The Glory of the Lord March 2, 2024
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: creatures, ezekiel, God, throne, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Ezekiel 1:4-28.
Summary: In this passage, Ezekiel begins to describe the divine vision where God calls him to be His prophet.
In particular, he sees a thunder-cloud – which then reveals four living creatures. These living creatures support the platform for the throne of God. Each of them has four faces and four wings; they move according to His will.
Each of them is accompanied by a wheel formed from two wheels that bisect each other at right angles, enabling them to move in any direction without turning. They are also capable of flight.
The platform for His throne is flat; as the creatures move it, their wings make a whirring sound.
Ezekiel then attempts to describe His appearance, as He is seated on His throne; he states that He has “a human appearance” and “the appearance of fire”. Ezekiel is then overcome by His glory and falls on his face.
Thoughts: In verse 12, the four living creatures are driven by “the spirit”. Taylor offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verses 12-14:
However, there was no such thing as independent movement for the creatures: the whole chariot-throne of which they were a part moved uniformly together under the impulse of the spirit…This word has been variously understood as (a) the Spirit of God, (b) the wind which brought the great cloud from out of the north, (c) the spirit within the living creatures, and (d) the ‘vital energy or impulse by which God from his throne acted upon them’. All of these meanings can be borne by the Hebrew wording.
Although these creatures were inherently terrifying – given their faces, wings, and speed – they actually highlighted the sovereignty of God, as He controlled their movements. As modern-day believers, when we read this passage, we can be caught up in the details of their appearance and actions. Yet since they are subject to His authority, we should focus on Him and praise Him in this instance. In particular, by creating these creatures and granting them their attributes, He displays His wisdom and strength.
In verse 24, Ezekiel hears the movement of the four living creatures. Taylor offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verses 24 and 25:
As it moved there was a strange whirring sound, as the four outstretched pairs of wings vibrated powerfully. The noise was like a mountain torrent…or like rolling thunder…or like the sound of an army on the move. LXX omits all but the first of these three expressions, but they are graphic similes and convey well the idea of God’s awefulness (sic), heard with the ear as well as seen by the eye.
This reminds me of Daniel 10:6, where Daniel had a vision of an angel who spoke loudly. Was the movement of these creatures so loud that Ezekiel needed to cover his ears? This also highlights God’s sovereignty over all of our senses – not just our sight; indeed, He can choose to overwhelm us in a variety of ways. While I cannot identify with Ezekiel’s experience in this passage (as He tends to work in more subtle ways in my life), perhaps other modern-day believers have experienced His presence in more overt ways…
In verses 26-28, Ezekiel attempts to convey the appearance of God. Taylor offers some thoughts on this point:
Here either his eye or his nerve fails him. Whereas the four living creatures could be described in detail, all he could say of God was that he had human form and the appearance of fire (27). To say even this, however, was incredibly bold, for was not Yahweh invisible and therefore indescribable?
Since Ezekiel repeatedly uses “appearance” and “likeness” in these verses, I think that he struggled to even begin to convey his perception of God. I would not have done a better job of describing Him if I had experienced this vision. Did Ezekiel believe that he was going to die, since he had seen God? I think we can assume that he was acutely aware of his insignificance compared to his Creator. As modern-day believers, perhaps we need to be reminded of our insignificance compared to our Creator; for example, we can ponder the extent of the universe and marvel at how He has allowed us to carve out an existence on this relatively tiny speck of dust.
Ezekiel in Babylon February 24, 2024
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: babylon, ezekiel, God, prophet, vision
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I’ve recently started reading through the Book of Ezekiel with the aid of a commentary by John B. Taylor. I should note that I’ve previously read through Ezekiel. As in my recent stroll through the book of Daniel, I hope to comprehend Ezekiel as a whole. In particular, I am mystified by this book; thus, I hope that God will enlighten me during this stroll.
I plan to blog about this experience as I read through both the book and Taylor’s commentary. Each post will correspond to a specific section in the ESV translation.
For starters, here are my thoughts on Ezekiel 1:1-3.
Summary: In this passage, Ezekiel is thirty years old when God – through a divine vision – calls him to be His prophet.
