Eze 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. The heavens were opened to Ezekiel and he saw visions given by God. Prophecy from the Holy Spirit, not man. (2 Peter 1:21). Keep in mind that Ezekiel, without a doubt, received the letter to the captives sent by Jeremiah the prophet. (Jeremiah 29:1-32).

Eze 1:2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, Fifth year: B.C. 484. (2 Kings 24:12-15). 

Eze 1:3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. The priest: Ezekiel was a descendant of Aaron (the line of priests). He was also called, as Jeremiah was, to the office as prophet.

Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Keep in mind that Ezekiel was given visions by God. (Things that you see when you are awake, not as a dream when you are asleep). Ezekiel looked up and saw a whirlwind: Strong's H7307 "ruach" (Spirit), but it came to be rendered "storm, whirlwind, or hurricane." (H5591, saar sarah). Note: The three symbols of Yahveh's glory, Storm, Cloud, and Fire. (Nahum 1:3, Revelation 4:5). Enfolding itself, and brightness about it: Fire inside the cloud and brightness around it. "Something glowed in the middle of the fire." (Possibly spontaneous ignition). The color of amber: Strong's H2830 "chashmal" meaning polished bronze, or spectrum (unknown) metal. Could we be talking a type of aircraft here, or was it the very throne (ark of the covenant), of God itself? (Below are a few artist interpretations).

Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. Many scholars believe these four living creatures are "the Cherubim," (Zoon or Zoa, living Protectors), to guard the throne of God. (Revelation 4:6). Some believe these were men aboard a vehicle. (You decide what makes or sense). 

Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. (Possibly representing the four directions of the earth, or in which they were moving). These living creatures were probably hieroglyphical representations of the holy angels, the attendants on "the King of Glory," and the ministers of his providence. They were four, apparently to denote that they were employed in the four corners of the world; and they had the likeness of a man, to signify that they were intelligent and rational creatures. Lets go to the book of Revelation for a better understanding. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:7). Again, these four beasts (living creatures), with wings are Cherubim, symbolic representation of the Glory of God in His divine attributes. The face of a lion is the image depicting God's strength, the face of a calf depicts His sacrifice, the face of a man God as He was manifested in the flesh, and the face of the flying Eagle, His judgment or protection over us. These symbols point directly to the Glory of God. For the deeper student, whenever Israel camped it was according to a standard. Dan (The Eagle), took the north, Judah (The Lion), took the east, Reuben (Man). took the south, and Ephraim (The calf or Ox), took the west. Reference: (Numbers chapter 2). And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8). These four beast (living creatures), were created without free will to guard the throne of God. Believed by most scholars to be the same living creatures described in Ezekiel chapter one between 550 and 600 B.C., when God's throne was said to be aboard the vehicles described by Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 1:4-14).  

Eze 1:7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. Straight legged and feet like hooves. (The creatures did not move by walking). Their hooves shined like burnished bronze.  

Eze 1:8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Appearance (or likeness), of human hands under their wings. (Ezekiel 10:21).

Eze 1:9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. It appears that they were in a organized formation. They moved straight forward in any direction and didn't need to to turn their heads because (having four heads), their eyes were in front, on the sides, and in back. (If it was a flying vehicle, it would move in this type of formation).

Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. These likeness of faces could represent the standard of Israel. Again, whenever Israel camped it was according to a standard. Dan (The Eagle), took the north, Judah (The Lion), took the east, Reuben (Man). took the south, and Ephraim (The calf or Ox), took the west. Reference: (Numbers chapter 2).   

Eze 1:11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. The protecting Cherubim.

Eze 1:12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. Spirit: "ruach." Wherever the Spirit went they followed in a straight formation.

Eze 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. It appeared as lightning flashed back and forth among them. (Enormous amounts of energy).

Eze 1:14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. What appeared as living beings, moved as fast as lightning. (Way faster than the flying vehicles of our time). 

