Ezekiel has some harsh words for Pharaoh and Egypt. He says they will be in hell with Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, and Edom. Egypt will be destroyed like the other nations for ignoring the Lord and His Word.
God appoints Ezekiel as the watchman over the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. He is to warn them of their sin and to tell them to repent before judgment occurs. The Lord says that although the nation is under judgment, individuals can still be saved if they repent and turn to the Lord. God says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
We find out today that Nebuchadnezzar took a total 4,600 Jews into captivity during the 3 waves of captivity. We read the genealogy of 3 of Jacob’s sons, from Jacob to the exile:
1) Simeon- Simeon and Levi are the brothers who killed all the men in the city when Shechem, son of a Hivite prince, raped their sister Dinah (Gen 34). So when Jacob gave Simeon and Levi their blessing he said, “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” (Gen 49:7). Today, Simeon’s genealogy is described by the total defeat of their enemies and acquisition of their land. However they were eventually overtaken by the Assyrians and scattered as well as the rest of Northern Israel.
2) Reuben – Reuben slept with Jacob’s concubine (Gen 35:22). So when Jacob blessed him he said, “Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it” (Gen 49:4). Today we read, “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel…because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph…yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a rule.” Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, formed the majority of Northern Israel. However the brother, Judah (Southern Judah Kingdom), prevails bc King David and all the Kings of Southern Judah come from Judah’s lineage. And Jesus is on His way through this bloodline.
3) Gad – When Jacob blessed Gad he said, “a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last” (Gen 49:19). Not much was said on Gad today except that they acquired the land of Bashan as far as Salcah. And they too were part of Northern Israel which was overthrown by the Assyrians.
More on the sons of Jacob tomorrow so keep reading.
(Ezekiel 33:17-33,20, Jeremiah 52:28-30, Psalm 137, 1 Chronicles 4:24-5:17)
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Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 