3 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 28 以西结书 28, Prophecy against Tyre and Sidon 向推罗与西顿说预言

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 28

Theme                      : Prophecy against Tyre and Sidon

 

Against Prince of Tyre (1-10). Through his wisdom and insight in commercial sea-trade, the prince of Tyre was able to amass Tyre’s great abundance of wealth (vv.4–5; cf. ch. 27). However, the accumulation of riches and its accompanying splendor and importance created a haughty pride in this ruler (v.5b; cf. 27:3). He was so impressed with himself that he actually began to think that he was a god—perhaps even El, the chief deity of the Canaanite pantheon (v.2) [1]

Against King of Tyre (11-19)

This passage is not talking about the human ruler of Tyre, but satan who empowers the human ruler of Tyre. Satan is the ruler of this sinful world but he is still under the authority of God. Since sinful mankind rejects the rule of a righteous God, God puts satan in charge of sinful mankind. Satan is like a warden who rules over a jailhouse of criminals. God compares the pride of the ruler of Tyre with the pride of satan (cf. Is. 14:4). Satan was a cherub, a high standing angel in the spiritual world, who participated with God in managing mankind and the earth. But he became prideful and wanted to exalt himself to be like God, so God will cast him down to the underworld, the lowly realm of the dead. God will humble satan.

Against Sidon (20-24). Since Sidon also treated Israel with contempt, God will also judge her. God will remove Israel’s enemies and restore Israel.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Yahweh is the Lord of all history. He appoints rulers (even over pagan nations and states) to manage his estate with equity, justice, and humility. The exploitation of a divinely bestowed privilege to satisfy one’s personal greed and ambition calls for divine intervention. In Yahweh’s ability to humble the proud lay the hope of Israel. The remnant of God’s people may be languishing in exile, but that does not mean he has conceded his throne to other deities, let alone to mortals.[2] If you think that the world is out of control, do not fret, for God is still on His throne. Do not be shaken. Continue to be faithful to God and be faithful to the task that He has given to you.
  1. Although money is amoral, it is a dangerous temptation for even regenerated Christians. Therefore, do not hoard money in order to give to your children, you will ruin them. Do not accumulate money or live for money, instead you ought to keep what you need to live on this temporal earth and give the rest away for the work of God’s kingdom in order to gain true treasure and life (Matt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:9; Luke 12:15)

 

[1] Alexander. Ezekiel. p. 880.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 120.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书28

主题：向推罗与西顿说预言

 

向推罗君王预言（1-10）。推罗君王借着他对海上贸易的智慧和远见为推罗增添大量的资财（4-5节；参：27章）。然而，财物的积累与随之而来的荣耀和社会地位使这位君王心里高傲（5节下；参：27:3）。他对自己感到极度满意，以致遐想自己是神，甚至有可能以为自己是埃尔，即迦南的众神之主（2节）。[1]

向着推罗王预言（11-19）。

这段经文所论的对象不是治理推罗的人，而是在他背后操控万事的撒旦。撒旦是这罪恶世界的首领，却仍在神的管制下。罪恶之人既然拒绝跟从公义之神的管理，神便让撒旦治理他们。撒旦犹如监狱中看管一群罪犯的监狱长。神也将推罗君王与撒旦的骄傲相提并论（参：赛14:4）。撒旦曾是一位基路伯，是属灵世界中一位身份很高的天使，与神一同治理人和地。可是它变得狂傲，想抬高自己像神一样，所以神会将它掷入阴间，与低层领域的死人同在。神会使撒旦谦卑。

向西顿预言（20-24）。既然西顿也鄙视以色列，神要审判她。神会除尽以色列的敌人，复兴以色列。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶和华是历史的主宰。祂命首领（甚至外邦列国和地区的）以平等、公义和谦卑之心管理祂所拥有的。若有人滥用神所赐予的特权满足自己的私欲，神必然会阻止。耶和华能使骄傲的人谦卑，故此以色列有盼望。神的余民或许在放逐之时饱受煎熬，但这不代表神已将自己的宝座退让给其他神明，更不用谈人类。[2]你若以为世界已失去控制了，万不得慌张，因为神仍在祂的宝座上。不要害怕，要继续忠于神，忠心做好祂所给予你的任务。
  1. 虽然钱本身是不分好坏的，但这对重生得救的基督徒而言也是很大的诱惑。因此，不要为了你的孩子囤积钱财，因为这能毁灭他们。不要积累钱财或为此而活，乃要晓得在这暂存的世界里何为足够之用以后，将其余的奉献给神之国的工作，得取真正的财宝和生命（太6:19-21；提前6:9；路12:15）。

[1] Alexander. Ezekiel . p. 880.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 120.