Eze 1:15 Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. Possibly a type of landing gear when they touched the earth. Some have suggested this would be a type of space craft, and some a chariot of fire. Remember when Elijah was taken up to heaven in what was described as a chariot of fire? And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (2 Kings 2:11).

Eze 1:16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. A wheel within a wheel, possibly making it able to move in any direction, even when on the ground. (Wheel within a wheel artist interpretation).

Eze 1:17 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. Turned: They could move in any direction they faced without turning. Note: The 1611 edition of the authorized version King James reads "returned." We could read it as: They could return from any direction without turning around. (A circular vehicle does not need to turn around to fly in the opposite direction like one of our Jets of today needs to do). 

Eze 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. Perhaps the tall looking rim with eyes all around were like port hole windows. (Note the tall rim with what looks like eyes, or port holes in the artist interpretation).

Eze 1:19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. The wheels being attached when they moved upward, then the wheels were lifted up too. (Again, maybe a type of landing gear).

Eze 1:20 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. Spirit: "ruach." Wherever the Spirit went, the wheels (or vehicles), followed.

Eze 1:21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. The Spirit (or living beings), were within the wheels. 

Eze 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. Over their heads was a terrible crystal: Terrible here is "yare," Strong's H3372, "to revere, or frighten." Crystal here is "qerach qorach," Strong's H7140, "smooth, rock crystal, frost, or ice." (Like a sea of glass). John would give us this description in the book of Revelation. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. (Revelation 4:6). Crystal represents purity. The four beasts are the Cherubim's (Zoon or Zoa, living Protectors), to guard the throne of God. These are living creatures that are all knowing. Reference to God's throne at the beginning of the millennium. (Was this the very presence of God's throne that Ezekiel has seen)? "I believe it was."  

Eze 1:23 And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. Stretched out to protect the very throne of God. 

Eze 1:24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. The noise of roaring waters, or the voice of a mighty army. (Did you ever hear the sound of an F-16 when it fly's by real low)? Not that these were jets flying around, but the sound could have been very similar. 

Eze 1:25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. The voice from God Himself! They lowered their wings (possibly landing and touching the ground), then God spoke, "from the sea of glass above them."

Eze 1:26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. Above the sea of glass (or firmament), was the appearance of the "Throne of God." 

Eze 1:27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. What did John see when he was in the spirit? And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. (Revelation 4:2). Again, it was John that was in the Spirit and we are talking here about the throne of God. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. (Revelation 4:3). On the breastplate of the priest there were twelve stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. The jasper and the sardis stone were the first and the last of the twelve stones. (Exodus 28:17-21). These two stones were symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. (The rainbow being the prism of all the stones). So, who was sitting upon the throne? "Was it Jesus Himself?"

Eze 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. Ezekiel saw the very likeness of the glory of God. What did John see when he was taken in the spirit? And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13). He seen the Lord's day, when every knee shall bow before Him. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11). The white throne judgment... The very presents of the full God head. (Yahveh Shamah), "God is there." What was Ezekiel's response when he seen this? "He fell face down on the ground before God." (God will now speak to Ezekiel).  

Eze 2:1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. Ezekiel called the son of man (a human being and natural descendant of Adam, refers to his human limitations). Jesus was also called the Son of man (He was the Son of God).

Eze 2:2 And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. Ezekiel was touched by the Holy Spirit, and he listened carefully to His words. 

Eze 2:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. God is about to send Ezekiel to the nation of Israel (a rebellious nation), who has been rebelling against God to this very day.

Eze 2:4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people who never listen. "Tell them this is what the Lord God says!" 

Eze 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Whether they listen or not, they will know that a prophet has spoken to them.

Eze 2:6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. Don't fear them and their words. Even if they surround you like briers and thorns, because they dwell among scorpions. i.e. when you teach the truth in Gods word, "it's a jungle out there." (People are going to try to cause trouble). Running a ministry is not an easy job as many may think. (Especially when you are a one man ministry as Christ was).

