Come Follow Me Reading Selections: Ezekiel 4-48

Come Follow Me Reading Selection: Ezekiel 4-32; 35; 38-46; 48

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/4?lang=eng

Ezekiel symbolically illustrates the siege and famine that will befall Jerusalem.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/5?lang=eng

The judgment of Jerusalem will include famine, pestilence, war, and the scattering of her inhabitants.

Vs 6-9 This was a prophecy for ancient Israel, but does it apply to Church members now, to those who should belong to the House of the Lord; to covenant breakers?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/6?lang=eng

The people of Israel will be destroyed for their idolatry—A remnant only will be saved and scattered.

Vs 14 I hope that I will recognize the Lord for the good that He does for me daily, and not for destruction that I bring upon myself.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/7?lang=eng

Desolation, war, pestilence, and destruction will sweep the land of Israel—The desolation of the people is foreseen.

Vs 27 We will be judged according to our deeds.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/8?lang=eng

Ezekiel sees in vision the wickedness and abominations of the people of Judah in Jerusalem—He sees idolatry practiced in the temple itself.

Vs 1-4 Ezekiel see the Lord and is taken by His hand to behold a vision.

Vs 16-17

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/9?lang=eng

Ezekiel sees the marking of the righteous and the slaughter of all others, beginning at the Lord’s sanctuary.

Vs 8-11 The Lord has never been pleased with a people who defile the temple. Make sure you go with humble and repentant heart and worship and serve Him in righteousness.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/10?lang=eng

He sees in vision, as before, the wheels, the cherubims, and the throne and the glory of God.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/11?lang=eng

He sees in vision the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Jews—He prophesies the latter-day gathering of Israel.

Vs 4-5 Ezekiel was called upon to prophesy to the people.

Vs 16-20 The Lord will gather and bless Israel yet again. Choose to have Him to be your God.

Vs 24-25 What a blessing for those that are in captivity to know that there is a way out.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/12?lang=eng

Ezekiel makes himself a symbol of the scattering of the people of Judah from Jerusalem—He then prophesies their scattering among all nations.

Vs 2 The House of Israel has been given more blessings and helps to see, hear, and know. So if we are missing it, that's by choice and rebellion.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/13?lang=eng

Ezekiel reproves false prophets, both male and female, who speak lies, to whom God has not spoken.

Vs 10 Pretended prophets seek to gain the people's favor by flattering, pretending they speak for the Lord when they do not.

Vs 15-16, 19 When people declare there own visions and seek to draw people after fair promises, but do not teach faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance, they are offering vain hope to the ungodly and they are withholding salvation from those who would live.

Vs 22-23 The Lord is upset by the destruction of souls that false prophets cause. This is happening in our day too. They righteous carry burdens of sadness and wicked rejoice in unrighteousness. As in D&C 58, the Lord promises He will deliver His people out of the hands of deceivers.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/14?lang=eng

The Lord will not answer those who worship false gods and work iniquity—Ezekiel preaches repentance—The people would not be saved though Noah, Daniel, and Job ministered among them.

We cannot be saved by any prophet's righteousness. We can only be saved through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance and following his doctrine (principles and ordinances) with our own righteousness.

Vs 6 Very last conference, President Nelson asked us to give away our favorite sins. He asked us to turn from our idols, to turn away our faces from abomination; and to seek the Lord.

Vs 11 In order for us to be God's people, we need to give away our favorite sins. We need to choose Jesus; than we may be His people, and He may be our God.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/15?lang=eng

Jerusalem, as a useless vine, will be burned.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/16?lang=eng

Jerusalem has become as a harlot, reveling in her idols and worshipping false gods—She has partaken of all the sins of Egypt and the nations round about, and she is rejected—Yet in the last days, the Lord will again establish His covenant with her.

The Lord is so displeased that Israel would be more concerned with the things of the world and the acceptance of the worldly than in honoring Him and receiving heavens blesssings. Those the rebellious seek satisfaction in whoring with the world they will not find it; but they will find themselves despised and rejecting by those from whom they are seeking favor.

