Warnings, Lament, and Watchmen: God’s Call to Listen and Live
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 9
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 253 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. Chapters 31–33 mark a shift in Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry as God uses vivid imagery, laments, and urgent calls to repentance to awaken His people. In these passages, God first warns Egypt by comparing it to the downfall of Assyria, showing that no earthly power can stand against His judgment. Then, He gives detailed laments over Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying their descent into the pit alongside other fallen nations. Finally, God recommissions Ezekiel as a watchman, reminding him that his role is to warn Israel faithfully and that each person is responsible for their own choices before God. The section closes with a sobering contrast: while the people listen to Ezekiel’s words as though they are entertainment, they fail to act, proving that hearing without obedience leads to destruction. These chapters highlight God’s sovereignty over nations, His justice, and His call to personal responsibility in response to His Word.
Ezekiel 31
In chapter 31, God speaks through Ezekiel with a parable comparing Egypt to the once-mighty Assyria. Assyria is pictured as a great cedar tree in Lebanon, towering high with its branches spreading wide, nourished by abundant waters. Yet, in its pride, Assyria was cut down and cast into the pit, reminding Egypt that no nation is too great to fall under God’s judgment. The imagery emphasizes how pride and reliance on human strength bring destruction, for God humbles the exalted. Egypt, like Assyria, would face the same fate: its power and influence would wither, and nations would tremble at its fall. This chapter serves as both a warning and a declaration of God’s sovereignty over all kingdoms.
Ezekiel 32
Chapter 32 contains two laments against Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying their downfall as inevitable and final. Pharaoh is described as a monstrous lion and a sea dragon, stirring up the waters but soon captured and cast down by God. The imagery shifts to Egypt’s destruction, where its light is darkened—the sun, moon, and stars are symbols of its extinguished glory. God declares that Egypt will join other fallen nations in Sheol, including Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and others, all of whom once had great strength but were brought low. This chapter highlights the universal truth that earthly power and pride cannot prevent divine judgment. The laments serve as a funeral dirge for Egypt, reminding all nations that God alone rules over life and death.
Ezekiel 33
Chapter 33 marks a pivotal turning point in Ezekiel’s ministry, as God reaffirms his role as a watchman for Israel. The prophet is responsible to sound the alarm of God’s judgment; if he warns and people ignore, their blood is on their own hands, but if he fails to warn, he bears responsibility. God emphasizes personal accountability: the righteous cannot rely on past deeds, and the wicked can be saved if they repent. In the midst of this message, news arrives that Jerusalem has fallen, fulfilling Ezekiel’s earlier prophecies. Yet, the people treat Ezekiel’s words as entertainment—they listen but do not obey, exposing their hardened hearts. This chapter underscores the urgency of true repentance, obedience, and listening to God’s Word with the intent to act.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 31
In Ezekiel 31, God reveals His sovereignty over nations, showing that He alone exalts and humbles kingdoms. Egypt is warned through the example of Assyria, reminding us that pride and self-reliance lead to downfall. God’s character is displayed as just, powerful, and in full control of history—no nation, no matter how mighty, can escape His judgment. The lesson for us is to remain humble and dependent on Him rather than trusting in human strength.
No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter. Instead, God’s authority is shown in His role as the One who rules over creation and history. The lesson is clear: when nations or individuals exalt themselves in pride, God will bring them low. We can relate by acknowledging His lordship in our lives and remembering that true security is found in obedience to Him, not in earthly power.
Ezekiel 32
In Ezekiel 32, God is portrayed as a righteous Judge who brings nations to account for their violence and arrogance. Egypt and Pharaoh are pictured as a lion and a dragon—symbols of strength—but even these images are powerless before God’s hand. His character reveals His justice, holiness, and ability to humble the proud. The lesson is that no matter how strong we appear, without God, our end is destruction.
This chapter does not use specific Hebrew names of God, but His attributes align with Elohim (God, the Mighty One)—the One who has absolute power over life, death, and nations. The lesson is that God’s judgment is certain and universal; even the greatest empires fall under His authority. We can relate by trusting that God governs all events and nations, and we are called to live humbly before Him rather than in pride or self-sufficiency.
Ezekiel 33
Ezekiel 33 emphasizes God’s justice balanced with His mercy. He appoints Ezekiel as a watchman, showing that God desires to warn before judgment comes. His character is patient and compassionate, longing for the wicked to turn and live rather than perish. The lesson is that God calls His people to personal responsibility—each person must respond to His Word and repent.
While no specific Hebrew names are highlighted here, the chapter reflects the nature of Yahweh (the LORD, covenant-keeping God)—the One who holds His people accountable but also offers forgiveness when they repent. The lesson is that God’s desire is restoration, not destruction, but He will not force obedience. We can relate by hearing His Word with sincerity, not just as listeners but as doers, responding to His call to turn back to Him wholeheartedly.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 31 show God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers?
What does God’s judgment of Assyria and Egypt reveal about His justice?
In Ezekiel 32, how is God portrayed as both powerful and righteous in His dealings with Pharaoh?
How do these chapters highlight God’s patience in giving warnings before executing judgment?
What does Ezekiel 33 reveal about God’s desire for repentance rather than destruction?
How do these passages demonstrate that God is both compassionate and holy?
How can we reconcile God’s role as Judge with His deep love and mercy for people?
Questions About Themes:
What theme of pride and downfall is repeated in Ezekiel 31–32, and why is it significant?
How do the laments in Ezekiel 32 emphasize the reality of mortality for even the strongest nations?
What theme of accountability is central to Ezekiel 33, and how does it relate to the watchman’s role?
How does the comparison of Egypt to Assyria in Ezekiel 31 reinforce the theme of history as a lesson?
What theme about the finality of judgment is seen in Egypt’s descent into the pit in Ezekiel 32?
How do these chapters collectively show that listening to God’s Word without obedience is dangerous?
What overarching theme ties Ezekiel 31–33 together about God’s control over nations and individuals?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways are we tempted to place confidence in human strength rather than God, as Egypt did?
How can the downfall of powerful nations in Ezekiel 31–32 remind us to stay humble before God?
What does it look like in your life to treat God’s Word as more than just something to “listen to,” but to act upon it?
How do you respond when God places someone in your life to act as a “watchman” and warn you spiritually?
How can you take personal responsibility for your walk with God, rather than relying on past faithfulness or others’ prayers?
What does Ezekiel 33 teach you about the urgency of repentance and turning from sin today?
How can you live in a way that shows trust in God’s sovereignty over your circumstances and the world around you?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
Comments