Eze 2:7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. Ezekiel's job is to bring them God's message (nothing more, nothing less), even though they will not listen. Sound familiar?

Eze 2:8 But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. Listen to what God says and do not join them in their rebellion. "Open your mouth and eat what I give you." Reference to (Revelation 10:9-10). And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. (Revelation 10:9). We need to ask for the knowledge of the Word before we receive it. To eat it means to gain knowledge, or to digest the Word. When you first take the Word in it is as sweet as honey, but as you digest the truth, and see the things that will happen in the end times to the unbelievers (those who follow Satan), it will sour your stomach. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. (Revelation 10:10). The bitterness is what you are going to see in the near future. (Ezekiel is going to see a lot about the future). 

Eze 2:9 And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; Ezekiel had seen a hand reach out to him that held a scroll.

Eze 2:10 And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. The scroll was unrolled. What was unusual about this scroll, was it had writings on both sides. (Scrolls are usually written on the inside only). This scroll had so many funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom, that it took both sides of the scroll. "This is to show the abundance and completeness of his prophecies." (Revelation 5:1).

Keep in mind that Ezekiel was around in the time of Jeremiah during the destruction of the nation of Judah and the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah ministered to the people who stayed in Jerusalem, but Ezekiel's ministry was with those who were in the captivity in Babylon.

Eze 3:1 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. Receive My word into your mind and let it enter your soul. Digest it and let it be your nourishment. (The meat of the word). "Give this message I have given you to the house of Israel."

Eze 3:2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. Ezekiel obeyed the Heavenly Father and took in the message of the scroll. (Gods word).

Eze 3:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. When you take in the truth of Gods word, it is as sweet as honey and it nourishes the soul. (Psalm 119:103, Proverbs 2:10-11, Revelation 10:9-10).

Eze 3:4 And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. Go to the exiles in Babylon and give them My message.

Eze 3:5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; Ezekiel was going to his own people, so they should understand. Would they?

Eze 3:6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. I am not sending you to strangers, if I did, they would listen! (Teaching to strangers can at times be much easier that teaching your own people). Why? People who know you, usually won't listen. Did you ever try to give a truth to a friend or family member? "You know how that usually plays out."

Eze 3:7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. They won't listen to you any more than they listened to Me! They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. "Just because people won't listen to you, does not make your ministry unsuccessful." It's not how many people you pack in your church, and sometimes it's not the quality of truth that you teach. Even when you teach truth, many won't listen. However, if you are called to the ministry, it is the obedience to God and your calling that is most important and makes a successful ministry. (Luke 10:16, 13:34, 19:14, John 5:40-47, 15:20-24).

Eze 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. Since they are hard-heads, I will make you as hard-headed as they are. What does Ezekiel's name mean? ("God has strengthened"). When you face hard-heads, God will make you even harder. When you face smart people, God will make you smarter. When you face strong minded people, God will make you stronger. (You can't outwit our Heavenly Father). 

Eze 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. These people think they are tough. "God is going to make Ezekiel tougher!" (Never be afraid of anyone when God is on your side).

Eze 3:10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. Listen to all My words and learn them. (At least have a working knowledge of Gods plan). Do you have ears to hear?

Eze 3:11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. "Teach them the truth whether they listen or not." (Acts 20:26-27). Do it Gods way... When you teach the word of God, give it your best shot, plant the seed of truth, and God will take care of the rest.

Eze 3:12 Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place. Spirit: "ruach," breath of life, "The Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:2, Revelation 1:10). A voice: Probably an angel. The glory of the Lord was lifted from it's place. (The vision was withdrawn).

Eze 3:13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.  

Eze 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Ezekiel was lifted in the spirit (the Holy spirit will always lift you up). However, now he was shown the bitterness he would experience in his ministry. (There is going to be tough times when you teach truth in the word). 

Eze 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. Ezekiel's vision blew his mind. He was so overwhelmed by the vision that he was speechless and sat among the people (exiles), for seven days. (Seven represents spiritual completeness).

