from the margins
exploring faith’s foundations from the edge
Book of the Bible
- 1 Chronicles
- 1 Corinthians
- 1 Kings
- 1 Samuel
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Chronicles
- 2 Corinthians
- 2 Kings
- 2 Samuel
- 2 Thessalonians
- Acts
- All
- Amos
- Daniel
- Deuteronomy
- Ecclesiastes
- Ezekiel
- Ezra
- Galatians
- Genesis
- Habakkuk
- Haggai
- Hosea
- Isaiah
- James
- Jeremiah
- Joel
- John
- Jonah
- Joshua
- Judges
- Lamentations
- Luke
- Malachi
- Mark
- Matthew
- Micah
- Nahum
- Nehemiah
- Numbers
- Obadiah
- Proverbs
- Psalms
- Romans
- Ruth
- Song of Solomon
- Zechariah
- Zephaniah
Plot Lines and Property Lines: Ezekiel's Divine Land Survey
Ezekiel ends not with fire and fury, but with a map. These final chapters sketch out a vision of land distribution that's surprisingly focused on fairness, accountability, and inclusion. From tribal inheritances to protections for outsiders, this isn't just divine zoning—it's a deeper look at what a just society could be.
Drawing the Line: Sacred, Secular, and the Space Between
Ezekiel 43–45 outlines a world where sacred and secular spaces are carefully divided—but that idea feels far removed from today’s blurred boundaries. Why did ancient visions care so much about keeping things separate? This reflection explores how space, power, and meaning intertwine, even in a modern, secular world.
From Rubble to Rulers: Ezekiel's Blueprint for What's Next
Ezekiel 40–42 shifts from visions of destruction to a surprisingly detailed architectural tour. It’s all measurements and blueprints—but beneath the precision lies a quiet kind of restoration. Before there's hope or presence, there's a plan.
Who on Earth Is Gog? (And What Is He So Mad About?)
Gog of Magog storms into Ezekiel 38–39 with no warning and an army in tow. But is he a real threat, a symbol, or something more timeless and elusive? This blog explores the chaos, the questions, and the ambiguity of one of the Bible’s most puzzling apocalyptic figures.
Reputation Management, Divine Edition
Ezekiel 36 offers a surprising reason for divine restoration: not justice, not mercy, but reputation. What does it mean when even a god is concerned with public perception? This reflection explores the complex motivations behind good outcomes—and whether the “why” really matters.
Blow the Horn, Not a Gasket: Responsibility Without Control
Reading Ezekiel 33:1–9 (NLT), I’m struck by how the watchman’s role is about clear warning rather than guaranteed results. The passage sketches a workable divide between responsibility and autonomy—say the hard thing, then let others choose. I’m asking where I need to speak plainly today, and where I need to release the outcome.
The Reed That Bites Back: When Your Backup Plan Needs a Backup
Ezekiel 29–30 reads like a case study in backup plans that look solid until stress hits. The prophet compares Egypt to a reed that snaps and injures the one who leans on it (NLT 29:6–7), which maps neatly onto modern dependencies like platforms, networks, and savings. This piece explores how to right‑size our reliance—diversify supports, stress‑test confident claims, and stay alert to overconfidence—without confusing prudence for certainty.
When Schadenfreude Shows Up in Scripture
Ezekiel 25–27 turns the spotlight on the nations that cheered Israel’s downfall—and it doesn’t hold back. These chapters explore not just actions, but emotional reactions: mockery, glee, and opportunism in the face of collapse. What does it say about us when we feel a little too satisfied watching others fail?
Grief, Interrupted: When a Prophet Can't Mourn
When Ezekiel is told his wife will die and that he must not publicly mourn, the story takes a deeply personal turn. This moment of silenced grief raises questions about duty, performance, and the human cost of symbolic acts. What happens when private sorrow becomes part of a public message?
Meltdown in Jerusalem: When Prophets Bring the Heat
Ezekiel 22 paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem as impure metal thrown into the fire—a city under judgment, not reform. The metaphor of smelting raises difficult questions about destruction, refinement, and whether anything valuable remains. It’s a stark and unsettling passage that doesn’t offer easy answers but pushes us to consider what it means when a society reaches its boiling point.
Sour Grapes and Clean Slates: Ezekiel Gets Personal About Responsibility
Ezekiel 18 dives headfirst into the question of who’s really responsible for our actions. Forget blaming your parents—this chapter insists that each person is judged by their own choices, not by family history. It’s a tough but freeing reminder that change is possible, and coasting on the past isn’t enough.
Vines, Eagles, and Broken Promises: Politics in Riddle Form
Ezekiel 17 tells a riddle involving two eagles and a vine—a poetic way to talk about political betrayal and broken promises. Through symbolic storytelling, it raises questions about trust, leadership, and the consequences of shifting allegiances. This post explores how natural imagery becomes a lens for understanding power and responsibility.
Sewing Spells and Selling Lies: Ezekiel’s Surprisingly Modern Warning
Ezekiel 13 takes an unexpected turn when it calls out women using symbolic magic to mislead and manipulate. Rather than casting judgment on gender, the text invites a closer look at how quiet influence can distort truth under the guise of comfort. This post explores that tension and what it might say about trust, authority, and subtle harm.
When the Glory Packs Its Bags: A Quiet Exit from the Temple
Ezekiel 10–11 describes something unusual: the glory of God gradually leaving the temple, step by step. It’s not a dramatic explosion—just a quiet departure no one seems to notice. This blog reflects on what it means when something once sacred keeps its shape but loses its spirit.
Behind Closed Doors: Secrets, Shadows, and Seventy Elders
In Ezekiel 8, a vision reveals religious leaders worshiping idols in secret chambers—far from the eyes of the public. It’s not just a story about ancient betrayal; it raises modern questions about what we keep hidden and why. This post reflects on the tension between our public image and private selves, without jumping to easy conclusions.
Wheels, Wings, and Wild Visions: Ezekiel Doesn't Hold Back
Ezekiel’s opening vision reads more like a surreal painting than a straightforward message. With creatures bearing multiple faces and wheels full of eyes, it’s hard to know where symbolism ends and imagination begins. This post explores the strange beauty and lingering questions in Ezekiel 1, without trying to solve the mystery too quickly.