Reading for January 3rd

Read Ezekiel 11.1-13. In 11.1-25: Ezekiel prophesies both judgment and restoration for the people. In verses 1-4: The spirit or "wind" transports Ezekiel to the east gate of the Temple where he sees twenty-five officals, probably those worshipping the sun in 8.16. Their statement, "The time is not near to build houses," rejects Jeremiah's call to build and to plant (Jer 1.10; 31.28). The staement,"This city is the pot, and we are the meat," indictaes their belief that Jerusalem is to be sacrificed (24.1-14). In verses 5-13: God insructs Ezekiel to hold the twenty-five leaders responsible for the deaths of the people in Jerusalem. In stating that the dead will become the meat, and the city the pot, Ezekiel turns their statement against them, but indicates that they will be excluded because the sacriifice of the city is meant to purify Jerusalem. He alludes to their fear of foreign invaders and again turns their fears against them by stating that they will die at the borders of Israel (see 2 Kings 25.18-21; Jer 52.24-27). The immdeiate death of Pelatiah son of Benaiah confirms Ezekiel's word (Amos 7.10-17; Jer 27-28). Comments or Questions..