Thoughts: In verse 1, Ezekiel asserts that God called Him as a prophet in “the thirtieth year”. Taylor offers some thoughts on this point:
And if we are right in assuming that this was the age at which a priest would have entered upon his duties at the temple, it is clear that Ezekiel regarded his vision and call to be God’s spokesman to the exiles as coming at a crucial point in his life. It was in a sense a compensation for the priestly ministry which the misfortune of exile had snatched away from him. When his moment of ministry was due to begin, God summoned him to another sphere of work. The priest was commissioned as prophet.
This episode reminds me of Proverbs 16:9 (an old friend’s favorite Bible verse). Now I anticipate meeting Ezekiel in the next life and learning more about his mindset before he received his prophetic calling. Was he despondent that he could not serve as a priest in His temple in Jerusalem? Did he wrestle with Him, wondering why he had been exiled to Babylon? Did he wonder if he was going to waste the rest of his life in exile? If any of these questions can be answered in the affirmative, then I wonder if he was relieved when he did receive his prophetic calling. As modern-day believers, we should also know that He may choose to guide us in unexpected directions…
Daniel’s Terrifying Vision of a Man January 20, 2024
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: angels, comfort, daniel, God, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Daniel 10.
Summary: In this passage, which occurs in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, Daniel is observing Passover. He then has a vision of an angel and some heavenly messengers. Although he is terrified by them, they comfort him – and prepare to reveal future events concerning Persia, Greece, and the people of God.
Thoughts: In verses 5 and 6, Daniel has a terrifying vision of an angel. House offers some thoughts on this point:
Daniel looks across the river and sees an extraordinary being. He may have been thinking about temple rituals, for this individual was dressed in linen like a priest…However, the being wore a ritual loincloth made of the gold of Uphaz, among the finest of its day (Montgomery 1927: 408), which was nothing like how a normal priest dressed (10:5)!
Since verse 6 includes several analogies, I think that Daniel genuinely struggled to convey his image of this angel. This reminds me of those moments where athletes struggle to convey their thoughts and feelings after they have just claimed a championship, as their minds are overwhelmed by the magnitude of their accomplishment. Perhaps the sight of this angel was mind-boggling; as a finite human being (albeit one who was endowed with wisdom and understanding), he could only convey a poor approximation of this vision. As finite human beings, I know that we could not have surpassed him if we had been in his position; if I had been in his position, I would have babbled incoherently…
In verses 13, 20, and 21, the angel references both “the prince of Persia” and “Michael”. House offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verse 13:
Interpreting 10:13 is one of many times in Daniel when readers must embrace the symbolic nature of visions and the concept of mystery. The verse indicates that there are factors governing reality beyond what humans see. Ephesians 6:10-20 and Revelation 12:7 make this point, as does every Old Testament passage that features an angelic being. Without using mystery as an excuse for not trying to understand God’s ways, a laziness Daniel 10:2-4 surely denounces, readers must embrace the ignorance native to humanity.
I was initially confused by these references during my stroll through this passage; after some pondering, though, I was able to grasp the connection between “prince” and “angel”. Now I am still curious: why would angels need to battle over the fate of earthly nations? Was “the prince of Persia” a demon (or even Satan himself) who could only be defeated by a good angel such as Michael? That being said, I think that House has a good point about accepting our inherent ignorance, as I assume that these questions will not be fully answered (at least during this life). Instead of engaging in fruitless speculation, I should simply rest in the knowledge that God will ultimately triumph over all of His (physical and spiritual) enemies.
In verses 18 and 19, Daniel is strengthened by the angel. House offers some thoughts on this point:
The crisis has been averted. Next, the angel comforts Daniel by reminding him again that he is very precious to God, and exhorts him to be very strong (see Josh. 1:1-9). The old wise man feels better; he can carry on (10:19).
These verses raise some interesting questions: did Daniel play any role in this act of strengthening (e.g. “be strong and of good courage”), or was the angel entirely responsible for it? Did he simply need to allow the angel to strengthen him? I suppose that one would answer these questions based on their understanding of free will (admittedly my understanding of that topic is ill-formed). In any event, I believe that God (working through the angel) played at least some role in this act of strengthening. I also believe that when we – as modern-day believers – experience trials, He meets us in the midst of our weakness. He then strengthens us, enabling us to – in some sense – rise above our fears.
The Interpretation of the Vision December 23, 2023
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: daniel, gabriel, God, interpretation, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Daniel 8:15-27.
Summary: In this passage, Daniel attempts to determine the meaning of his latest vision. God sends Gabriel to enlighten him.
In particular:
- the horns of the ram represent the kings of Media and Persia
- the horn of the goat represents Alexander the Great
- the little horn probably represents Antiochus IV.
