The Undated Period of Time - Ezek. 33:23 to Ezek. 39:29

Ezekiel 33‑39  •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 13
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The period is divided as follows: Ezek. 33:23 to 36:38 inclusive; Ezek. 37, then Ezek. 38 and 39 together. The divisions present definite periods in Israel's history.
The undated period begins with Jerusalem under the control of the Gentiles and a remnant of Judah scattered in the land claiming possession as Abraham's heirs (Ezek. 33:24), but Jehovah disallowing their claim of possession (Ezek. 33:25).
The period ends on the first month and tenth day, corresponding to the day for selecting the Passover lamb (Ex. 12:1-3) and also to the day of the Lord's first entry (first of five) into Jerusalem as king. (Matt. 21:5-10; Ex. 12:3-6.)
Between the two periods, Israel's history, past, present and future, is seen in outline. The few people left in the land depend upon the sword for defense (Ezek. 33:26), but it fails them and they are either destroyed in the land (Ezek. 33:27) or taken prisoner by their enemies so that the land is left empty and desolate (Ezek. 33:28). In captivity, their hypocritical claim to be the people of God (Ezek. 33:31) is rebuked and a warning is given to them (Ezek. 33:32, 33).
In Ezek.34, the leaders (shepherds) are denounced and sentenced for their abuse of the flock (Ezek. 34:9.10). (The leaders of Israel were denounced by the Lord when He was among them. See Matt. 22:15, 16, 23, 34, 41, 46; Zech. 11:8.) Immediately there follows a promise of a shepherd who will care for the flock (Ezek. 34:11-16), and who will judge between the strong and the weak, between the oppressive and the helpless oppressed (Ezek. 34:17-22). A covenant of peace completes the chapter.
The enemies of Israel are hindered for a season in their intention to swallow them up (consider the wars and battles Israel has survived since becoming a state) and the sentence of future judgment of these enemies, with their Esau-like hatred of Israel, is announced in Ezek. 35.
In Ezek. 34:36, the land is taken by the surrounding enemies (Ezek. 34:2-6), but in the midst of their trials, Jehovah promises their national blessing (Ezek. 34:22-31). All the dealings of God are for correction, to lead them to further repentance (Ezek. 34:31), and to justify His name among the heathen as a righteous and holy God who will not permit man to continue in sin without correction.
The work of restoration to fulfill the promises of Ezek. 34 begins in Ezek. 37. Israel (Judah) is seen as the dry bones in the open valley, where bone joins to bone, and sinews and flesh cover them; yet there is no life God ward (Ezek. 37:8), but they subsequently receive life at the command of the Lord Jehovah (Ezek. 37:10). Next, in Ezek. 37:11-14, all Israel, that is, all of the ten tribes (Ezek. 37:11, 16, 19), rise out of their graves, (the figure in Ezek. 37:2 is changed in Ezek. 37:12 to extend its application), live and have the Spirit of God within (Ezek. 37:14). The divided tribes become one nation in the land (Ezek. 37:19-22); a prince of the house of David is set over them (Ezek. 37:24, 25), and Jehovah's tabernacle is in the midst of them (Ezek. 37:26-28).
When Israel dwells safely and all is quiet in the land, Gog will, with his allies, the last invaders, meet their doom on the mountains of Israel (Ezek. 38 and 39). Ezek. 39 ends with scattered Israel gathered (Ezek. 39:27, 28), and Jehovah no longer hidden (Ezek. 39:29), but acting openly on their behalf.
This is immediately followed in Ezek. 40 with Jehovah's instructions for the building of the temple for the return of His glory among them.
The undated interval is evidently a figure of the circumstances of Israel until the appearing of the Son of man to defend His people and visit retributive justice upon the nations.
(An observation: Prior to Ezekiel's temple, a holy place shall be set up, in which the abomination which maketh desolate shall be placed: Dan. 9:27; 12:11: Matt. 24:15 "a holy place;" 2 Thess. 2:4 "the shrine," not necessarily a temple which would require years to build). W. Bothwell.