Vs 8-14 The Lord compares His covenant relationship with Israel as a loving husband to His bride.

He has done everything for her, yet she was unfaithful.

vs 20-21 The Lord will require parents to be responsible for leading their children away from the covenant blessings that should be theirs, which He desired for His sons and daughters to have.

 

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/17?lang=eng

Ezekiel shows in a parable how Israel, while subject to Babylon, wrongfully sought help from Egypt—Yet the Lord will bring forth in the last days a goodly tree from the cedars of Lebanon.

Vs 18-20 So sad what happened to ancient Israel, so richly blessed, and yet they sold out. Still the Lord would plead for her.

Today is the same. Home many of us despise the oath and covenant of the Holy Priesthood and the blessings that we have received as children of the covenant? Jesus is still pleading for us. Are we pleading for one another?

 

Vs 24 God has all power. The humble shall be exalted. The proud shall be cut down. Those new with the promise of life who are wicked will be dried up; those who are nearly dead but embrace the gospel will live.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/18?lang=eng

Men will be punished for their own sins—Sinners will die, and the righteous will surely live—A righteous man who sins will be damned, and a sinner who repents will be saved.

This heading is a perfect followup to the last verse of chapter 17.

Vs 4-9 We all belong to the Lord. He has bought us with a great price. Those who are sinners will die. Those who are righteous will live.

Vs 20-23 The Lord wants to bless us all. Each person is responsible for their own choices and each receives blessings or condemnation according to their own actions. The Lord delights to forgive and bless all the repentant who turn to Him.

Vs 25-32 Sin is what makes us unequal. RIghteousness makes us all equal. Jesus, and His gospel, is the great equalizer. "Cast away from you all your transgressions" or "GIve away your favorite sins."

God doesn't want us to die. He wants us to live unto life eternal.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/19?lang=eng

Ezekiel laments for Israel because she has been taken captive by other nations and has become like a vine planted in dry and thirsty ground.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/20?lang=eng

From the time of their deliverance from Egypt to the day of Ezekiel, the people of Israel have rebelled and failed to keep the commandments—In the last days, the Lord will gather Israel and restore His gospel covenant.

Vs 6-8 I fear there will be a great scour come upon the Church members if we do not hearken now to the word of the Lord through His current prophet, "Give away your favorite sins." How can we know a God who is far from the thoughts, intents, and desires of our hearts? And why would He care to know us?

vs 10-12 The Lord has brought us forth from all Countries to be blessed in the Country of all Countries. He has given us the Restored gospel. What are we doing with His Sabbaths? They are to be a sign between Him and us? Are we allowing ourselves to be sanctified through Him?

vs 18-20 A reminder to us of our purpose. Be clean; walk with Jesus in His statutes; keep His commandments; keep our covenants; and extremely importantly, Keep the Sabbath Day Holy! If we honor the sabbath as a sign between us and God, we will know that He is the Lord our God.

Vs 31 We cannot approach our God and come near to Him while practicing filthiness.

Vs 33-38 Jesus will still gather and bless Israel. He is a God of second chances, and 70 x 7 chances. But only true covenant Israel will build, establish, and dwell in the City of Zion.

Vs 40-42 Israel, Israel God is calling; calling thee from lands of woe. The gathering is happening. Zion will be built.

Need help with last few verses. Come back to them later.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/21?lang=eng

Both the righteous and the wicked in Jerusalem will be slain—Babylon will draw a sharp and bright sword against Israel and will prevail.

Vs 25-27 The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel had an end, until the kingdom is given to Him whose right it is to reign. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever. He alone is Righteous.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/22?lang=eng

Ezekiel catalogs the sins of the people of Judah in Jerusalem—They will be scattered and destroyed for their iniquities.

Vs 8 Seek not to be guilty of these things from now on. Reverence God's holy things, and keep His sabbaths.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/23?lang=eng

Two sisters, Samaria and Jerusalem, committed whoredoms by worshipping idols—Both are destroyed for their lewdness.

