I am reading Ezekiel 1-3, 18, & 33, as they are the next chapters on our list to study. Chapter 1 of Ezekiel is way beyond my experience; so I am looking at online commentaries to get a handle on it before I post a blog. I posted a Study Link titled Commentaries. You can click on any book of the Bible and read comments by a variety of authors. There are also links that will allow you to sign up for daily Bible reading email messages.
Will you study these chapters in Ezekiel with me by reading some of the commentaries? Send me an email or post a comment for this blog post and tell me what you hear God saying in the life of Ezekiel. How does Ezekiel's call to minister to Israel in exile relate to the call God has placed on your life?
Hi Dana~~
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. It will be a good resource tool. I will be in touch once I look at it. Have a great day!
Wow, what a great resource. Thank you for sharing that study link.
ReplyDeleteIn my Scofield study Bible it begins by saying that Ezekiel means "God will strengthen". It talks about the windstorm coming out the north in v. 4 as being the army of Nebuchadnezzar great in number and strength. The lion represents kingship, the ox a servant, the eagle soars overhead in deity and the man represents His perfect humanity. In v12 "Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went." They were focused on the Spirit without turning and no wavering from their course.
In the commentaries I noticed that Wesley talked about the wings "the speed of their obedience" and wings covering their body "showing reverence"
Another commentary Gill got my attention. It explained that the 4 most excellent creatures were used the ox for his firmness and constancy like that of ministers in their work. They show patience and diligence in "bearing the yoke of ministry". The lion is the strength that ministers need to fearlessly share the gospel. The eagle is strong and has great sight of the Gospel. The eagle is diligent in searching deep into the things of God, finding the meat and then brining others to share. I copied some from Gill below because I thought the comparison of Chapter 1 to minitsters in Christ and the church was great.
Quoting the Gill commentary...."their faces were stretched upwards, showing that the ministers of the Gospel look up to Christ for fresh supplies of gifts and grace, of light, knowledge, wisdom, and strength, to enable them to perform their work
their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire: because of their ministerial gifts; the gifts of the Spirit are compared to fire, and like coals of fire are to be stirred up, and not covered or quenched; Acts 2:3; and because of their clear shining light in the truths of the Gospel; and because of their ardent love to Christ, and the souls of men; the coals whereof give a most vehement flame, which all the waters of reproach and persecution cannot quench, Song of Solomon 8:6; and because of their burning zeal for the glory of God, and the interest of the Redeemer; hence they are called "seraphim," fiery or burning Isaiah 6:2;
[and] like the appearance of lamps: so the ministers of the Gospel are compared to lamps, which hold forth the light of the Gospel to the sons of men; they are the lights or lamps of the world, and some of them are bright burning and shining ones, as John was, Matthew 5:14;
and their rings [were] full of eyes round about them four; everyone of the four wheels, and each of their four semicircles, were full of eyes; expressive of the knowledge of the Gospel, and the truths of it, in church members; their continual looking to Christ for fresh supplies of grace and strength; and their constant watchfulness over each other
and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up; when the ministers of the word have their affections raised, and are in lively frames of soul in preaching the Gospel, generally speaking, so it is with the churches and the members thereof, that sit under their ministrations; their hearts burn within them; their affections are raised, and their souls are lifted up heavenwards, while the Scriptures of truth are opened unto them.
for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels; the same Spirit of God, which is a spirit of life, a quickening spirit, and a free spirit; which gives motion and liberty in religious exercises; that which is in the ministers of the Gospel is in the churches of God; there is but one Spirit, and ministers and members are actuated and influenced by it; see Ephesians 4:4."
I know that there is some old English language(?) in the above from the commentary but it so made me want to be like that vision that Ezekiel had. In the commentary it went on to talk about the end of chapter 1 refering to Christ and the promise (rainbow) that He is.
A quick question, which commentary would you recommend? I really was drawn to John Gill. I then looked him up and some call him a hypercalvinist. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteFor a good discussion on hypercalvinism, read this article.
ReplyDeleteHypercalvinism
For a terrific history on John Gill read this article. John Gill
Honestly, I am not qualified to be a commentator on the commentators. So unfortunately, I cannot tell you which ones you should or should not read. I am glad you took the time to look up information on John Gill because it is always wise to research the background of the authors you read.
As I have talked this week with others who are doing this study, we have all been grateful that there is a site where we can read several authors' views. I stand in awe of the wealth of information we can access in our day. When I first became a student of the Word in the early 1980's, I had my Bible and the concordance in the back of my Bible. I was excited in the 1990's when Trent purchased a Strong's concordance for his seminary classes. Today, the options for biblical study are limited only by the amount of time I have to search for and read them. God's Word is truly living and active. As you study, allow the things you learn to change your heart to be more like Christ. Head knowledge is only helpful when we allow God to mold us into His image.