Exploring the Bible // Ezekiel
The book of Ezekiel is written by a priest of Israel with the same name. A large prophetic book, it speaks primarily to the priesthood, traditions and practices, and holiness.
Likely written between 593 and 565 B.C., the book opens up indicating Ezekiel was thirty years old when he first received a vision. He was an exile from Israel living in a Babylonian settlement along the river Chebar called Tel-abib. He was there for five years before receiving the first vision and would continue this prophetic ministry for twenty-two years.
It’s helpful to divide the book into four sections:
Prophecies Regarding Jerusalem (Ch 1-24)
The first half of the book leans heavily on the rebellion and judgment of Israel. Jerusalem’s siege and fall are dramatized in chapters 4 and 5, accounting of pagan practices in the temple in chapter 8, and a vision of their corrupt leaders in chapter 11.
There is a beautiful passage of hope in 11:16-21; a reminder that though we may be scattered, God will gather up His people and transform their hearts.
Closing this section, in chapter 24, Ezekiel’s wife dies and God tells the prophet not to publically mourn. It was to symbolize that Israel’s stronghold would soon be removed and the nation would not mourn.
Prophecies Regarding Other Nations (Ch 25-32)
The following section of Ezekiel accounts for the downfall of several neighboring nations,
Call for Repentance (Ch 33)
God calls us all to repentance and we see this represented in chapter 33. Though we wander, He calls us back.
Prophecies of Restoration (Ch 34-48)
The end of Ezekiel highlights a season of restoration where there was once death and destruction. We see this reflected in chapter 37 in the valley of dry bones. God shows the prophet a valley full of bones and after prophesying life, the bones are transformed into living beings.
What We Can Learn
The book of Ezekiel focuses on judgment as a result of sin and rebellion but then shifts to hope and redemption. May we be reminded that our own sin and rebellion is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. In fact, we should address it and repent. But may we also be encouraged that we serve a gracious, everlasting God who longs to extend mercy and grace as we turn back to Him.
Memory Verse
“When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.” Ezekiel 16:8 (ESV)