This chapter is so figurative and full of symbolism. In our Country which was blessed by God, and in His Church, we should be seeking to do His will and be true to Him. The words "In God We Trust" have certainly been defiled, and there is great evil in high places.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/24?lang=eng

The irrevocable judgment of Jerusalem is foretold—As a sign to the Jews, Ezekiel does not weep at his wife’s death.

Vs 27 What will it take before we know that He is the Lord?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/25?lang=eng

The Lord’s vengeance will fall on the Ammonites, on the Moabites and Edomites, and on the Philistines.

Vs 5, 7, 11, 17 Will it take many cursings and destructions, signs and wonders before we recognize that He is the Lord. Are we like Pharaoh? Can we recognize God for His goodness to us, or do we require plagues?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/26?lang=eng

Because she rejoiced in the sorrows and fall of Jerusalem, Tyre will be destroyed.

We should never rejoice in the destruction of God's people. Do we love our neighbors as ourselves?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/27?lang=eng

Ezekiel laments the fall of Tyre and the loss of her riches and commerce.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/28?lang=eng

Ezekiel laments the fall of Tyre and the loss of her riches and commerce.

Vs 2 Being puffed up because our riches and learning does not make us greater than anyone else. We are still mortals. We are not equal to God. Those who are proud shall be brought low.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/29?lang=eng

Egypt will be overthrown by Babylon—When Egypt rises again, it will be the basest of kingdoms.

Vs 9 We owe everything to God. He created everything. What will it take for us to know that He is the Lord? Humility?

Vs 21 Check out this symbolism.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/30?lang=eng

Egypt and its helpers will be made desolate by Babylon.

Vs 2-3 Which day is near? Certainly, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is drawing near. What does it mean, "it shall be the time of the heathen"?

Vs 8 When the wicked are destroyed by fire, will we then know that He is the Lord?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/31?lang=eng

Pharaoh’s glory and fall are compared to that of the Assyrians.

Vs 10-14 Pride is a very grievous sin, which begets sin after sin. We all have the same basic human needs.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/32?lang=eng

Ezekiel laments for the fearful fall of Pharaoh and of Egypt.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/35?lang=eng

Judgment will fall upon Mount Seir and all Idumea for their hatred of Israel.

Vs 12, 15 Those who have rejoiced in their wickedness and oppressed us because of our faith will be left desolate. They shall know God is the Lord.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/38?lang=eng

The battle of Gog, from the land of Magog, against Israel will usher in the Second Coming—The Lord will come amid war and pestilence, and all men will shake at His presence.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/39?lang=eng

Gog and the land of Magog will be destroyed—For seven years the people in the cities of Israel will burn the weapons of war—For seven months they will bury the dead—Then will come the supper of the great God and the continued gathering of Israel.

Vs 22-29 Though Israel was rebellious and cast out, the Lord will gather them and bless them. We will all know that the Lord is God.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/40?lang=eng

A heavenly messenger shows Ezekiel in vision a city where the temple is located—Ezekiel is shown the form and size of the temple and its courts.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/41?lang=eng

Ezekiel sees the inner temple and the Holy of Holies, and he is shown their form and size.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/42?lang=eng

Ezekiel sees in the temple the chambers for the priests.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/43?lang=eng

The glory of God fills the temple—His throne is there, and He promises to dwell in the midst of Israel forever—Ezekiel sees the altar and the ordinances of the altar.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/44?lang=eng

The glory of the Lord fills the house of the Lord—No strangers may enter the sanctuary—The services of the priests in the temple are explained.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/45?lang=eng

Portions of land will be provided for the sanctuary and the dwellings of the priests—The people are to offer their sacrifices and oblations and keep their feasts.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/46?lang=eng

The ordinances of worship and of sacrifice are explained.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezek/48?lang=eng

The portions of land for the tribes are named—The gates of the city bear the names of the tribes—The name of the city will be The Lord Is There.

Vs 35 This chapter has to do with the dimensions and dividing of the land of Zion. "and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there."