Devotional/灵修 – Ezekiel 以西结书
1 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 26 以西结书 26, Judgement on Tyre 对推罗的审判
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 26
Theme : Judgement on Tyre
Tyre gloated over the destruction of Israel because she wanted to get financial gains from the tragedy. God says whoever is glad at calamity will not go unpunished (Prov. 17:5). For Tyre’s sins, God will destroy her by sending nations in successive waves or times (v. 3). The first wave will be Babylon who conquered her. Later on, Tyre was conquered by the Persians, then the Greek, then the Romans, and finally after the Saracens in the fourteenth century a.d., Tyre never again regained any importance. Her destruction is lamented by people who depend on her for commerce (vv. 17-18); it is similar to the lament in Revelation 18:19-20.
Praying the Scripture
Tyre represented the glory of human achievement. Because her successes were driven by avarice and pursued in defiance of God, however, she could not stand. The Lord of history always has the last word.[1] Pray that you will not be caught up in the world’s pursue for material goods. You should be content with having enough money to live on this temporal world. Do not hoard money or live for money or luxury. Give generously and live for God and eternity (1 Tim. 6:17-19; Matt. 6:19-21). This is the path of true joy and life. Believe it, don’t let your old nature lie to you (Acts 20:35). Such is the path to Christlikeness.
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 87.
经文：以西结书26
主题：对推罗的审判
推罗狂傲乐以色列受灾是因为她想从中得到经济上的利益。神曾说幸灾乐祸的必不免受罚（箴17:5）。神要因推罗的罪消灭她，使多国像波浪涌起般攻击她（3节）。第一波即是将占领她的巴比伦。接着，推罗将继而被波斯、希腊和罗马侵略；她最后在第14世纪被撒拉森人掳掠后就再也没有什么名声了。哀悼她毁灭的人是依靠她做贸易的（17-18节）。这里的哀歌与启示录18:19-20的相似。
用经文祷告
推罗代表了人类成就的荣耀。由于她的成功是靠贪婪及与神悖逆之心得来的，她必站立不住。掌管历史的主是决定一切的。 [1]
祷告你不会迷失自己，与世界忙着追求世俗之物。你当因在这暂存的世界有足够的钱生存而知足。不要囤积钱财，或为钱与物质享受生活。要慷慨解囊，为神与永恒而活（提前6:17-19；太6:19-21）。这是真实喜乐与生命的道路。要如此相信，不要让老我欺骗你（使20:35）。这乃是使你更像主耶稣的道路。
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 87.
31 May 2016, Ezekiel 25 以西结书 25, Oracles against Foreign Neighbors 向异国邻居说预言
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 25
Theme : Oracles against Foreign Neighbors
Chapters 25-32 are oracles against foreign nations who are enemies of Israel. These messages were given to Ezekiel at various times but are group together for thematic purpose. They serve as a message of hope for the future of Israel. Even though God has judged Israel, in the future, God will judge Israel’s enemies and reverse Israel’s judgement. Oracles of judgement start with Israel’s close neighbors who rejoiced over Judah’s downfall and hoped for personal spoil and gain. God announced judgment on these nations lest their gleeful taunts continue and the exiles question His faithfulness to His promises (cf. Gen 12:3). The target of God’s judgement begins with Israel’s neighbors including Ammon, Moab, Seir, Edom, and Philistia.
Praying the Scripture
God will not just judge the Jews, but He will also judge the whole world. In the end, God’s judgment of the world is also like purifying fire that purges the rebels and restore the world to worship God (Rev. 6-22). You ought to warn rebels that God’s wrath is on them and their only refuge is to accept God as their king and Jesus as their savior.
经文：以西结书25
主题：向异国邻居说预言
第25至32章的内容都是向异国所出的预言；她们都是以色列的仇敌。以西结是在不同的时间段领受这些信息的，但他则按主题记载预言。此信息的目的是作以色列未来的盼望。神虽经审判了以色列，但要在日后审判以色列的敌人并逆转以色列的惩罚。审判的预言是由以色列最近的邻居开始，因为她们看到了犹大的沦陷便幸灾乐祸，还希望自己能从中得利。神向这些国家宣告审判的目的是要停止她们狂欢的嘲讽，并向被掳之民证明祂必兑现自己的应许，以免他们开始质疑神的信实（参：创12:3）。神审判的对象由以色列的邻居开始，包括亚扪、摩押、西珥、以东和非利士。
用经文祷告
神不但要审判犹太人，还有审判全世界。最后，神对世界的审判犹如一场洁净之火，要除尽悖逆者并让世人再次敬拜神（启6-22）。你要告诫悖逆者：神的愤怒已临到他们身上，而他们唯一的避难所是承认神是他们的王、耶稣是他们的救主。
30 May 2016, Ezekiel 24 以西结书 24, The Fall of the Bloody City 流人血之城的沦陷
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 24
Theme : The Fall of the Bloody City
Cooking Pot (1-14)
This chapter concludes all the previous oracles against Jerusalem’s idolatry and violence with the fall of the bloody city. The fall is described through the symbol of a cooking pot. The meat represent the people who will be killed in the cooking pot of Jerusalem.
