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NOVEMBER 15
one.The term behind “very image,” on the other hand, indicates an exact and distinct replica (Col.
2:17).“Can never…make those who approach perfect.”This term is used repeatedly in Hebrews to
refer to salvation.As much as those living under the law desired to approach God,the Levitical sys-
tem provided no way to enter His holy presence (Pss. 15:1; 16:11; 24:3,4).
If sin had really been overpowered by that system of sacrifices, the Old Testament believers’
consciences would have been cleansed from condemning guilt (v. 2). There was not freedom of
conscience under the Old Covenant. The Old Testament sacrifices not only could not remove sin,
but their constant repetition was a constant reminder of that deficiency (v. 3). The promise of the
New Covenant was that the sin would be removed and even God would “remember”their sins “no
more”(8:12, quoting Jer. 31:34).
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins”(v.4).The Levitical sys-
tem was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins. It was preparatory for the coming of the
Messiah (Gal.3:24) in that it made the people expectant (1 Pet.1:10).It revealed the seriousness of their
sinful condition,in that even temporary covering required the death of an animal.It revealed the real-
ity of God’s holiness and righteousness by indicating that sin had to be covered.Finally,it revealed the
necessity of full and complete forgiveness so that God could have desired fellowship with His people.

This sword is sharpened, and it is
November 15 polished
To be given into the hand of the slayer.’
12 “Cry and wail, son of man;
Ezekiel 21:1–22:31
For it will be against My people,
And the word of the LORD came to me, Against all the princes of Israel.
21 saying, “Son of man, set your face toward Terrors including the sword will be
2
Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and against My people;
prophesy against the land of Israel; and say to Therefore strike your thigh.
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the land of Israel, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Be- 13 “Because it is a testing,
hold, I am against you, and I will draw My And what if the sword despises even
sword out of its sheath and cut off both righ- the scepter?
teous and wicked from you. Because I will cut
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off both righteous and wicked from you, there- The scepter shall be no more,”
fore My sword shall go out of its sheath says the Lord GOD.
against all flesh from south to north, that all
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14 “You therefore, son of man, prophesy,
flesh may know that I, the LORD, have drawn
My sword out of its sheath; it shall not return And strike your hands together.
anymore.” ’ Sigh therefore, son of man, with a The third time let the sword do double
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breaking heart, and sigh with bitterness damage.
before their eyes. And it shall be when they It is the sword that slays,
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say to you, ‘Why are you sighing?’ that you The sword that slays the great men,
shall answer, ‘Because of the news; when it That enters their private chambers.
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comes, every heart will melt, all hands will be I have set the point of the sword against
feeble, every spirit will faint, and all knees will all their gates,
be weak as water. Behold, it is coming and That the heart may melt and many
shall be brought to pass,’ says the Lord GOD.” may stumble.
Again the word of the LORD came to me,
8 Ah! It is made bright;
saying, “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus It is grasped for slaughter:
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says the LORD!’ Say: 16
“Swords at the ready!
‘A sword, a sword is sharpened Thrust right!
And also polished! Set your blade!
10 Sharpened to make a dreadful Thrust left—
slaughter, Wherever your edge is ordered!
Polished to flash like lightning! 17 “I also will beat My fists together,
Should we then make mirth? And I will cause My fury to rest;
It despises the scepter of My son, I, the LORD, have spoken.”
As it does all wood.
11 And He has given it to be polished, 18 The word of the LORD came to me again,
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That it may be handled; saying: “And son of man, appoint for yourself
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