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We are still in the OAN, the long suspense-building pause between Ezekiel’s announcement of Jerusalem’s fall in Chapter 24 and confirmation of Jerusalem’s fall in Chapter 33. Ezekiel arranged the seven oracles in a geographical sequence around Israel. He started with Ammon to the east. Next, he addressed Moab and Edom, further southeast. The focus then shifted westward to Philistia, followed by Tyre and Sidon to the northwest. In the last pronouncement, Ezekiel turned his reproach to Egypt in the southwest. The oracle against Egypt is Ezekiel’s longest by far, spanning four chapters.
Babylon’s Rival
At the start of the oracle against Egypt, Ezekiel gave the exact date, the equivalent of 7 January 587 BCE (29:1). It was exactly a year since Nebuchadnezzar first laid siege to Jerusalem.
In the early sixty century BCE, at the time of Ezekiel, Egypt was the only regional power who had a chance of challenging Babylon’s expansion. As Nebuchadnezzar’s army campaigned throughout the region, Egypt tried mightily to hold on to its upper hand. Jerusalem found itself in a precarious position, caught in the middle of two major powers vying for dominance. King Zedekiah, Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin all hoped to preserve Jerusalem’s independence. They switched their allegiance between Babylon and Egypt, unsure of the safest bet.
One of Egypt’s tactical strategies was to help smaller nations in their resistance to Babylonian ambitions. They wanted their allies to be codependent on them for aid. For example, the Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt (588-569 BCE) encouraged Judah to rebel against Babylon, promising Egypt’s military support in their struggle. He said they would intervene on Judah’s behalf and repel Nebuchadnezzar. According to Jeremiah’s account, Egypt’s intervention forced the Babylonians to lift their siege of Jerusalem, giving the city a brief respite and strengthening Judah’s determination to continue fighting (Jer. 37:5-11). However, Hophra relented, and his battalion retreated once they confronted the Babylonian army. Jeremiah’s description is vague, but Egypt might have withdrawn without a battle. This withdrawal of Egyptian forces hastened the fall of Jerusalem.
Both Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesied that God was going to use Babylon to punish Judah. With that understanding, they wanted to get the punishment over with. That is why they were both irritated with Egypt prodding Jerusalem’s kings to revolt. The prophets blamed Egypt for soliciting Judah’s partnership and blame Judah for placing their trust in Egypt. Judah had to be punished and Hophra was interfering with that process.
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This week I am interviewing a special guest, Yair Levi. Yair is a Jewish Israeli singer, songwriter, and musical producer based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Yair is incredibly popular among Christians who love Israel which is one of the things we will talk about.
Yair has become a global phenomenon, widely recognized for his powerful songs such as Refa Na and Blessed, which resonate deeply with audiences around the world.
As a Jewish Levite and former Captain in the Israeli Navy Seals, where he served for eight years, Yair brings a unique perspective to his music.
His work blends Biblical soul, faith, and Biblical values, reviving ancient texts and melodies to make them relevant and inspiring for today’s world.Support the show
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This week we are studying Ezekiel 28. In Ezekiel’s first two prophecies against Tyre, he condemned Tyrian civilization. In this chapter, God tells Ezekiel to address only the king of Tyre. The first ten verses deliver a warning and a condemnation. Ezekiel avoided naming the king, but historians identify him as King Ethbaal II (585-573 BCE). In biblical stories and prophecies, foreign leaders often go unnamed. That way the text can focus on the characteristics of the leader and emphasize the universal themes that make the prophecies relevant beyond their immediate historical context. For example, the Exodus story does not name the Pharaoh. His anonymity highlights his role as the quintessential oppressor, rather than his personal story. With Ezekiel 28, the arrogant Tyrian king represents all despotic leaders who elevate themselves over God, forgetting that “there is no authority except from God” (Rom. 13:1).
Ezekiel accused the king of being so vain that he fancied himself to be divine. Ezekiel voiced the internal thoughts of the king, saying, “Because your heart is proud and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas’” (28:2). The prophet did not focus on the wrongfulness of the king’s actions, but his mindset. Ezekiel sharply rebuked the king’s delusion of grandeur, saying, “you are but a mortal and no god” (28:2).