Eze 3:16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, After the seven days, Ezekiel gets another message from the Lord.

Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. Ezekiel was appointed a watchman for Israel by God. He was to warn the Israelites of the trouble ahead. God gives the message, Ezekiel tells the people. (Many of us are to be watchman in the end times to warn the people what will happen). Just one of the many gifts of God. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11). The sent forth ones, some are teachers, some are seed planters, some for winning people to Christ, and some for caring for God's people.

Eze 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. If God gives you a message to deliver to the people, "do it." If not, you may be held responsible. (1 Timothy 4:16). "Judgment begins at the pulpit." 

Eze 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. If you warn the people about what I (the Lord), have said, and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But, because you have obeyed Me, you save yourself.

Eze 3:20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Even those with righteous deeds, if they ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die a spiritual death. If you do not warn them, they will die in their sins, and none of their righteous acts will be remembered. You will be held responsible. i.e. Those who think they are right with God in their own ways (traditions of men), will stumble at the truth. We need to warn them, but then they are on their own if they won't listen.

Eze 3:21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. However, if you warn the righteous people and they listen to you, accept the truth, and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself too. (i.e. the righteous need to be warned just as the wicked people when they stray from God).

Eze 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee. The Lord tells Ezekiel to go to the valley, and He will speak to him there.

Eze 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. Ezekiel sees the "Glory of the Lord," just as he had seen in his first vision.

Eze 3:24 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house. Ezekiel kind of under house arrest. 

Eze 3:25 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: Stay there till I tell you to go to the people. (Timing is everything).  

Eze 3:26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. You won't be able to rebuke the people on your own because I will make you speechless.

Eze 3:27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house. When I (the Lord), give you a message, I will loosen your tongue to speak My message. (Luke 21:15, Ephesians 6:19). Those who choose to listen will hear you. But, those who refuse to listen will not hear, because they are rebels. i.e. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. (Matthew 13:9, Revelation 22:10-11).

Eze 4:1 Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: Ezekiel is to draw a map of Jerusalem on the clay brick. The bricks in common use among the ancients were around "two feet long, one foot broad, and four inches thick;" and on such a surface the whole siege might be easily portrayed. Perhaps, however, it may here denote a flat tile, like a Roman brick, which were commonly used for tablets.

Eze 4:2 And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about. Looks like Ezekiel is going to play army here. He is to draw the city under siege with every detail.

Eze 4:3 Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. The iron plate was to be placed between Ezekiel and the city to show that God would separate Himself from the people that would not listen. Why? Because of their iniquities. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2). 

Eze 4:4 Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. Ezekiel was to prophecy to the people, and while he did, he was to lie on his left side as a sign to bear the sins of Israel.

Eze 4:5 For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. Ezekiel was to do this for 390 days, representing 390 years of Israel's sin.

Eze 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year. Ezekiel was then to turn over and lay on his right side for 40 days, representing 40 years of Judah's sin.

Eze 4:7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it. Ezekiel was to keep staring at the model siege and prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction.

Eze 4:8 And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege. Ezekiel was not going anywhere as he was bound by ropes. Just as the people were not going to escape the siege till all the days have been completed.

Eze 4:9 Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof. Ezekiel was to make some bread from these ingredients. This was one of the most healthy breads ever made at the time, and it still is to this very day. Yes... You can buy this bread made from the same all natural ingredients that Ezekiel used. What is it called? Ezekiel 4:9, and you can get it in most grocery, or health stores in the freezer section. (They also make awesome English muffins).

Eze 4:10 And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it. Ezekiel was to ration his food for the day. (About a 1/2 pound total food for the day). Moderation is the key here. (Eat to live, don't live to eat). 

Eze 4:11 Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink. Measure out a jar of water a day. A hin: About 24 ounces of water a day. (Plenty to sustain life).

Eze 4:12 And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight. An oven fueled by human dung, as the people of Israel would be doing. (Symbol of defilement). 

