Chronological Reading Plan for Sep 6, Eze 34-36

Today's readings are Eze 34-36. Tomorrow's are Eze 37-39.

Eze 34 is an indictment against the poor shepherds (leaders) of Israel. If they will not take care of God's people, This is a sobering warning to anyone in leadership. They will answer to God for the people He places under them. He will. There is also talk of a new covenant nearly 600 years before it will appear. 

Edom, who should have been a close ally to Israel, will be judged, as we see in ch 35. Hoping to get the land for themselves, Edom came against Jerusalem when it was attacked. Edom will suffer the fate they had planned for Jerusalem. God's judgment frequently has an ironic twist. 

Ezekiel's ministry takes a turn in Eze 36. It becomes more encouraging. He prophesies that prosperity will return to Israel and the people will be cleansed and restored. God will do this, not because the people deserve it or becasue they have earned it, but to preserve the reputation and integrity of His name. This is a beautiful picture of how His grace functions, meted out because of who He is, not who His people are. 

Eze 36:32 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came."