Death of Ezekiel’s Wife (15-27).
God informs Ezekiel that He will take away his wife in order to communicate a message to the exiles. When his wife dies, Ezekiel is forbidden to mourn normally. When people see this unnatural response, their attention will be captured and they will listen to the meaning of Ezekiel’s reaction to the death of his wife. His wife, who is the delight of Ezekiel, represents Jerusalem, the delight and pride of the exiles. The reason they ought not to mourn is because the fall of Jerusalem ends the judgement of God and begins a new era of restoration (cf. Is. 40:1-2). This is demonstrated by the fact that Ezekiel’s muteness is removed after the news of the fall of Jerusalem reached the exiles in vv. 26-27. A new era is also demonstrated by the content of the rest of the book of Ezekiel, which is about God’s judgement on the nations and the restoration of Israel.
Praying the Scripture
Ezekiel suffered much as a prophet and servant of God, just like Hosea. He is like Jesus in his suffering. Jesus suffered the most as God’s prophet and servant by being tortured and dying on the cross in order to bear the sins of His people. Suffering is difficult but it demonstrates the character of love and loyalty to God and His people. Through suffering, Ezekiel becomes more like Jesus. For such greatness, every Christian should not be afraid of suffering, but should humbly ask God for strength to endure suffering for the honor of God. This is how Paul, the servant of God, lived (Phil. 3:10). This is why Jesus says rejoice in suffering for your reward is great (Matt. 5:10-12). Pray that you will be willing to follow the example of Jesus in His suffering.
经文：以西结书24
主题：流人血之城的沦陷
在火上的锅（1-14）。
这章经文总结了以西结前几回因耶路撒冷的淫行与暴行所出的预言，论的是这流人血之城的沦陷。这由一个火上的锅作象征，而其肉块代表了在耶路撒冷之锅里将被杀的人。
以西结之妻的死（15-27）。
神告诉以西结祂将取走他的妻子，以向被掳之民传达一个信息。当以西结的妻子离世时，神禁止他像正常人一样哀悼，而当人看到这不寻常的反应时，这将引起他们的注意聆听以西结背后的原因。以西结的妻子是他眼目所爱的；她代表被掳之民的喜悦和骄傲——耶路撒冷。他们之所以不能哀悼是因为神的审判随耶路撒冷的沦陷停止，而其后便是复兴的新时代了（参：赛40:1-2）。当耶路撒冷已沦陷的消息在26-27节传到了被掳之民的耳中时，以西结也不再哑口；这突显了新时代已降临。这个新时代更在以西结书的其余书卷内容有所展现，即神对列国的审判与以色列的复兴之信息。
用经文祷告
身为神的先知和仆人，以西结所受的苦难不少，就如何西阿一样。他所承受的苦难与耶稣相似。耶稣在神的众先知和仆人中所遭遇的苦难最多，更为承担祂子民的罪孽经受折磨，死在十字架上。受苦不容易，但它展现了人对神与其子民的爱和忠心。以西结藉着患难更有了耶稣的样式。因此，每一个基督徒不应该害怕受苦，而是要虚心求神赐力量，为祂的荣耀承受苦难。这就是神的仆人保罗的生活方式（腓3:10）。这也就是耶稣为何说当在患难中欢喜快乐，因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的（太5:10-12）。祷告你在患难中会愿意跟从耶稣的榜样。
28 May 2016, Ezekiel 23 以西结书 23, Summary through Allegory 用寓言作总结
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 23
Theme : Summary through Allegory
Israel’s Unfaithfulness (1-5)
Samaria (Oholah) and Judah (Oholibah) were from the same mother: Israel. This depicts the united nation of Israel before it was split into two kingdoms. From the very beginning, Israel learned of idolatry in Egypt. Idolatry continues to plague the nation throughout her history.
Samaria’s Prostitution (6-10).
Samaria’s prostitution blossomed during the time of the divided kingdoms. She formed political alliances with Assyria and others, also worshipped their idols. So God used Assyria to destroy Samaria. Ironically, it was her own lover, Assyria, who destroyed her.
Judah’s Prostitution (11-21).
