Day 212: Ezekiel 25-28

To be completely honest I'm getting pretty tired of reading Ezekiel. It seems like I'm reading the same things over and over and over again.

However, there is a recurring theme throughout. See if you can find it...

I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD. (25:7)

I will inflict punishment on Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD. (25:11)

...they will know my vengeance, declares the Sovereign LORD. (25:14)

Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I take vengeance on them. (25:17)

 Then they will know that I am the LORD. (26:6)

Then you will know that I am the LORD. (28:23)

He talks about all the terrible things He is going to do to them and it's always for the same reason. He wants them to know Him. He takes no delight in inflicting misery...he takes great delight in having a relationship with us. He knows us...He wants us to know Him.

Ezekiel suddenly jumps farther into the future toward the end of chapter 28. The time of punishment is limited. The captors release the captives. They once again return to live in their own land in peace. God is giving blessing instead of pain. He still wants them to know Him...

They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God. (28:26)