Prophetic Expositions, vol. 1

A SYNOPSIS OF EZEKIEL THIRTY-SEVENTH, THIRTY-EIGHTH AND THIRTY-NINTH CHAPTERS

1. The 37th chapter, from the 1st to the 10thverse, presents Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones. PREX1 193.1

2. The 11th to the 14th verse is an explanation,in literal terms, of the import of the emblems of the vision; showing it to be the resurrection of the bodies of the whole house of Israel:-not of all the Jews; nor yet of all the believing Jews alone.For they are not “all Israel,” that is, do not constitute “all Israel,” who are descended from Israel,or “are of Israel.” “But the children of the promise are accounted for the seed.” “If ye be Christ’s, ye are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to promise.” They will be raised up and brought into the land of promise PREX1 193.2

3. From verse 15, through the chapter, follows a view of the unity of all the saints in thehouse of David, under Messiah’s reign, forevermore; also the perfection and immutability oftheir holiness, and the glory and happiness whichshall forever attend them PREX1 193.3

4. Then follows, chapter 38:1-7, an enumeration of the company of Gog and Magog PREX1 193.4

5. From verse 8-13, the time of the gathering of Gog, and the motive by which he will be induced to go up against the land of Israel PREX1 193.5

First, the time. “In the latter years.” “When the mountains of Israel are brought back from thesword.” When those who are, brought back fromout of the nations, all dwell safely-all of themdwelling without wall and gates or bars. PREX1 193.6

Under these circumstances, the army of Gog will come like a storm to cover the land PREX1 193.7

Secondly, the motive. “Things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought.” The evil thought is to go up and take a spoil and prey and riches, gold, silver, cattle and goods. Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, will be inspired with such a thought to join the company, together with all the young lions thereof. PREX1 194.1

6. Then, from verse 14th, to the 20th verse of the 39th chapter, follow a description of the great battle, and the means by which they shall be destroyed, together with the time to be occupied by Israel in destroying their enemies, burning up their instruments of war, not for culinary purposes, but to destroy them; and also the supper of the great God, prepared for the beasts and fowls. PREX1 194.2

7. From verse 21 to 29, we have the effect which this battle and its accompanying scene will have on both the saints and the heathen First, the heathen shall see God’s glory, and know why the house of Israel went into captivity; that it was for the abuse of peace and independence when they enjoyed it, that God hid his face from them and gave them into the hand of their enemies. PREX1 194.3

Secondly, Israel is to learn by it that the Lord is their God, from that time forward. All God’s mercies, hitherto have been insufficient to convince the church effectually that God is their helper and deliverer. The Jewish church went after idols, even amidst the thunders of Sinai; and while the meat God gave them, was in their mouth, they murmured. The disciples rose from the feast of the loaves and fishes while the Saviour was with them, and were troubled because they had taken no bread. But they will now be convinced, and never more forget, that the ALMIGHTY GOD is theirs. They shall know too, that their God has gathered them from among the heathen into their own land and has poured out his spirit upon the whole house of Israel, and constituted them glorious and immortal. PREX1 194.4