Later on, Judah did the same as Samaria. Not only did she did the same, she became even worse than Samaria. Her lust for idols and political alliances had no end. She began to hate Babylon after it first conquered her, but she was not able to get rid of Babylon. Ultimately, God used Babylon to destroy Judah because of her spiritual prostitution.
Judgment for Prostitution (22-49). Because of Judah’s horrendous prostitution, God destroyed her. She sacrificed children as food to idols. She was violent, therefore, she received a violence end herself.
Praying the Scripture
The community of faith stands in constant danger of forgetting the grace of its covenant Lord and expending its energies in the satisfaction of its own cravings. When this occurs the people of God, vulnerable to the seductive appeal of other allegiances, often sell their souls in their misguided pursuits. But God considers devotion to any other person or object adultery, the violation of the church’s marriage covenant with him. [1] Pray that you will put away idols in your heart.
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 764.
经文：以西结书23
主题：用寓言作总结
以色列的不忠（1-5）。
撒玛利亚（阿荷拉）和犹大（阿荷利巴）是一母所生：以色列。这表示二国在分裂之前曾经是一个国家。以色列从一开始就在埃及学了偶像崇拜。之后，这罪便持续地纠缠着以色列了。
撒玛利亚的淫行（6-10）。
以色列一分为二后，撒玛利亚的淫行逐步猖獗。她与亚述和其他国家建立政治联盟，并拜她们的偶像。因此，神用亚述消灭撒玛利亚。具有讽刺意味的是，消灭撒玛利亚的竟然是她的爱人亚述。
犹大的淫行（11-21）。
之后，犹大步入撒玛利亚的后尘。她不但行同样的事，还比撒玛利亚更为邪恶。她对偶像和政治联盟的贪婪是无止境的。巴比伦首次征服犹大时，犹大开始憎恨巴比伦，却又无法脱身。最后，神因着犹大的属灵淫行用巴比伦消灭犹大。
行淫的审判（22-49）。因着犹大猖狂的行淫之罪，神消灭了她。她甚至向偶像献上自己的儿女为食物。她很残暴，所以面对的后果也是残暴的。
用经文祷告
信神的人总是面对一个危险：忘记盟约之主的恩惠，急于满足自己的欲望和贪恋。当神的子民沦落到这个地步时，他们便轻易陷入诱惑，与他人联盟，将自己的灵魂投入无用之途。与此同时，当人将其忠心转向别的人事物时，这同等于教会违反了自己与神的婚约。[1] 祷告你会弃绝你心中的偶像。
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 764.
27 May 2016, Ezekiel 22 以西结书 22, The Cause for the Sword of Death 在刀下死亡的原因
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 22
Theme : The Cause for the Sword of Death
Defilement in Jerusalem (1-16)
The Jews are unfaithful to God and His covenant. They practice idolatry and commit all kinds of evil, such as, sexual perversion, incest, rape, murder, extortion, oppression of the poor and defenseless, and not observing God’s other covenant laws.
Purification in Jerusalem (17-22).
Jerusalem is filled with evil, so God will turn Jerusalem into a furnace where He will burn away all the dross or waste in Jerusalem. God’s judgment is also a purifying judgment that cleanses the land of evil. The remnant who returns to the land will obey God by not committing idolatry.
Evil Leaders in Jerusalem (23-31).
This passage repeats the evil of the leaders in Jerusalem, especially false prophets. It is because of their evils, that God must send a purifying fire to cleanse the land.
Praying the Scripture
Community leaders bear special responsibility for the maintenance of justice and the welfare of its citizenry. The call to leadership is primarily a call to responsibility, not privilege (cf. Deut. 17:14–20). The Lord will rise up against those who use the office for personal advantage, especially those who run roughshod over the rights of the most vulnerable people. [1] Pray that the leaders of our communities are just and that they are accountable for their actions. If you desire to be a leader, the ultimate motivation should be for service and responsibilities, not privileges.