Eze 4:13 And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them. This is how Israel will eat defiled bread in the Gentile lands to which God banished them.

Eze 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth. Ezekiel didn't want to defile himself with this practice. Since he was a child, he never ate anything forbidden by the law.

Eze 4:15 Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith. Dried cow-dung is a common fuel in the East, as it is in many parts of England, to the present day; but the prophet was ordered to prepare his bread with human dung, to show the extreme degree of wretchedness to which the besieged should be exposed, as they would be obliged literally to use it, from not being able to leave the city to collect other fuel.

Eze 4:16 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment: The prophet was allowed each day only twenty shekels weight, or about ten ounces, of the coarse food he had prepared, and the sixth part of a hin, scarcely a pint and a half, of water; all of which was intended to show that they should be obliged to eat the meanest and coarsest food, and that by weight, and their water by measure.

Eze 4:17 That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity. This word "astonied" is Hebrew H8074 "shamen," to stun, grow numb, devastate or stupefy. Because of the lack of food and water, the people will look to one another in devastation and terror. They will be stupefied because of hunger and waste away under their punishment. Why? "Because of their iniquity." God wants them to repent, but they won't.

Eze 5:1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair. Sharp knife: The sword, a sign of the Chaldeans (Assyrian army). The cutting of the hair: Symbol of morning, because of the calamities and disgrace coming upon them. Balances: The exact distribution of Divine judgments. Divide the hair: Ezekiel was to divide the hair into three parts. (Lets see what the hair represents in the next verse).

Eze 5:2 Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them. Burn with fire: One third part of the hair represents (1/3 of the people), who were destroyed in the city. Smite with a knife: Another third part of the hair representing those who were slain attempting to escape. Scattered to the winds: The last third of the hair represents one third of the people who escaped to other countries.  

Eze 5:3 Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. Ezekiel was to keep just a bit of the hair and tie it to his robe. I believe this would be a remnant of people. (Possibly those left with Gedaliah). Gadaliah was the son of Ahikam. He was appointed governor over those left in Judah by Nebuchadnezzar.

Eze 5:4 Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; for thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel. The destruction will spread from the remnant and destroy all of Israel.

Eze 5:5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. This is what the Lord says! "This is what will happen to Jerusalem in the center of all nations."

Eze 5:6 And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them. Jerusalem has become more wicked than the surrounding nations. "She has refused to obey the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:6, 11:10, Zechariah 7:11).

Eze 5:7 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that are round about you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that are round about you; You are worse than your neighboring countries. You can't even meet the standards of the nations around you. (2 Chronicles 33:9, Jeremiah 2:10-11). This is a direction that the United States does not want to follow, but they are becoming a rebellious nation, trying to take God out of everything. We need to get back to the ways of God, in which this country was built upon. What does it say on our money. "In God we trust." Now we need to practice what we preach, instead of straying away from the truth. 

Eze 5:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations. God has become their enemy, and they will be punished publicly while all the nations watch. "See what will happen when you stray from God."  

Eze 5:9 And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations. The sentence here passed upon Jerusalem is very dreadful, and the manner of expression makes it yet more so. The judgments are various, the threatening of them varied, reiterated; so that one may well say, "Who is able to stand in God's sight when he is angry?" (Amos 3:2, Matthew 24:21).

Eze 5:10 Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds. Parents will eat their own children, and children will eat their parents. Reference to: (Leviticus 26:29, Deuteronomy 28:53). I will punish you and scatter to the winds the few that survive. (The remnant). "God always leaves a remnant to work with."

Eze 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity. Mess around with false idols and false teachings, and God will cut you off.

Eze 5:12 A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. A third of the people will die from disease and famine. A third of the people will be slaughtered by the enemy outside the city walls. A third of the people will be scattered to the winds, chasing them with the Sword of the Lord. Reference to Jeremiah: Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them. (Jeremiah 44:27). The only watching after you I will do will be for your disaster, because you are all spiritually dead to Me. Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs. (Jeremiah 44:28). The only ones that will escape My wrath and survive are the ones who escape Egypt. (They will return to Judah).

