Sore Testing for the Chosen of God
Ezekiel Chapter 21 verses 12, 13 (17,18)
By MBPSTB
Sunday, 10 December, 2017
1st DotW
Tanach/Ezekiel/Chapter21
It never ceases to amaze me how various translations can sometime differ so much as to (in some cases) completely change the meaning and disable the student from understanding the real message. In chapter 21 of Ezekiel in a certain Hebrew to English translation, the change of one word is enough to obscure how it applies to God’s people directly in these last days. Below are the verses to compare from Ezekiel 21:17-22:
KJV
Eze 21:12 Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.
Eze 21:13 Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.
JPS version
Eze 21:12 (21:17) Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon My people, it is upon all the princes of Israel; they are thrust down to the sword with My people; smite therefore upon thy thigh.
Eze 21:13 (21:18) For there is a trial; and what if it contemn even the rod? It shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.
Hebrew transliteration
Eze 21:17 “Cry out and wail, Son of Man, for it will come against My people, against all the princes of Israel; an assemblage of swords came against My people. Therefore, clap [hand] against thigh.
Eze 21:18 For it is testing; what will be if [the sword] scorns even this rod? It will not be’ declares the Word of YHWH ELOHIM.
In both the KJV and the JPS there is no capitalization on what should be proper titles. We also find the word trials instead of testing which takes away some of the impact.
The Webster’s Dictionary Unabridged Second Edition defines these words in brief summary here:
Trial – suffering, temptation, hardship, pain
Test – an event, set of circumstances, that proves or tries a person’s qualities; as a delay was the test of his patience.
Obsolete meanings of test :
A witness
Proof, evidence, testimony
I believe this testing has begun. It might even have already been going on and is just increasing. Be aware children that even members of your own families will come against you. I speak from personal experience. Weakness in knowledge of the Word, prayer, worship and refusal to separate from the abominable things of the world. These are the desired traits of those who become unwitting prey for the enemy. Unclean spirits and in severe cases demons, can influence and in some cases possess loved ones. If it’s not bad enough we deal with the enemy outside our homes, imagine if you will having to live in the same space as one. Someone you love dearly who is not themselves, has given themselves over to anger, thoughts of malice toward others and are consumed by it. I speak from personal experience and there is much more I could say but not at this time.
Also be aware that the enemy’s favorite tactic, just like a pack of ravenous dogs, is to flank their prey. Coming at you from both sides. Attacks will come out of nowhere with no apparent cause or justification. Be prepared, praying always, studying the Word continuously, worshipping daily. Immerse yourself in God and everything about Him. He will be your defense.
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