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Bible Pathway - Sept. 9, 2009

Sept. 9, 2009 

Read Ezekiel 29

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Another enemy and its destiny (29:3,13-15)! How quickly we forget the days of slavery (29:16)! A sad day for Egypt and its allies (30:2-8). Egypt, a prideful and arrogant nation (chap. 31). Look who God uses to bring down the Egyptians (32:11). Read the list of others who received the judgment of God (32:17-31).

The prophecy concerning Egypt came to Ezekiel about a year after the siege of Jerusalem began. He foretold the doom of Pharaoh as a ruler and of the ruin of Egypt as a prestigious nation: Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt. . . . because they have been a staff of reed (never a true help) to the House of Israel. . . . I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the Lord (29:2,6,8-9).

They shall be there a base (lowly) kingdom. . . . neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations (29:13-15).

Egypt has remained a base nation over the centuries. It still stands as a base nation among the nations of the world. Egypt would not be left totally desolate, as would the island of Tyre; nor would it be completely destroyed, as Babylon would be.

The purpose of all prophecy concerning judgment upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, and even nations and people today that seek to kill Christians is to force them to realize that I am the Lord. This phrase, stressing the importance of the Word of God, is mentioned more than 67 times in this book.

However, a future time of restoration was also foretold: In that day will I cause the horn of the House of Israel to bud forth (29:21; Ps. 92:10). The horn is a symbol of power and strength (I Sam. 2:10). Israel's time of helplessness was to be succeeded by one of restoration. The 70 years of Israel's bondage forever removed its desire to worship false gods. The people of God have a future destiny of glory. As prophesied, God will, in His time, restore His people with Jesus as their True Messiah.

The beginning of Christ's earthly life was humble but on His return He will come as King of kings with glory and power such as the world has never seen. He will come in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . When He shall come to be glorified in His saints (II Thess. 1:8-10).

Thought for Today:

I have set the Lord always before me: because He is my right hand, I shall not be moved (Ps. 16:8).

Christ Revealed:

By the Word of the Lord (Ezek. 29:1). In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).

Word Studies:

29:7 loins to be at a stand = their legs to give way or stagger; 29:18 peeled = rubbed bare; 30:2 Woe worth the day = mourn the coming day (of terror); 31:3 a shadowing shroud = overshadowing the forest.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. John Linder (GA), Rep. Howard (Buck) McKeon (CA), Rep. Glenn Nye (VA), and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: Canada (31 million) in North America • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 47% Roman Catholic; 37% Protestant; 3% Eastern Orthodox; 2% cults; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to be merciful and to forgive your sins (Ps. 25:6-7).

Optional Reading: Revelation 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29


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