Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"They will dwell safely there"
Text: Ezekiel 28:26
GATHERING OF ISRAEL
God revealed His plan to gather scattered Israel. His people would be scattered for a season because of their sinfulness and infidelity. But His ultimate plan would be to gather them and to bring them back to their own land of Israel.
“Thus says the Lord God:
‘When I have gathered the house of Israel
from the peoples among whom they are scattered,
and am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles,
then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.
And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards;
yes, they will dwell securely,
when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them.
Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God.'”
Ezekiel 28:25-26
1. The house of Israel.
a) They were conquered:
i) By the Assyrians (722 BC).
ii) By the Babylonians (586 BC).
b) They were scattered.
i) Some lived in Assyria.
ii) Others lived in Babylon.
iii) Still others were scattered far and wide.
2. God’s plan revealed.
a) The Lord would personally gather Israel.
b) He would be hallowed as He does this great work.
c) Israel would return and dwell in the land God had promised the patriarchs.
d) Jacob was mentioned to represent the patriarchs.
3. God’s promises:
a) Israel would dwell safely.
b) The nation would find security because of God’s protection.
c) Israel would also prosper:
i) They would build houses.
ii) They would be able to plant vineyards too.
4. God’s judgment.
a) He will bring judgment on Israel’s enemies.
b) He will demonstrate His power and authority.
c) All will have a new-found respect for the Lord God of Israel.
d) In this manner would they “know the Lord”.