Eze 5:13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them. The Lord's anger will then be satisfied. Then all Israel will know that, "I The Lord Have Spoken." Reference to: (Deuteronomy 32:36).

Eze 5:14 Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by. You will be turned into ruin, and a mockery in the eyes of the surrounding nations. Reference to: (Leviticus 26:31-32).

Eze 5:15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken it. "You will become a warning to all the nations around you." "All nations." Yes... This includes this nation.

Eze 5:16 When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread: Famine will become more and more severe, until every crumb of food is gone. However, let me ask you this? What is the famine in the end times? Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: (Amos 8:11). 

Eze 5:17 So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken it. Evil beasts will come among you. Disease and war will stalk your land. God will bring the sword of the enemy against you. (There will be an evil beast coming upon us in the end times). Do you know who it is?  

Eze 6:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, We have a new prophecy here, probably given after the 430 days of his lying on his left and right side were accomplished.

Eze 6:2 Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them, The mountains: Specially defiled by the high places. (Place of worship). 

Eze 6:3 And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places. Gods warning that He will destroy their high places (places of worship), and smash their pagan shrines. 

Eze 6:4 And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. Going after the people as well as their idols.

Eze 6:5 And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars. Desecrating their altars.

Eze 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. Wherever these people decide to live there will be desolation and God will destroy all your altars and pagan shrines. (i.e. all your religious objects that are man made will be destroyed).

Eze 6:7 And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Their places will be full of dead bodies and you will know "I am the Lord."

Eze 6:8 Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. God will leave a remnant that will be scattered among the nations of the world.

Eze 6:9 And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations. They shall: They shall humble themselves on account of their abominations, forsake their idolatry, and worship Me alone, and this they have done from the Babylonian captivity to the present day.

Eze 6:10 And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them. God is always fair and knows how to get the attention of His children when necessary. (It's called tough love). Something many have forgot about in this country when it comes to raising their children.

Eze 6:11 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. God is telling Ezekiel to demonstrate His frustration with the people of Israel the way a human would. (Kind of like a hissy-fit or tantrum).

Eze 6:12 He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them. Some killed by war, some by famine, and some by disease. (i.e. no one will escape His wrath). 

Eze 6:13 Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols. The dead will be scattered among their own altars and idols that brought on God's judgment. (Hosea 4:13).

Eze 6:14 So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD. i.e. the entire country would be made desolate. Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 5:25). The Lord is not happy with the people and their ways. (Those who are against His ways and His Word). God is not happy with many things going on in the world today, including the United States. "Judgment is coming."

Eze 7:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying. Another message from the Lord to Ezekiel.

Eze 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. The end is here for Israel. Babylonian destruction from the four corners of the earth. Also applies to the end times for Israel. And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more. (Amos 8:2). The Lord asked. What do you see Amos? "A basket of ripe fruit." Then the Lord said: Just like this fruit, Israel is ripe for punishment. Amos was starting to realize that the end was near for Israel. And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. (Amos 8:3). In that day... What day? "The day of the Lord." The singing in the temple will turn to wailing and dead bodies will be scattered everywhere.   

Eze 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. No hope when God's anger is against you.  

Eze 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. God will turn His favor and show no pity for the detestable things Israel has done. Will God's favor turn on the United States? "If we don't change our ways He will." Hmmm. Do we deserve His judgment? There are places in the U.S. that are worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. "Are moral standards have sunk to an all time low."

Eze 7:5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. Disaster after disaster is coming your way! "Wake up and look around you."

Eze 7:6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come. The end has come and your final doom is coming!

Eze 7:7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. Your day of trouble is drawing near. (Day of confusion). Israel is in the state of confusion, as the United States as well. Why? Because of false teachings and traditions of men. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17). Judgment is near, and it begins with God's household. (We are all equal in God's eyes when doing His work). But, just think what lies for those who ignore the Word of God.