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
经文：以西结书22
主题：在刀下死亡的原因
耶路撒冷的玷污（1-16）。
犹太人对神与神的约都不忠。他们拜偶像并行各样的恶，如淫乱、乱伦、强奸、谋杀、勒索、欺压贫困与无助的，也不遵守神约定中的其他律例典章。
耶路撒冷的洁净（17-22）。
耶路撒冷尽都是恶，因此神将使她变成火炉，烧尽城中的一切渣滓（或废物）。神的审判也像一场洁净的审判，要荡涤罪恶之地。归回耶路撒冷的余民将服从神，不拜偶像。
耶路撒冷的邪恶首领（23-31）。
这段经文重述了耶路撒冷众首领的恶行，尤其是假先知的。正因为他们的恶，神必须降洁净之火清除这地。
用经文祷告
社区首领必须为他们居民的公平待遇和福利负起特别的责任。作领导的呼召主要是叫人背负责任，不是享受特权（参：申17:14-20）。神必然会与凡为自己谋取利益而利用职位的人，尤其是为此欺压无助、无依无靠之人的权利的。[1] 当为我们区域的首领祷告他们行事公正，能为他们的所为交账。倘若你渴望作一名领导，你心里的主要动机当是事奉人，愿意挑起责任，而不是为享受特权坐上职位。
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
26 May 2016, Ezekiel 20:45-21:32 以西结书 20:45-21:32, Judgement on Judah’s Current Leaders 对犹大当今领袖的审判
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 20:45-21:32
Theme : Judgement on Judah’s Current Leaders
Burning of Southern Forest (20:45-21:7)
vv. 45-49 is a riddle about a southern forest on fire. The explanation of the riddle is in vv. 1-7. The southern forest is Judah which will be conquered by the sword. War will affect everyone including the righteous and the wicked, every green tree and every dry tree (v. 47). It will be so horrible that God commands Ezekiel to groan, to let the exiles see the pain of the sword. It is designed to instill fear in these idolatrous rebels and repent.
Slaughter of the Sword (21:8-17)
Since Israel did not respond to God’s rod of discipline, the sword of death will be their end. This sword will not be a testing for correction, but it will be a final judgment on these rebels.
Agent of the Sword (21:18-27)
The agent of this sword is Babylon, who will come and destroy Jerusalem completely. Babylon would use divination to decide to attack Israel. Even though God does not approve of divination, He will use such practice to punish Israel.
Sword on Ammonites (21:28-32). Babylon will attack Israel first, instead of Ammonites. Since Ammonites also contributed to the sins of Israel through its idols, God will also punish them. The Ammonites also gloated over the destruction of Israel, for such sin God will also kill them (25:1-7).
Praying the Scripture
God becomes the enemy of those who claim to be His people but refuse to accept the responsibilities accompanying the privilege. In this chapter the sword functions as a frightening instrument of providential fury unleashed against the benefactors of His own covenant. The notion of divine wrath itself is reprehensible to many; that it should be directed at His own people is intolerable. But God’s application of principle is not affected by human sentimentality. If “His people” spurn His grace, they cannot expect to be spared the fate of the wicked. [1] The judge of the world is impartial. He judges every wicked person, both Jews and gentiles (Rom. 2:11). Agree with God that He is a righteous God who judges impartially.
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
经文：以西结书20:45-21:32
主题：对犹大当今领袖的审判
南方森林的火焰（20:45-21:7）。
20:45-49论的是南方森林之火的谜语，其谜底就在21:1-7。南方森林指的是犹大，而她将受刀剑攻击，被侵占。争战会影响每一个人，包括义人和恶人，一切青树和枯树（47节）。这局面惨不忍睹，叫神命以西结叹息，让被掳之民看到刀剑之痛。这是为要在崇拜偶像的悖逆者心中产生惧怕，以致悔改。
刀剑的杀戮（21:8-17）。
既然以色列不肯对神的管教作正面反应，他们将在刀下而死。这把刀不是悔改的刀，而是对这群悖逆者的最后审判。
持刀的（21:18-27）。
持这把刀的是巴比伦；她会前来将耶路撒冷完全消灭。巴比伦会以占扑的方式决定攻打以色列。即便神不赞同占卜的做法，祂仍利用此行为惩罚以色列。
向亚扪人拔刀（21:28-32）。
巴比伦会先攻击以色列而不是亚扪。既然亚扪人借着他们的偶像导致以色列犯罪，神也要惩罚他们。再者，亚扪人还为以色列的毁灭幸灾乐祸，所以神更要为这项罪杀他们（25:1-7）。
用经文祷告
凡自称是神名下的人，却不接受随特权所附有的责任的，便成为了神的敌人。刀在这篇经文中是向神约定里本为受益之人所拔出的愤怒，是可怕的器皿。多数人能明白神会发怒，但就是无法忍受其对象竟是祂自己的子民。可是，神对祂原则的应用并不受到人感性一面的影响。倘若“神的子民”唾弃神的恩典，他们就不能期待自己会逃离同恶人的命运。宇宙间的审判者是不偏待人的（罗2:11）。我们要认同神是公义的，对施行的审判也是公正的。
25 May 2016, Ezekiel 20:1-44 以西结书20:1-44, History of Israel’s Rebellion and God’s Grace 以色列的悖逆与神的恩典之史
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 20:1-44
Theme : History of Israel’s Rebellion and God’s Grace
History of Israel’s Rebellion (1-31)
A basic literary pattern in this chapter is this: God’s benevolence is stated, following by an assertion of Israel’s rebellion, an announcement of God’s judgment, and the declaration of God’s grace because of His reputation. The elders of the exile community ask to enquire God through Ezekiel, but God refuses because they are also idolatrous like their ancestors. Then God proceeds to recount Israel history of idolatry. The goal of recounting this history is to loathe sin and lead to repentance. The history begins with Israel’s slavery in Egypt for 430 years. The reason God sent them to Egypt is because of their idolatry. God then saves them and enters into the Mosaic Covenant with them in the wilderness, but again they rebel against Him. So God punishes them. Israel’s idolatry continues to Ezekiel day, even among the exile elders. While in exile, God gives them to pagan laws, bad laws to them under pagan rule. Throughout the history of their punishment, God does not destroy them completely because of His concern for His reputation. He has promised to bless the whole world through Israel and her Messiah; therefore, He cannot destroy Israel completely.
