a God and it was worth serving Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Psalm 110:1 — We just read Hebrews 1:13 that quotes Psalm 110:1, and Hebrews 5:6 that quotes Psalm 110:4. The Psalmist who wrote this probably didn’t know what he was writing about (1 Peter 1:11), yet we now have it revealed to us! The King (Psalm 110:1) is an eternal priest (Psalm 110:4). Uzziah was cursed with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:19) for trying to be a Priest-King (2 Chronicles 26:18). This is truly a mystery that has been solved for us in Hebrews!
Proverbs 27:14 — Wait until your friend has had his morning coffee before talking to him!
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Ezekiel 23:3 — This graphic description of Judah & Samaria’s unfaithfulness identifies a root in Egypt. EnduringWord.com notes:
While they were still in Egypt, God told Israel to forsake the Egyptian idols – and they did not (Ezekiel 20:5-8). As previously noted in Ezekiel 20, there were several evidences of Israel’s idolatry in Egypt:
The worship of the olden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1-6).
Joshua 24:14 made reference to their idolatry in Egypt
Jeroboam’s choice of golden calves as objects of worship (1 Kings 12:26-33).
Ezekiel 23:39 — The same day they had slain their children for idols, they came into the Lord’s sanctuary. These people committed adultery (7th Commandment), idolatry (1st & 2nd Commandment), murder (6th Commandment), and profaned the sabbaths (4th Commandment). Half of the commandments broken in just two verses! Yet, they still came to the sanctuary!
Ezekiel 23:47 — After God laid out the case against Judea and Samaria, He announces the judgment. Death by stoning, the sword, and scorching fire. At the end, they would know who is their God.
Hebrews 10:18 — Our sin is remitted – not like cancer that is in “temporary recovery,” but “the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.” The price is paid – my sin is gone!
Hebrews 10:19 — What is our job now that we are redeemed? Let’s look at what follows “therefore:”
Consider the Priest (Hebrews 10:21) and Access the Holies (Hebrews 10:19) – We can enter God’s presence and fellowship with Him!
Consider the Peers (Hebrews 10:24) and Assemble together (Hebrews 10:25)
Consider the Punishment (Hebrews 10:28) and Act appropriately (Hebrews 10:26)
One church in Enfield, Connecticut, had been largely unaffected during the Great Awakening of New England. Edwards was invited by the pastor of the church to preach to them. Edwards’s aim was to teach his listeners about the horrors of hell, the dangers of sin, and the terrors of being lost. Edwards described the shaky position of those who do not follow Christ’s urgent call to receive forgiveness. Edwards was interrupted many times during the sermon by people moaning and crying out, “What shall I do to be saved?”.
