Ezekiel 12-14
(We Walk Sightless Among Miracles)
August 27th


Produced by The Listening for God Ministry
Copyright 2016
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Please refer to one or more Bible versions of your choice to read this section. We recommend that you read at least two versions for added understanding. For your convenience, we have provided six links below, each of which takes you directly to today's chapters in a specific version:

Key Verse

God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, preach against the prophets of Israel who are making things up out of their own heads and calling it ‘prophesying.' ”

- Ezekiel 13:1-2 (MSG)

Summary of Chapters

This group begins an eight chapter section from 12-19 that responds to the false optimism of the exiles. In chapter 12, the LORD told Ezekiel to act out the role of someone leaving Jerusalem for exile so that the people would understand what was to happen. He was asked to pack his bags and dig a hole through the wall of his own house! It was another unusual request but Ezekiel responded with his steadfast and obedient attitude:

    So I did as I was commanded. During the day I brought out my things packed for exile. Then in the evening I dug through the wall with my hands. I took my belongings out at dusk, carrying them on my shoulders while they watched.

    - Ezekiel 12:7 (NIV)

Then the LORD told Ezekiel to explain to the people that king Zedekiah would have to escape like that and would experience severe suffering. Subsequently, the LORD asked Ezekiel about the Israeli proverb, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth (Eze 12:22 - KJV)” and then told him to tell the people that “ ‘ The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision’ (Eze 12:23 - KJV).” The false prophecies will end and the truth will be fulfilled.

Chapter 13 focuses on the topic of false prophets and the witches who create magic charms and tell lies about the future. The LORD will turn against these fakers and save the people that they have conned.

In chapter 14, Ezekiel writes that the elders came to visit him again. The LORD recognized them as idolaters, but allowed Ezekiel to talk to them to give them an opportunity to abandon their idols and return to him.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel’s response in verse 12:7 could be a motto for us when describing our response to God’s requests: “I did (or I do) as I was (am) commanded.” As long as the commands are coming from God, we can be assured that there is a good reason to follow them.

Ezekiel and Jeremiah both spoke against false prophets. How do we know a false prophet? If their words are contrary to God’s word in the Bible, then they are not truly representing him, or if their actions seem contrary to God’s plans. Certainly, all humans have flaws, so it might be unreasonable to say that anyone who has a flaw is disqualified as a prophet. But instead, we may have to judge the intent of their heart and listen for God’s affirmation of this person.

The proverb that the LORD quotes in verse 12:22 was not from the book of Proverbs but was a common saying during that time: “The days go by and every vision comes to nothing (Eze 12:22 NIV).” That saying continues to be used and has been translated in a number of ways, including the following version, “Days pass and years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles.” This version is used as a Jewish Sabbath prayer for people to remind themselves what they might have overlooked during the week (1).

God wanted to make sure these people received the final warning, but it was not the first one. For example, if we go back to Leviticus 26:14 and following verses we see a long explanation of what will happen to those who don’t obey the law. For example, “ ‘I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life’ (26:14).” The punishment that God describes here is fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah.

If these people don’t listen, they cannot in good conscience say, “Well, nobody ever told me what would happen if I did this or that.” They had the Mosaic Law and they had real prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel who warned them. Ezekiel not only warned them with words, but provided a B.C era multi-media experience with the series of plays that God had him carry out.

We have learned over time that visual images are more dramatic and memorable, but of course, God knew that all along. When we have a message to share, we might want to consider what type of visual images or acting we can use to help create an impression on our audience.

Questions and Prayers for Further Reflection


Related Questions
  1. What are some of your recommended best practices for a good presentation?
  2. What miracles have occurred this week that we might have walked by and not reccognized?
  3. What visual images could you use to help spread God’s word this week?
Recommended Prayer
Father in heaven, we know that your miracles are all around us. Help us to stop and appreciate them.

Suggested Prayer Concerns
Wildlife photographers

Footnotes

(1) Doll, Rev. Gregory Michael, in foreword to What’s that Noise? Listening for God in a Busy World, Tate Publishing, USA, 2010, p.11

Looking Ahead
Tomorrow's reading: Ezekiel 15-16 (New Covenant)

Comments and Questions
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