Prayer: Father, what curious things You asked of Your prophet. May I be ready like Ezekiel to respond affirmatively to what You ask of me. Amen.
Reading: Ezekiel 5 key: vs. 1 “Now you, son of man, take a sharp sword. Use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and your beard. Then take balances to weigh and divide the hair.” TLV
Attention: I was viewing a western television show last night, and curiously thought about today’s command from Adonai to Ezekiel. In the typical western show or movie, men are getting a straight razor shave from a barber. I have never experienced a straight razor shave, but a little slip or flinch and the one receiving the shave, could be in danger of bleeding to death.
Adonai told Ezekiel to shave with a sword, an instrument of war and death. I have had enough of a challenge shaving with contemporary bladed razors, let alone try to maneuver a sword to shave. Ezekiel was told to shave his head as well. Notice, the text is silent as to his success at not slicing some skin off his head or chin.
Ezekiel was born into the tribe of Levi. All priests came from the tribe of Levi, but not all men were priests. If we reflect to the book of Leviticus, we find that Adonai gave strict instructions to priest about not cutting their hair or beard. Leviticus 21:5 leaves no doubt, ““Kohanim are not to shave their heads, nor shave off the corners of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.” Levites or Kohanim are dedicated to Adonai, so it seems very strange that God is directing a kohen (Ezekiel 1:3), to shave his head and beard, with a sword.
Any other observing priest would know this Levitical law. God was showing the nation through Ezekiel’s actions, how hardheaded and obstinate they were. The means of Adonai’s judgement was coming through a sword, and famine, and the last third would be chased by a sword.
A sword is a violent death. It is quick and can easily cut a man in half or behead them. Swords can cut through bone. Have you ever seen “Forged In Fire” on the History Channel (Watch Forged in Fire Full Episodes, Video & More | HISTORY Channel). Master smiths compete forging knives and swords. It is an impressive display of craftmanship and art. In one episode, I recall them testing their sword on a bundle of hanging bamboo. The sword easily cut through the bamboo. It is easy to see the swiftness a sword would bring death.
The writer of Hebrews makes this amazing analogy of the Word of God with a sword. May we understand that the Word of God is powerful, more “powerful than any two-edged sword,” and it is able to do amazing things.
Action: I choose to respect the power of God’s Word!
Yield: I choose to submit to the authority of God’s Word.
Engage: I choose to engage with the Holy Spirit in developing a right concept of God’s Word.
Relationship: I choose to live in intimate relationship with Adonai.
Prayer: Father, all power and authority are in You. You are the Supreme Ruler over heaven and earth. Your Word is more powerful than any two-edged sword and able to accomplish great things. Amen.
Memory Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword—piercing right through to a separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” TLV
Music Video: Music Meets Heaven—Your Word https://youtu.be/dEktQ7JUdK0?si=VgYQavG5Qjeud6j1
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”