Unlike in Egypt, Canaanite royals did not claim to be superhuman. Ezekiel did not reveal if the Tyrian king claimed godhood outwardly to his subjects, or if his ego only secretly fueled his delusions. However, he likely felt like an object of worship because so many nations relied on his vast trade network to prop up their economies. Their material success depended on Tyre’s strength. Despite the gold and silver that the king amassed in his treasury, divinity was not a rank he could buy.
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Welcome to Bible Fiber, where are we encountering the textures and shades of the biblical tapestry. I am Shelley Neese, president of The Jerusalem Connection, a Christian organization devoted to sharing the story of the people of Israel, both ancient and modern. This week we have a special guest from Israel, Gidon Ariel.
Gidon is the founder and CEO of Root Source, an organization dedicated to promoting respectful relationships between pro-Israel Christians and Jews. Root Source's flagship program brings knowledgeable, authentic Israeli teachers and curious Christians together to study the Jewish texts and concepts that are foundational to their faith.
Gidon made Aliyah from Queens, NY when he was 14. He spent close to a decade in advanced Jewish studies institutes (Yeshivas) and the Israeli Army. After 20 years in the Tank Corps, today he is a reserve officer in the IDF Spokesperson's office. A pioneer in Jewish-Christian relations, Gidon is a seasoned Hebrew and Judaism instructor and public speaker.
On this episode we talk about Root Source, a free library of Jewish teachings for Christian audiences.
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This week we are studying Ezekiel 27, a continuation of the Oracles Against the Nations. Even if you’re a lifelong churchgoer, chances are you’ve never heard a sermon on Ezekiel’s Oracles Against the Nations. Ezekiel’s OAN is in competition with the genealogies in Chronicles or the purity regulations in Leviticus for the least-read scriptures.
Skipping the difficult parts is not the goal of Bible Fiber. I also do not manipulate the text for application lessons to our modern lives. Sometimes the main purpose of a biblical passage is to lay the groundwork for a broader understanding of Israel’s place and circumstances. After Jerusalem fell, the Israelites were in a questioning headspace. They needed proof that they were still the covenant people. They longed for God to punish the nations who came against them. Ezekiel’s OAN answers their doubts, even if indirectly. With Tyre, Ezekiel took three chapters to carry out his goal.After Ezekiel pronounced an oracle of judgement, God instructed the prophet to raise a lament for Tyre (27:1). A lament is a funeral song, like a graveside eulogy in our time. Occasionally, biblical prophets used laments as literary devices to announce judgment over Israel’s enemies or, in Amos’s case, Israel itself (Isa. 14-17, 19, 23; Amos 5:1-3). Delivered in a mocking tone, the lament expressed sorrow over the fate of a nation or city. They were inviting the condemned to their own funeral.
Ezekiel adds his own spin to the classical lament by shaping it into an extended allegory. His lament over Tyre portrays the city as a luxury merchant ship that was hit by a strong wind and sank.
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In Chapter 26, Ezekiel’s Oracles Against the Nations moves onto the city of Tyre, and the prophet stays fixated on Tyre for three chapters. It is surprising that Ezekiel only glances at the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines while he gives Tyre a jaundiced stare-down. Israel had long-running enmities with the first named people groups. Tyre was little more to Israel than an enviable trade rival. The Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines were Jerusalem’s closest neighbors. Tyre was 100 miles north of Jerusalem. Still, Ezekiel’s audience would have found his predictions of Tyre’s downfall impossible. Tyre’s wealth had no limits, and the island stronghold was impenetrable.
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Ezekiel 25 delivers four mini-oracles targeting Judah’s closest neighbors, which are also her longest standing enemies: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Israel had been at odds with these four nations for most of its existence. Scholars generally date these oracles to shortly after the Babylonian attack in 586 BCE, given that Jerusalem's suffering serves as the backdrop for each prophecy.
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This week on Bible Fiber we have a special guest, Tim Mahoney. So we are taking a little break from our Ezekiel study. Tim is a Christian filmmaker and a documentarian. I first learned of his work because two of my professors at The Bible Seminar have participated in his films. I also had the chance to see his film called The Moses Controversy a few years ago when it first came out.