Future Transformation of Israel (32-44).
Even though Israel wants to be idolatrous like the rest of the nations, God will not let them because of His reputation. He will save them from themselves in the end times. In the end times, God will punish them again for their idolatry. They will be in exile again and enter into the wilderness (Hosea 2:14-15; Rev. 12:14). There God will begin His restoration process. This passage is referring to the end times because v. 40 says all Israel (those Jews who are left after God purges the rebels v. 38) will be saved (Rom. 11:26).
Praying the Scripture
The divine reputation depends on the fate and welfare of his people. All of God’s dealings with Israel were public—before the eyes of the nations. Israel was to be the agent through whom the nations would come to know that He is Yahweh. Nothing has changed. Jesus reminds His disciples that their prayers should be different from the self-seeking petitions of the Gentiles (Matt. 6:5–15). Concern for the sanctity of His name and the glory of His kingdom remains the mark of God’s people. [1] Understand that when you are saved, you are automatically an ambassador of Christ. What you will do and say will reflect the reputation of Jesus. Honor His reputation, don’t shame His name.
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
经文：以西结书20:1-44
主题：以色列的悖逆与神的恩典之史
以色列的悖逆之史（1-31）。
这段经文中包含一个基本文学架构：神阐述祂的恩慈，但以色列悖逆神，结果神宣告祂的审判，但又因自己的名向他们施恩。被掳之民的长老们想借着以西结求问神，但被神拒绝了，因为他们也像自己的列祖一样是崇拜偶像的。接着，神回顾了以色列崇拜偶像的历史，其目的是要他们厌恶罪恶，叫他们悔改。历史的重述由以色列在埃及为奴的430年开始。神差他们到埃及的原因是他们拜偶像。之后，神施与拯救，在旷野中与他们立摩西之约，但他们又悖逆神。因此，神惩罚他们。以色列的偶像崇拜一直延续至以西结的时代；即便在被掳之民的长老中也有所见。以色列被放逐时，神任他们守外邦体制下的律法，即不良的律法。在惩罚他们的整个过程中，神为祂名的缘故不完全消灭他们。神已应许要借着以色列与她的弥赛亚祝福全世界，因此祂不能完全毁灭这国。
以色列未来的转变（32-44）。
虽然以色列要像列国一样拜偶像，但神为祂名的缘故绝不会容许他们那么做。神会在末世时拯救他们脱离这样的罪。那时候，神又会因他们拜像崇拜刑罚他们，使他们被驱逐到旷野去（何2:14-15；启12:14）。神要在那里展开祂复兴的工作。这段经文指的是末日的时候，因为第40节说所有以色列的全家（神在第38节除尽一切悖逆者后所剩的其余犹太人）都要得救（罗11:26）。
用经文祷告
神的名有赖于祂子民的命运和幸福。神待以色列的方式尽是公开的，叫列国都能见证。以色列本是神的器皿，叫万国晓得祂是耶和华——至今仍无改变。耶稣提醒祂的门徒说他们的祷告当与外邦人自私自利的求告有所不同（太6:5-15）。神子民的标志一直都是对神之名的神圣性和神国度之荣耀的关注。[1] 你要明白当你得救时，你自然成为了基督的代表。凡你所行所言的都有影响耶稣的名。我们要高举神的名，不让祂的名有亏损。
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
24 May 2016, Ezekiel 19 以西结书 19, Misplaced Trust in Wicked Rulers 信错邪恶领袖
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 19
Theme : Misplaced Trust in Wicked Rulers
Lament over Israel’s Leaders (1-9)
One of the reasons why the exiles did not want to repent because they trusted in their leaders to cast off the chain of Babylon and restore them to Israel. But the parable of the lioness and its lions tells them their trust in misplaced. The lioness is the nation of Israel. The young whelps represent two kings of Israel. These kings did evil in God’s sight so God removed them. The first whelp is Jehoahaz (vv.3–4), who was exiled to Egypt (2 Kings 23:33–34). The second whelp is Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, (vv.5–9; cf. 2 Kings 24:8–17). No kings can deliver them from the judgment of God, only repentance can deliver them.