Eze 7:8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. The people will be held accountable for all the detestable sins.

Eze 7:9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth. Again, The Lords eye (His favor), will turn away from the people and He will show no mercy. (People think they can just go with the flow and live along side all this detestable sin and perversion going on). Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7). You can't fool God. You will reap what you sow. Do good and good things will happen to you. Do evil and expect trouble coming your way.

Eze 7:10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. The rod has blossomed: i.e. Nebuchadnezzar's scepter is ready. "Babylon is coming."

Eze 7:11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. Their own violence has grown into a rod that will beat them for their wickedness. "The proud and wicked will not survive."

Eze 7:12 The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. No need to rejoice over a bargain because money will do you no good, and your property values will be worthless.

Eze 7:13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. Even if the merchants survive, they will never return to their business. i.e. everyone will be affected. Not one person whose life is twisted by sin will recover. (Psalm 52:7). Think what you want; but if you are rich in this country today, your wealth probably came form some type of corruption.  

Eze 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. 

Eze 7:15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

Eze 7:16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity. You might be able to escape to the mountains, but you will mourn over your sins.

Eze 7:17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. Their hands will hang limp, and their knees will be like water.

Eze 7:18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. Their shame will cover them and they will shave their heads in sorrow. "Sackcloth and baldness from shaving their heads are signs of mourning and repentance."

Eze 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. They will try to buy their way to heaven (like many do today), but it won't help. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26). (Don't think just because you tithe to a church that you are right with God and you will gain salvation). In the day of trouble, even food will become more valuable than gold or silver. "People are starving today, but mostly for the truth in the Word of God." (They have been deceived long enough).  

Eze 7:20 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. Man has perverted Gods temple with idols and images. (Look around at many churches today). "They look pretty majestic." The problem is that, "looks can be deceiving." 

Eze 7:21 And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it. It will be as plunder to the wicked nations of the world. 

Eze 7:22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it. God will turn His eye as they invade and defile His treasured land.

Eze 7:23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. The people are to be bound in captivity because the city is full of violence. 

Eze 7:24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. Worst of the heathen: Referring to Babylon.

Eze 7:25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. The people will be in terror. They will want peace, but won't find it.

Eze 7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. Calamity will follow calamity, and rumor will follow rumor. "They will look for the truth, but will not find it." It's to late! They had their chance, and their priests and leaders will not be able to help them. (Don't put all your faith in your priest or pastor as many do, they may lead you astray). "Put you faith in God!"

Eze 7:27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD. Your leaders will stand helpless, weeping in despair, and the people will tremble with fear. Evil is coming upon the people, just like the evil they have done to others. "They will receive the punishment they so richly deserve." Judgment is coming upon this world very soon my friend. "It is known as the great tribulation." We who know the the truth are the watchmen of the end times. Our job is to warn the people and show them the way to salvation through the truth in the Word. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24).

Eze 8:1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me. This would be on September 17, during the sixth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. The leaders were gathered at Ezekiel's house when he received another message from the Lord.

Eze 8:2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber. Was it the appearance of a man, and angel, or the appearance of God Himself? (Probably an angel). Ezekiel doesn't say exactly what he saw. (Maybe it wasn't clear enough for description). 

Eze 8:3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. Ezekiel was not necessarily physically taken (like many believe), to Jerusalem, but he was taken in the spirit (in a vision), from God. He was taken to the north gate of the inner courtyard of the Temple. He saw a large idol that made the Lord very jealous.

Eze 8:4 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. Ezekiel sees the Glory of God of Israel that was there, just as he had seen before in the valley.

Eze 8:5 Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. There Ezekiel sees the idol.

Eze 8:6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. God asked Ezekiel if he sees all the detestable sins that the people of Israel are committing to drive Him from the Temple? Now He is going to show Ezekiel even more detestable sins than these!