Tim now has a new film as part of his Patterns of Evidence series. It is called The Israel Dilemma—Ancient Prophecies. It is screening on November 13, 14, and 17 in theaters nationwide. So we are two weeks away from showtime. I will put a link in the show notes for how you can purchase your ticket in advance.
Tim always puts a ton of research into his documentaries. And in this film, he builds the case that ancient Israel has been in the Promised Land since the time of Abraham. There is a strong focus on the biblical story and archaeology of Israel.Please check out this episode and find out how you can see the film!
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This is our last episode in the miniseries on The High Holidays for the Goyim. On October 24 and 25th, Jews will mark Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret. Simchat Torah is a celebration for the finish of an entire year of Torah study. While Simchat Torah is not technically part of Sukkot, it comes immediately after Sukkot as part of the fall holiday season. In Israel, Simchat Torah is observed on the same day as Shemini Atzeret, while in the diaspora, it is celebrated on the following day.
Shemini Atzeret means eighth day of assembly. It comes from the command in Leviticus 23:36. God said, “Seven days you shall present the Lord’s offerings by fire; on the eighth day you shall observe a holy convocation and present the Lord’s offerings by fire; it is a solemn assembly; you shall not work at your occupations” (Lev. 23:36).
While closely associated with Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret is considered a separate holiday with its own significance. It’s often interpreted as a day when God asks the Jewish people to stay for one more day of closeness and celebration after the week-long festival of Sukkot. That interpretation makes sense to me. Often when I am on vacation, I want to extend the trip just one more day. One more day of rest and one more day of family time. God desired the same from his people.
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When is Sukkot?
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, is a joyous seven-day festival that begins on the 15th day of the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei. This typically falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Sukkot will be celebrated from October 16th to October 23rd. It’s worth noting that Sukkot comes just five days after Yom Kippur, marking a dramatic shift from solemnity to celebration.
Where is Sukkot Mentioned in the Bible?
Sukkot is mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible. The most detailed instructions for observing Sukkot are found in Leviticus 23:33-43. This passage establishes the dates of the festival, commands the people to dwell in booths, and explains the historical significance of the holiday. God commanded Moses, “So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the Lord for seven days... Live in temporary shelters for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Lev. 23:39, 42-43)
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On October 1st, the first Bible Fiber book launched! It is a 52-week study of the Twelve Minor Prophets, going through each book. This comprehensive companion provides thoughtful commentary for every chapter, making these ancient texts accessible to all readers. Grab your copy of Bible Fiber today! It is available on Amazon as a Paperback and on Kindle!
Second, we are pressing pause on the Ezekiel study during the Jewish High Holidays for a miniseries we are calling “High Holidays for the Goyim.”
When is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, exactly 10 days after the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. That means Yom Kippur is the climactic day of atonement following a long reflective period. This year, on the Gregorian calendar, Yom Kippur starts at sundown on October 11th and ends at sundown on October 12th.
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Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on October 2nd and concludes at sundown on October 4th. Tonight, Jewish families around the world will gather for the start of their High Holiday season. Now that we live in Miami, this is the first time my kids have been in a public school that has off for Rosh Hashanah.
I hope Christians will open your hearts about how we can incorporate the themes of each holiday into our own month. And also, how we can love and serve our hurting Jewish neighbors a year out from October 7th.
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Because my mind always holds thoughts of biblical Israel together with concerns over modern Israel, I am struck by the relevance of Ezekiel’s Oracles Against the Nations. The prophet’s words to the exilic community of 587 BCE still resonate with those in Israel today.
When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. 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. (Ezek. 28:25-26)Support the show
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Our focus this week is on Ezekiel 24, the dramatic climax of the book. Until now, Ezekiel’s message has served as an ongoing alarm for Jerusalem’s impending punishment. For five years, Ezekiel used every strategy in his prophetic playbook to communicate his message: oracles, visions, sign-acts, riddles, parables, songs, rhetorical questions, history lessons, and laments. By cataloguing Jerusalem’s sins, he established the city’s guilt and validated the need for divine intervention. Yahweh’s patience had run its course.
Judgement day fell on January 15, 588 BCE. Ezekiel received an oracle from the Lord at the same moment that Nebuchadnezzar’s army closed in on Jerusalem’s walls.
