From the Pulpit...

In chapters thirty-eight and thirty-nine we see the details of a coming attack on Israel by a confederation of peoples. Ezekiel's prophecy begins with a list of proper names. Many of these names identify certain grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Noah who were the fathers of nations that for a time bore their names. These nations, which today no longer have those original names, will ultimately form a coalition that will march against Israel.

Our Scripture reading was found in 1 Kings 9:1-28.