The Tanakh Podcast

God decries the old, self-interested, corrupt leadership and vows that he will instate a leadership that has the nation's interests at heart. The chapter ends with a portrayal of the blessings that will ensue.

In 33:21 The news comes from Jerusalem that the city has fallen. Now Ezekiel can demonstrate that his prophecies of several years have been accurate, and that the spiritual message that he has preached is correct. This chapter then is a restatement of many of the truths at the heart of Yechezkel's mission, and a validation of his prophetic message.

Our chapter gives both a "kinnah" - a lament, and a "Nehi" - a dirge, for the demise of Egypt. The Nehi mocks Egypt's place in the She'ol, the Underworld; Egypt would have been particularly concerned about life after death, and here she discovers that she shares an inglorious, impure place in the Afterlife. We discuss the theme of Immortality with an eye to Channukah which we are currently celebrating. Music - "Fame" - Irene Cara

Egypt is compared to the beautiful but vain cedar tree of Assyria, sitting by the river, dominant, verdant and proud. But, God says, Egypt will fall just like the "tree" of Assyria was felled. The river will not help the tree. This prophecy associates the riverlands of Egypt and Mesopotamia with Eden, but the great bounty offered by the rivers also engender a spirit of arrogance. In this podcast we contrast the land of Israel, dependent as it is on rain, fragile and vulnerable; with the secure economies of Egypt and Sedom; whose cultures are domineering and exploitative.

In today's chapter we show how the destruction of Egypt as foretold by Ezekiel will echo and reflect the Exodus story. Music. Evyatar Banai - "Karev Yom"

Chapter 29 predicts the demise of Egypt who is guilty of pride and betrayal of Israel. Music. The Bangles - "Walk like an Egyptian"

Our chapter is a diatribe against the king of Tyre and his arrogance, comporting himself as a god, imagining that he is in the garden of Eden. We discuss the sin of hubris, and the power of Channukah as a festival that champions the power of small things. Music. Zusha

In this lament-parable, Tyre is depicted as a sailing-ship made with the finest materials, piloted by the most professional sailors, and laden with the most expensive and sophisticated cargo. And yet, on her maiden voyage, the ship is sunk in a storm! What is the message?

Ezekiel predicts the fall of the city and kingdom of Tyre. Who is Tyre? What was their sin? Did the prophecy materialize?

In the first of the "Prophecies Against the Nations" Ezekiel addresses Amon, Moav, Edom and the Philistines and predicts their downfall. What do these prophecies add to the tapestry of messages that Ezekiel offers?