What does "no longer a pricking brier" signify in a believer's life? The Divine Assurance in Ezekiel 28:24 “No longer will the people of Israel have malicious neighbors who are a painful thorn and a sharp brier; then they will know that I am the LORD.” The Picture: A Pricking Brier • A brier is a thorny shrub that pierces skin, causing persistent, nagging pain. • The image recalls the curse of thorns that entered creation at the fall (Genesis 3:17–18). • In prophetic language, hostile nations and oppressors are likened to these thorn-plants that wound God’s people (cf. Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 2:6). The Original Audience: Israel Surrounded by Hostile Nations • Ezekiel 25–28 pronounces judgment on Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, and Sidon—nations that gloated over Israel’s calamity. • God promises to remove those “pricking briers,” proving His covenant faithfulness and restoring Israel’s security (Ezekiel 28:25–26). What It Signifies for a Believer Today Freedom from… • Persistent external hostility—persecution, ridicule, or opposition that seeks to derail faithful living (Psalm 118:10-14; 2 Timothy 3:12). • Internal harassment of besetting sin—nagging temptations that pierce the conscience (Hebrews 12:1, 4). • Satanic accusation—the “fiery darts” aimed at the mind (Ephesians 6:16; Revelation 12:10). • Chronic fear—anxiety that pricks the heart and robs peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Assurance of… • God’s protective presence—He places Himself between His people and their tormentors (Psalm 91:1-4). • Restored peace—“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places” (Isaiah 32:18). • Deeper knowledge of the LORD—deliverance leads to worshipful recognition of His sovereignty (Ezekiel 28:24b). • Anticipation of final wholeness—no thorn or brier will exist in the new creation (Isaiah 55:13; Revelation 21:4). The Ongoing Fulfillment Through Christ • At the cross Jesus wore a crown of thorns, taking the curse so believers might be freed from thorn-like condemnation (Galatians 3:13). • His resurrection assures ultimate victory over every “pricking brier,” whether human or demonic (Colossians 2:15). • Until His return, He gives grace sufficient for any thorn that remains (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Walking Out the Promise • Stand on the accomplished work of Christ when harassment arises. • Resist the enemy’s pricks with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:16-17). • Cultivate fellowship; God often removes thorns through the encouragement of His people (Hebrews 3:13). • Look ahead with confident hope: the day is coming when there will truly be “no longer a pricking brier.” |
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