This chapter is a prophecy against Egypt for they dealt poorly with Israel.
” ‘Because [Pharaoh and Egypt] have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel, when they grasped you with the hand, you broke and tore all their shoulders; and when they leaned on you, you broke and made all their loins to shake. Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will bring a sword upon you, and will cut off from you man and beast, and the land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’ ” (v6-9)
Reading this passage reminds me of the two greatest commandments: “… ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and… You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’ ” (Mt 22:37-40)
If you read through “the Law and the Prophets” (including Ezekiel) you may notice this same trend of which Jesus spoke – God wants us to love Him, and all of our neighbors (which is everybody, by the way). In doing so we will bless them, glorify God, and avoid the consequences of causing our neighbors harm.
If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering how it’s possible to love everyone all of the time. It’s a daunting and seemingly impossible task, I know. In fact, it is impossible without a relationship with God, and His Spirit producing fruit in our lives. Let’s offer ourselves to God’s guidance so He may work in and through us to love our neighbors (because we can’t love them as Jesus would without Jesus’ help).
Father God, our Magnificent and Glorious Lord, thank you for blessing us with Your Word and Spirit. May we embrace the guidance You offer, and allow Your Spirit to work within us, so You may also work through us to love our neighbors as Jesus does. To You be all honor, glory and praise, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training