Chapter 24 also tells the tragic story of the death of Ezekiel's wife, and God's command that Ezekiel not publicly mourn her.Support the show
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Chapter 23 continues the lewd allegory that began in Chapter 16. Both feature the covenant people’s unfaithfulness through graphic marriage metaphors. Chapter 23 rivals Chapter 16 in its pornographic imagery and R-rated content. Guaranteed, neither chapter makes it into many sermons or Bible studies.
Chapter 23 continues the lewd allegory that began in Chapter 16. Both feature the covenant people’s unfaithfulness through graphic marriage metaphors. Chapter 23 rivals Chapter 16 in its pornographic imagery and R-rated content. Guaranteed, neither chapter makes it into many sermons or Bible studies.
7OzxD1JZPXB0hkayTu3ZSupport the show
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This week I am interviewing Ted Wright! Ted Wright is the founder and Executive Director of EpicArchaeology.org. He has a B.A. in Anthropology & Archaeology from the Cobb Institute of Archaeology at Mississippi State University, and a M.A. degree in Christian apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary.
For over a decade, Ted has been a speaker on Christian apologetics as well as Biblical Archaeology across North America & internationally. One of the super cool things he is doing is currently working as field assistant, photographer, and videographer for the “Agri Regional Archaeological Survey” in Eastern Turkey, co-sponsored by Andrews University and Istanbul University. In fact, Ted just got back from Mount Ararat (Yes, you heard that right….Noah’s Mount Ararat) yesterday. We talk all things Mount Ararat, ancient flood epics, and glacial moraines at 13,000 feet.
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In this episode, we explore Ezekiel 22, offering unique insights into the religious life of Judeans during the Babylonian exile.
Key points to look forward to:
• Gain an insider's view of the exiled community's spiritual atmosphere
• Discover Ezekiel's harsh critique of Jerusalem's sins and their consequences
• Explore powerful metaphors of metallurgy used to describe God's judgment
• Understand the prophet's role in reframing the mindset of the exiles
• Learn how this chapter helps explain the fall of Jerusalem from a theological perspective
Whether you're a biblical scholar, history enthusiast, or simply curious about ancient prophecies, this episode promises to offer fresh perspectives and thought-provoking analysis. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Bible and its historical context!"Support the show
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In our study of Ezekiel 21, I go over the complex tapestry of Ezekiel's fire and sword oracles. The prophet uses vivid imagery as he foretells Jerusalem's impending doom and God's judgment on surrounding nations. Ezekiel is a big believer in bringing his message to life!
From cryptic allegories to stark warnings, this episode explores:
-The connection between divine fire and sword prophecies
- Ezekiel's struggle with his audience's skepticism
- The fate of the righteous and wicked in times of judgment
- The downfall of Jerusalem
- God's ultimate justice for Babylon and Ammon
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This week we are studying Ezekiel 20. Through parables, fables, laments, allegories, and riddles, the prophet spent the previous five chapters undermining the exiles’ ingratitude and blame shifting. However, Ezekiel must have grown tired of delivering opaque messages (20:49). In Chapter 20, Ezekiel broke from a long streak of metaphorical language and finally delivered a straightforward history lesson. By recasting their history from God’s viewpoint, Ezekiel’s overview contrasts Israel’s chronic rebellion with God’s persistent mercy.
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This week we are reading Ezekiel 19. God instructs the prophet to “raise up a lamentation for the princes of Israel” (19:1). Hebrew lamentations, or funerary songs, are a common style in the Old Testament. Often sung at gravesides, traditional laments praised the admirable qualities of the departed and mourned their loss. When King David heard of Jonathan’s death on the battlefield, he composed a sorrowful lament acknowledging their strong bond (2 Sam. 1:25-27). Lamentations is an entire book composed of songs mourning the destruction of Jerusalem. Laments also pop up in the Psalms. Thanks to Bob Marley’s 1977 track “By the Rivers of Babylon,” biblical laments have even made their way into pop culture.
Hebrew poets composed laments with a particular poetic meter with musical qualities that do not come through in English translations, but Ezekiel’s audience would have recognized his style immediately. What they may not have comprehended was the essence and underlying meaning of his lament. Unlike classical laments that focus on personal or communal suffering, Ezekiel 19 uses entirely allegorical language. Rather than focusing on the virtues of the departed, it emphasizes the vices of the deceased.
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