Lament Over Zedekiah and Israel (10-14).
The vine represents Israel. It will be cast down to the ground. The east wind is Babylon (east of Israel) who will wither the vine. Then Israel will be planted (exiled) in a dry land (Babylon). The stem is Zedekiah who will be burned (killed). Israel will have no king, no scepter. The exiles are foolish to place their trust in wicked leaders instead of God, who is righteous and sovereign. History keeps telling them this truth. They need to learn history or perish.
Praying the Scripture
The presence of God’s chosen representative, the king, is no substitute for personal commitment to Him. The people of Judah, even the exiles, continued to look on the ruling members of the dynasty as sure signs of divine favor, a kind of good luck charm. So long as a Davidic king sat on the throne, God’s protection was sure. They failed to realize that none of the divine promises was automatic; all are contingent. Without the submission to the will of God, any claim to security with God is a delusion. Pray that you do not rely on any superstitious good luck charm to secure your peace and blessing with God. Blessing comes through a genuine relationship with God as your master.
经文：以西结书19
主题：信错邪恶领袖
为以色列首领作起哀歌（1-9）。
被掳之民不愿悔改的其中一个原因是他们相信自己的首领能将巴比伦的锁链劈开，叫他们归回以色列。然而，母狮子与她少壮狮子的比喻告诉他们他们信错人了。母狮子代表以色列国；少壮狮子则是以色列的两位国王。他们行耶和华眼中看为恶的事，所以神废除了他们。第一只少壮狮子是约哈斯（3-4节）；他被放逐至埃及（王下23:33-34）。第二只少壮狮子是约雅敬的儿子约雅斤（5-9节；参：王下24:8-17）。无君王能救他们脱离神的审判。唯有悔改能。
为西底家和以色列作起哀歌（10-14）。
葡萄树代表以色列；它将被拔出，摔在地上。东风代表巴比伦（以色列以东）；它将使葡萄树枯干。之后，以色列将栽于（放逐）旷野干旱无水之地（巴比伦）。枝干是西底家；它将被火烧灭（被杀）。以色列不再会有君王和掌权者的杖。被逐之民愚昧地信靠邪恶的首领，而不是公义并有主权的神。历史一再地告诉他们这个事实。他们需要从历史中吸取教训，否则灭亡。
用经文祷告
神所拣选之代表的存在，即君王，并不能取代我们对神的个人委身。犹大子民，甚至被掳的，继续仰望当代的执政君王做神恩待他们的标志，如幸运符似的。他们认为只要属大卫家族的君王还坐在王位上，神必然保护他们。他们无法看见神的应许都不是自动会应验的；它们是有条件性的。若不遵从神的旨意，渴望神的保护尽是妄想。祷告你不会依赖纯属迷信的幸运符希望能在神的面前得平安和祝福。祝福乃是借着你与神的真诚关系而来，认神作你的主。
23 May 2016, Ezekiel 18 以西结书 18, Disputing the Justice of God 争辩神的公平
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 18
Theme : Disputing the Justice of God
Proverb versus Principle (1-4)
The exiles would not repent because they think God is unjust. To them, God is punishing them for their ancestors’ sins. They are fatalistic and irresponsible. God rebukes their wrong thinking. Individuals are judged by God based on their own actions and attitudes, not based on their ancestors. This truth is also taught in Exodus 34:7. God is a righteous judge. Although the offspring bear the consequences of their ancestors’ sins (that’s why they are in exile), they do not bear the guilt of their ancestors’ sins. They can escape God’s judgement by submitting to His lordship and obeying God. Mankind is not trapped in fatalism. Fatalism is an excuse for reneging personal responsibility and for misjudging God’s righteous judgement. An incorrect view of the doctrine of election can also lead to fatalism.
Principle Illustrated (5-18).
This principle of individual responsibility is illustrated through a righteous father, an unrighteous son, and a righteous grandson. Every individual in every generation is accountable to God for his own attitudes and sins. This passage is not teaching salvation by works. Salvation in the OT occurs when one has faith in God as his master, not idols. True faith in God as king naturally results in obedience (Matt. 7:23). For the Jews, their faith is lived out according to the Mosaic Covenant, which as a whole does not apply to the church (Heb. 8:13). But Christians are under the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21), which overlaps with some laws in the Mosaic Covenant, but also has differences. Disobedience may indicate a false faith, which results in physical and spiritual death. Idol worship is a clear indication of spiritual death. A believer who disobeys will be disciplined by God, even to the point of physical death (1 Cor. 11:30).
