Hebrew Bible and Christian Scriptures

1. Using the structure of Ezekiel, discuss the key themes of the actions and oracles.
•       Oracles of Warning (Ezekiel 1-24) –warning against the Israelites, sinful lives destroying God’s original plans
•       OAN (Ezekiel 25-32) –punishment
•       Oracles of hope (Ezekiel 33-48) –new life, free from sinful living
•       Temple Vision (Ezekiel 40-48) –new Jerusalem, hope for the future

2. What were some key characteristics that Esther had that contributed to her fulfillment of God’s plans? Using a modern-day female celebrity, compare the two women’s characteristics and if the modern woman would have the same results as Hannah.
*lovely (pleased the people, the king, and her God)
*flexible (was an orphan raised by Mordecai, loss of control of her environments as a child and a queen)
*leadership skills (obedient~asked king for what the eunuch wanted, intelligent, authoritative)
*popular and well liked (all who saw her loved her, Esther 2:15)

Some possible celebrities to compare to: Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Hillary Clinton

In Ezekiel 46-47 the them of inheritance is emphasized. We are reminded of Israel being given the Promised Land as an inheritance based on election by God. In these two chapters the rules (or do’s and don’ts) are reviewed and revised in light of the forthcoming restoration of Israel in Babylonian captivity. Although the prince may pass his inheritance on to his sons in which the rights to the inheritance then pass on to their descendants, the prince does not have the right to give his inheritance to those outside of the elect (even that inheritance given as a gift to his servant is only temporary).

Yet in chapter 47 God is doing a new thing as evidenced by those who are considered aliens living among the Israelites. The aliens are to be considered “native-born” Israelites thus sharing in the election of Israel which qualifies them to receive an allotment of the Israelite inheritance. So while a more inclusive inheritance occurs with the acceptance of aliens, the manner in which this takes place remains exclusive under the guise of election.

Moreover, in these chapters we find evidence of Claus Westermann’s hermeneutic of “deliverance and blessing.” God promises not only to deliver Israel from their captivity, he also promises to bless them with their prior inheritance of the land. Election certainly has its benefits.