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Bible Pathway - Sept. 8, 2012

09082011

 Ezekiel 25

Highlights:

Gentile nations judged; judgment upon Tyre's king and the fate of Satan who inspired him; future regathering of Israel.

Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus (Tyre). . . . I will make thee like the top of a rock . . . thou shalt be built no more (Ezek. 26:3,14).

The island fortress of Tyre, including its coastal territorial possessions, was the greatest commercial metropolis of the world. Tyre gained full control of world commerce when Jerusalem, her greatest competition, was destroyed. Because of their joy over the fall of God's people, God told Ezekiel to prophesy the complete destruction of Tyre.

Surrounded by water, and with her great fleet of Phoenician ships, Tyre seemed like the most secure place on earth. But the time came that Ezekiel's prophecy was fulfilled. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Pet. 1:21).

Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, tore down the walls and other buildings on the mainland, and literally built a rock road directly to the island fortress, thus fulfilling Ezekiel's strange words: And they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water (Ezek. 26:12). God fulfills His word by whomever He decides. The great world conqueror, Alexander the Great, was no believer in God. It can never be said that he heard about Ezekiel's prophecy from God and decided to bring it to pass. No. However, not only did he destroy the city, he used the strange means that God spoke through Ezekiel that he would use. Many world leaders may think they have power, but all power comes from God above. He is the one that spoke and the universe came into existence. He breathed life into man, therefore all life and creation falls under His domain. He often allows man a season of earthly power. God is the one who is All-Powerful. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Rom. 13:1).

Why haven't the so-called “atheists” rebuilt this once-great seaport? There are no laws that say it can't be done. But the One who inspired Ezekiel to make that prophecy said it shall never be rebuilt. Every hour of the day, ancient Tyre is a testimony to the reliability of the Bible.

Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever (Ps. 119:160).

Thought for Today:

God will always keep the promises of His Word.

Christ Revealed:

As the One who will rule over the destruction of Satan at the end of time: Therefore will I bring forth a fire . . . it shall devour thee (Ezek. 28:18-19). As Jesus reigns following the Great White Throne Judgment, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:1-14).

Word Studies:

25:5 couchingplace = resting place; 26:9 engines of war = battering rams; 26:17 haunt it = dwell there.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Mike Simpson (ID) and Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT) • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Ps. 92:1).

Optional Reading: Revelation 13

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:2-3


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