Principle Explained (19-32).
God justifies His principle by saying He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, including sinners. Sinful mankind normally sees judgment as God’s delight. Nothing could be further from God’s desire, else He would not have sent his only Son to be judged on the cross for the sin of the whole world (1 John 2:1–2). God is love, but He also will never acquit the guilty (Nahum 1:3). A guilty person cannot acquit his present sin because of his past goodness. That would result in a chaotic justice system. One’s standing before God is based on the individual’s attitudes and actions in the present, not the past.
Praying the Scripture
- It is ridiculous to argue with God about His righteousness since God is the very standard of righteousness. The fact that one can even have a sense of righteousness to use to argue against God tells us that God is righteous. For if God is not righteous, we would not even have a sense of righteousness to argue with God. A believer should never argue or doubt God’s righteousness in a prideful way, he can certainly try to understand God’s righteousness in a humble way if he does not understand. The ruler of the world will judge justly (Gen 18:25). All His way are righteous (Deut. 32:4). Pray that you will humbly understand God’s righteous judgment and agree with Him.
- Most people in the world think they will be saved if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. But God’s passing grade is not 51%, but 100%. Passing grade is not determined by students. 100% righteousness can only be given to us through our faith and union in Jesus, who gives us His complete righteousness. Thank God for your salvation every day. You are not worthy of it. Be humble.
经文：以西结书18
主题：争辩神的公平
俗语与道理（1-4）。
被掳之民不肯悔改，因为他们认为神不公平。在他们看来，神是因着他们列祖的罪惩罚他们。他们以为这就是宿命，不愿担当责任；神为此斥责他们。神要按个人的所作所为施行审判，不凭祖宗的义如此行。这个真理也在出埃及记34:7有所教导。神是公义的审判者。被掳之民虽然确实是在承担他们先辈之罪的后果（因此被放逐），却无需担当他们的愧疚。他们可以降服于神的主权并遵行祂的诫命，从而逃离神的审判。人无需被自认为存在的“宿命”困锁。那仅是推卸自身责任，扭曲神公义之审判的借口。对神拣选之教义的错误理解也能叫人相信宿命。
展现道理（5-18）。
神借着一个公义之父、不义之子和公义之孙阐述个人要担当罪责的道理。每一世代的每一个人都要为自己的所作所为向神交账。这段经文不是在教导我们人能因行为称义。旧约的圣徒是借着信靠神为他的主，弃绝偶像，从而得救的。真正信神是君王的人自然会遵行祂的话（太7:23）。对犹太人而言，他们是按摩西之约的律法行出他们的信心，但教会无需按此（来8:13），却都在基督的律法之下（林前9:21）。两者有相似之处，但也有所不同。悖逆或许是假信心的象征，其结果是肉体和灵性上的死。偶像崇拜则能清楚表明个人灵里的死亡。悖逆的信徒会被神管教，甚至面对肉体死亡（林前11:30）。
解释道理（19-32）。
神解释祂的道理时阐明了祂不喜悦任何人的死亡，包括罪人的。罪恶的人类普遍认为神喜悦施行审判，但这与神的心肠恰恰相反，否则祂是不会差遣祂的独生子钉十字架，代世人的罪受审判（约一2:1-2）。神是爱，但祂万不以有罪的为无罪（鸿1:3）。审判官是无法凭罪人过去所行之义宣判他无罪的，否则这将形成一个混乱的法律制度。人在神面前的地位是凭着他当前的行为和意念，而不是他的过去。
用经文祷告
- 与神争辩祂是否公义是荒谬的，因为神就是公义的标准。实际上，人之所能应用他的正义感与神理论便告诉我们神是公义的，因为若不是，我们就不会拥有这份正义感驱使我们与神理论。然而，信徒是不当以骄傲的心争辩或怀疑神是否公义；倘若他真不明白，他能抱着一颗虚心尝试理解神的公义。掌管世界万物的必然要凭公义施行审判（创18:25）。他所行的无不公平（申32:4）。祷告你会以谦卑之心明白神的公义审判并认同祂的作为。
- 世人多数认为只要善行超越恶行，他们便能得救。可是，神的及格标准不是51分，而是100分。在考试中能否及格不是由学生而定。完全的公义唯有借着我们在耶稣里的信心和联合才能享得，因为耶稣赐予我们祂的完全公义。要每日为你的救恩感谢神。你是不配的。要谦卑。
21 May 2016, Ezekiel 17 以西结书 17, The Riddle 谜语
Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 17
Theme : The Riddle
Riddle (1-10)
After listening to the history of Jerusalem’s prostitution, there are exiles who think that they are being punished for the sins of their ancestors. This chapter tells these exiles that they are being punished because of the rebellion of Zedekiah against Babylon and for their own sinful idolatry. The riddle has two eagles. The first eagle is Babylon and is more glorious than the second eagle, Egypt. The vine is Israel.