Gabriel promises that the little horn will not ultimately defeat the people of God.
Daniel is overcome by his vision and Gabriel’s explanation of it.
Thoughts: In verse 27, Daniel is overcome by his vision. House offers some thoughts on this point:
Daniel felt no ecstasy over having had a vision. The experience left him drained, as well it might. He knows his people will face a long series of hardships as they live through the kingdoms he has envisioned. Worse, he knows that trouble lies beyond that fourth kingdom.
This verse – and verse 28 of chapter 7 – caused me to ponder this question: why am I not affected by the suffering of other believers whom I do not know? One thought is that when one of my friends or relatives is suffering, part of me effectively shares their suffering. Perhaps I am unconsciously associating certain aspects of my life with them (e.g. a shared hobby, a pleasant vacation, etc.); if they were to pass away, then those aspects of life could pass away with them. I cannot associate any aspects of my life with other believers whom I do not know, though. On a somewhat-related note, I wonder: if observing Communion is meant to display the unity of the global church, then does that truth actually resonate with believers?
Modern-day believers may be tempted to dismiss this passage as a historical artifact – since Antiochus IV has already perished. Yet I sense that God does not want us to dismiss it; instead, He wants us to consider its broader message: whenever believers are being oppressed, He will – in His good timing – overcome their oppressors and glorify Himself. We should ponder that broader message and look beyond ourselves, maintaining a long-term view of history and trusting that He will eventually vindicate all of His people.
Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and the Goat December 22, 2023
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: daniel, God, horn, people of God, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Daniel 8:1-14.
Summary: In this passage, Daniel has another vision. In particular, he sees an unstoppable ram with two horns.
Later, a goat with one horn attacks the ram, breaks his horns, and tramples on him.
Afterwards, the goat’s horn breaks and is replaced by four horns – including the little horn from Daniel’s previous vision that fights the people of God.
Thoughts: In verse 1, Daniel has another vision two years after his previous vision. House offers some thoughts on this point:
Daniel’s previous vision (7:1-27) left him ‘greatly alarmed’ and with his ‘colour changed’ (7:28). In short, it left him in the same condition as Belshazzar after he saw the writing on the wall (5:6, 10). Thus, he is not seeking more visions. Nonetheless, one assaults him in the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a year when Cyrus successfully battled against Greece…
If Daniel did not desire this new vision, then I wonder: did he wrestle with God regarding His purpose for these visions? Did he cry out to Him, asking, “O Sovereign Lord, why are you tormenting me with these visions? They are making me ill”? If I had been in his position, then I would have blamed Him for ruining my sleep and failing to reveal His purpose for these visions. I would not have embraced these visions and drawn strength from them. Somehow Daniel was able to maintain his confidence in Him in the midst of these visions, which reveals the depth of his faith…
In verses 9-12, the little horn from Daniel’s previous vision reappears. House offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verse 12:
Those figuratively or literally fighting for God’s sacrifices alongside the ‘prince of the host’ will fall with their leader…Standing for God will not protect the people then. The horn’s motives, methods and means amount to transgression…For a little while, whatever he does succeeds.
Here, one who opposes God is ostensibly advancing their plans – instead of His plans – and testing the faith of believers in the process. As believers, we may declare (e.g. during Sunday worship services) that we will never lose our hope in Him and will utterly scorn His enemies’ attempts to advance their plans. Yet this passage implies that our faith will be thoroughly tested at some point(s) – revealing our true character. Thus, I pray that I (and, by extension, other believers) would learn about my genuine faith at that time(s), as I hold fast to Him in the midst of temptations to renounce my faith in Him.
Daniel’s Vision Interpreted December 16, 2023
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: daniel, God, kingdom, persecution, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Daniel 7:15-28.
Summary: In this passage, Daniel’s vision continues; he approaches a bystander within that vision and requests more information concerning the fourth beast, as its talking horn fights the people of God.
The bystander then explains that vision:
- a fourth kingdom will arise, and ten kings will arise out of it
- another king will then arise and persecute the people of God
- a heavenly court will then judge that king and punish him for his deeds
- God will then grant an eternal, universal kingdom to His people.
Daniel is shaken by that vision and its explanation.
