Ezekiel 32:17-32

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_32:17-32.md

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
++++
+title = "Ezekiel 32:17–32"
+date = "2023-06-03"
++++
+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel32.17-32)
+
+Two weeks after he was given the lament to sing over Pharaoh, Ezekiel receives
+another prophecy  concerning the people of Egypt. In short, the message is
+that the multitudes of Egypt will be sent to the realm of the dead by way of
+the sword. Usually, that would be the end of the message, but this time the
+narrative follows the slain multitudes into Sheol (also called the pit or the
+underworld) and describes those who are already present.
+
+Egypt joins the likes of Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon. Each of
+these nations' multitudes lie in their graves, consigned to this place because
+of their iniquities and the terror they brought about to their neighbors while
+they lived. This pit they reside in is not a place of honor like the one the
+mighty men of old are presumed to dwell, but one of shame and misery.
+
+Over and over again in this passage, the people are said to lie in the place
+of the uncircumcised. This is a shorthand to say they were not God's covenant
+people. They were not living in the ways of their father Noah and as revealed
+through Moses. They could have. Both Ruth and Rahab were foreigners who chose to
+follow the Lord and these two women in particular became part of the Messianic
+line of promise.
+
+It also seems good to point out that the Bible always describes a real,
+experienced afterlife, whether it is a reward or punishment. Death isn't the
+end of anyone; it is not oblivion that awaits us all. While there is still time
+before we reach our final destinations, your trajectory is fixed once you die.
+Do not delay in responding to the Lord's call for your soul.
+
+* * *
+
+All mankind passes before Your throne, and You judge every one of us.