Eze 8:7 And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. Now he is in front of the Temple door where he could see a hole in the wall. (Ezekiel had seen something a little unusual here).

Eze 8:8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. Ezekiel dug into the wall as the Lord commanded and found a hidden door. 

Eze 8:9 And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. Go inside the door and see the wicked and detestable sins they are committing in there!

Eze 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about. These images portrayed on the wall were no doubt the objects of Egyptian idolatry, the ox, ape, crocodile, ibis, beetle, etc., as we find those idols were painted on the walls of the tombs of kings and nobles.

Eze 8:11 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Seventy leaders of Israel were standing there with Jaazaniah, son of Shaphan in the center. Jaazaniah was the trouble maker (black sheep), of the family. They were burning incense to an idol.

Eze 8:12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth. These leaders of Israel think that the Lord does not see them and their detestable sins. Not only does God know what is going on in the minds of these leaders, but he gives Ezekiel a look inside their heads.

Eze 8:13 He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Come and I'll show you even more.

Eze 8:14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD'S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Now the Lord brought Ezekiel to the north gate. There the women were sitting weeping for the god Tammuz (a Phoenician deity).

Eze 8:15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. Look at what they are doing. Do you believe what these women are doing? I will show you even more detestable sins than these!

Eze 8:16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Here we have twenty five men (priests), that turned their backs on the Lord and were worshipping the sun. It seems that the Jews had incorporated every species of idolatry into their worship, Egyptian, Phoenician, and Persian; for this evidently was the Magian worship of the sun.

Eze 8:17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Do you believe this Ezekiel (O son of man), asked the Lord? It means nothing to these people of Judah that commit these detestable sins. They are leading the whole nation into violence, thumbing their noses at Me. "They are provoking Me to anger!"

Eze 8:18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them. "Therefore, I the Lord will respond in fury." Can you see why the Lord is so angry at these people and would bring judgment on the nation? The same is going to happen to this nation if we do not get our act together. (Probably to late for that). Any nation that takes God out of the equation because of none believers is going to feel His wrath. Our country is heading in the wrong direction, and it better get back to the bible.

Eze 9:1 He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. The Lord cries out with a thundering voice! Bring on the men (angelic beings), who are appointed to punish the city.

Eze 9:2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. Here comes six men (angelic beings), each carrying a deadly weapon in their hand. One of the men (angels of the Lord), clothed in linen, had a writers cup in his hand.

Eze 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; God of Israel: Isaiah 29:23). Called to the man clothed in linen. (About to use his pen or marker).

Eze 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Mark upon their foreheads: Sound familiar? Kind of like the "Seal of God," in Revelation 7:2-3). Everyone in the city who would "weep and sigh" because of all the wickedness of the city would have a special mark. (Separation between the good, the bad, and the ugly). Just the opposite of the "beast mark" of (Revelation 13:16-17).

Eze 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Destroy those who do not have the mark (seal of God), upon (or in), their heads. 

Eze 9:6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. Destroy all who do not have the mark, men, women, and children. Begin at My sanctuary with the seventy elders (priests). Remember, "Judgment begins at the pulpit."

Eze 9:7 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. Defile the Temple! The Lord commanded. (The temple would be defiled by all the dead corpses). 

Eze 9:8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? Ezekiel was worried that the Lord would destroy everyone left in Israel. Residue: Remnant. "God always saves a remnant." (The one's with the mark would be saved).

Eze 9:9 Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. The Lord tells Ezekiel that the sins of the people of Israel and Judah are so great, that the entire land is full of murder and injustice. "These people think that God does not see their evil." God sees everything, and He is about to abandon the land.

Eze 9:10 And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. I will not spare them or have pity on them "says the Lord." (Those without the mark, or seal of God). They are going to get what they have coming!

Eze 9:11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me. The angel of the Lord had finished what the Lord commanded him to do.

Ezekiel 10

Ezekiel 11

Ezekiel 12

Ezekiel 13

Ezekiel 14

Ezekiel 15

Ezekiel 16