Thoughts: In verse 22, God grants an eternal, universal kingdom to His people. House offers some thoughts on this point:
This development is hardly surprising. Daniel and the other Babylonian exiles certainly suffered. Mordecai and Esther faced death in Persia. God’s ‘holy ones’ in Judea suffered terribly under Antiochus IV (175-164 BC), and under Roman rule before, during and after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 66-70. God’s people have suffered multiple times since, and many of them live in real danger now. Other oppressors have taken the place of Greece and Rome.
I assume that this passage can comfort modern-day believers who “live in real danger now”. As a modern-day believer in a First World country, though, I do not “live in real danger now”. I – and others in similar circumstances – enjoy legal protection from religious persecution, leaving me vulnerable to various temptations. In some sense, then, this passage does not fully resonate with me. If I am tempted to rest in the blessings of this life, then can I truly desire the promise in verse 22? While I do not think that He is calling me to a life of asceticism, I do think that He is calling me to look for opportunities to deny myself (while still blessing others) on a daily basis.
In verse 28, Daniel is shaken by his vision and its interpretation. I think that his reaction was influenced by the description of the persecution of the people of God in verses 21 and 25 (in particular, it seems that at least some of His people will be slain by their persecutors). Did Daniel identify so strongly with the people of God that he would be shaken by their future sufferings? Admittedly I struggle to identify strongly with believers who “live in real danger now”. Whenever I hear about their sufferings, I cannot say that “my color changed”. I believe that this is related to the issues that I have noted above, where I focus on the blessings of this life (to the exclusion of the sufferings of others).
Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts December 2, 2023
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: beasts, daniel, fear, God, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Daniel 7:1-8.
Summary: In this passage, Daniel has a vision where winds stir up the Mediterranean Sea, and four beasts with various attributes emerge from it. The attributes of the fourth beast are especially frightening.
Thoughts: In verse 8, a horn on the fourth beast has “a mouth speaking great things”. House offers some thoughts on this point:
In 7:25 this beast speaks against the ‘Most High’ God…Daniel 4:30 and 5:1-12 have already stressed the dangerous nature of exalting self over God. Belshazzar spoke like a ‘little horn’ trying to be a ‘big horn’ (better than Nebuchadnezzar) in 5:1-4. The results were dire for him and his people.
This boastful horn reminded me of Revelation 13:5, where a beast “was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words”. Given my previous blog post on that verse, I have an idea regarding our proper response to this passage (before strolling through its interpretation): God wants all of His people to not fear anyone who appears to oppose His kingdom. On a related note, I conjecture that Daniel’s initial response to this vision was marked by fear and confusion, as he wrestled with the identity of this fourth beast and the impact of its boasts on His people. If my conjecture is correct, then at some point, He enabled him to have a broader view of history – helping him renew his faith in His sovereignty. As modern-day believers, we, too, can ponder the intersection of history and His sovereignty.
Warning Visions May 9, 2021
Posted by flashbuzzer in Books, Christianity.Tags: amos, God, intercession, judgment, vision
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Here are my thoughts on Amos 7:1-9.
Summary: In this passage, Amos recounts two visions where God planned to punish Israel – yet he dissuaded Him from doing so because the Israelites are small and weak.
Amos then recounts a third vision that centered on a plumb line (which is used to assess the straightness of a wall; if the wall is found to be beyond repair, then it must be torn down). In this case, God used a plumb line to assess the righteousness of the sanctuaries and the royal house of Israel. Those entities were found to be beyond repair; thus, He must tear them down (e.g. working through foreign armies).
Thoughts: In verses 1-6, Amos intercedes with God on behalf of the people of Israel. Hadjiev offers some thoughts on this point:
Moses’ prayer for divine forgiveness in Numbers 14:13-19 is based on a concern for God’s name and on recognition of God’s gracious character. Amos focuses on the second of those with his rhetorical question How can Jacob stand? / He is so small!…He accepts that the punishment is deserved but appeals to the Lord’s pity by pointing out the vulnerability of the people. His strategy proves successful.
This passage shows that Amos was not consumed by the prospect of God punishing the elites of Israel for their acts of injustice and oppression. Instead, it shows that he was consumed with zeal for His glory; if His punishment of His people would besmirch His name, then He should not punish them. This point also caused me to ponder a somewhat-related question: how often do we intercede with Him on behalf of others? We know that people commit sins on a daily basis, but it is relatively easy to ignore those sins – especially if they do not affect us. Perhaps we should intercede with Him on behalf of others more often – and consider how we may glorify Him in those instances.
Ringing In 