Interpretation (11-21)
The historical background for this riddle is found in 2 Kings 24:6–20; 2 Chronicles 36:8–16, and Jeremiah 37; 52:1–7. Judah’s kings were fickle in failing to follow the prophets’ warnings and in yielding to the Babylonians, God’s instrument of discipline. On the contrary, the kings continued to seek security and aid from Egypt. When Judah rebelled, Babylon came and destroyed Judah.
Conclusion (22-24)
In the midst of judgment, God gives hope and reminds the exile that He will fulfill His promises through the Messiah. The sprig is referring to the Messiah who is from the house of David, represented by the cedar. He will be lifted high in Jerusalem and rule over the nations, represented by birds and trees (cf. Dan 4:17, 32, 34–37; Matt 13:31–32) would submit to the Messiah and his rule (v.24).
Praying the Scripture
- People’s responses to crises must accord with the causes, not merely the symptoms, of the crises. The Judean crisis had been precipitated by the perfidy of the people against Yahweh. Their attempt to procure aid from Egypt while ignoring their moral and spiritual decline represented the ultimate folly that only hastened Yahweh’s judgment. Like Zedekiah’s, human goals of liberation may be noble, but this does not sanctify the enterprise if the strategy evades the real issue.
- Yahweh remains sovereign over history. When his people experience calamity, his hand is in it. When foreign nations sweep down on them, they come as his agents. No nation has ever become so powerful that he cannot bring it down in a moment; and no people is so low that he cannot exalt it. By his providence he governs human affairs so that the schemes of the wicked are frustrated and his own objectives are ultimately achieved. He would raise up a scion from this plant, who would mount the throne of Israel and restore shalom not only to his own people but also to the world. He has spoken; He will perform.[1]
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
经文：以西结书17
主题：谜语
谜语（1-10）。
听了耶路撒冷犯淫乱的历史后，有些被掳之民认为他们是因自己列祖的罪孽受到惩罚。这个篇章则告诉他们受罚的原因是因为西底家与巴比伦对抗；他们也要为自己的偶像崇拜之罪被罚。谜语中有两只鹰。第一只鹰是巴比伦；它比第二只鹰埃及来得更荣美。葡萄树则是以色列。
解释（11-21）。
这个谜语的历史背景就在列王纪下24:6-20；历代志上36:8-16与耶利米书37; 52:1-7也有所记载。犹大的列王是善变的，既不听从众先知的警告，又不愿意屈服于神之管教的器皿巴比伦。相反的，列王继续向埃及寻求保护和帮助。当犹大反抗时，巴比伦便前来消灭犹大。
总结（22-24）。
即便在审判中，神赐予盼望；祂提醒被掳之民祂会借着弥赛亚应验自己的应许。香柏树象征的是大卫之家，而香柏树梢指的便是从大卫之家而生的弥赛亚。祂将在耶路撒冷被高举，治理列国，而万国将服从弥赛亚和祂的管理（24节）——这由飞鸟和树木作象征（参：但4:17, 32, 34-37；太13:31-32）。
用经文祷告
- 遇到灾祸时，人当反思其原因，而不是专注于灾祸所带给他们的后果。犹大所面对的灾祸则是因着他们悖逆耶和华。他们试着向埃及求助，却忽略了自己的道德与灵性之衰败，导致他们铸成大错，加速了耶和华的审判。如西底家一样，人对得着释放的目标虽是伟大的，但若其策略造成人避开真正的祸害根源，这对任何人都不利。
- 我们从历史中能看到神一直都是有主权的。当属祂的人遇到灾祸时，这是祂降下的；当异国侵占他们时，那都是祂也是祂所用的器皿。无一国如此强大，以致神不能瞬间消灭；无谷底至深，以致神无法将人从此处升高。借着神的护理，祂掌管人的所为，破坏恶人的诡计，叫祂自己的计划最终会成就。神会从这个植物中升起一个枝子，而祂最后会登上以色列的宝座，使平安终归回自己的子民及全世界的人。神已经开口了；祂必然应验这事。[1]
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
