ЁЯФе The Book of Ezekiel ЁЯМ┐
ЁЯФе The Book of Ezekiel — The Glory and Restoration of God’s People
Overview
Hebrew Name
Yehezqel — meaning “God strengthens.”
Author
Prophet Ezekiel, son of Buzi (a priest).
Date
~593–571 BC.
Place
Babylon (during exile).
Audience
The Jewish exiles in Babylon.
Key Verse
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you."
— Ezekiel 36:26
About the Prophet Ezekiel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tribe / Role | Priest from the tribe of Levi. |
| Age at Calling | Around 30 years old (Ezekiel 1:1). |
| Time of Ministry | 22 years — from 593 to 571 BC. |
| Location | Among Jewish exiles by the River Chebar, in Babylon. |
| Contemporaries | Daniel (in Babylonian palace) and Jeremiah (in Jerusalem). |
Historical Background
- Israel had fallen into idolatry and rebellion against God.
- Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon (586 BC).
- Ezekiel, among the exiles, delivered God's word of judgment and hope.
- His prophecies describe God’s glory leaving the temple, and later returning in a future vision.
Structure of the Book
| Section | Chapters | Focus | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Judgment on Judah | 1–24 | Before Jerusalem’s fall | Sin and punishment |
| 2. Judgment on Nations | 25–32 | Neighboring nations | God’s justice |
| 3. Future Restoration | 33–48 | After Jerusalem’s fall | Hope, renewal, new temple |
Key Themes and Messages
| Theme | Meaning | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Glory | God’s presence departs due to sin but returns in mercy. | Ezek. 10:18; 43:2 |
| Personal Responsibility | “The soul who sins shall die.” | Ezek. 18:4 |
| New Heart and Spirit | God promises spiritual renewal. | Ezek. 36:26 |
| The Watchman’s Duty | To warn others of coming judgment. | Ezek. 3:17 |
| Restoration of Israel | Dry bones live again — national revival. | Ezek. 37 |
| The Future Temple & Kingdom | Vision of worship and God’s presence restored. | Ezek. 40–48 |
Major Visions in Ezekiel
| Vision | Description | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| The Four Living Creatures (Ch. 1) | Four beings with faces of lion, ox, man, and eagle around God’s throne. | God’s majesty and omnipresence. |
| The Scroll (Ch. 2–3) | Ezekiel eats the scroll — sweet and bitter. | God’s message must be internalized and proclaimed. |
| The Glory Leaving the Temple (Ch. 10) | God’s presence departs Jerusalem. | Sin drives away God’s glory. |
| The Valley of Dry Bones (Ch. 37) | Dead bones revived into an army. | Spiritual and national resurrection of Israel. |
| The New Temple Vision (Ch. 40–48) | Future glorious temple. | Symbol of God’s eternal presence and peace. |
Famous Passages
Ezekiel 2:3–5 — The Call
"Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation…"
ЁЯУЬ God calls Ezekiel to speak even if they refuse to listen.
Ezekiel 3:17 — The Watchman
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman unto the house of Israel."
ЁЯХК Every believer is called to warn and guide others spiritually.
Ezekiel 37:4–5 — Valley of Dry Bones
"O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD… I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live."
✨ God can bring life to what seems dead — hope for spiritual revival.
Ezekiel 36:26 — Promise of Renewal
"A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you."
ЁЯТЦ A prophecy of spiritual regeneration fulfilled through Christ.
Ezekiel 43:2 — The Return of God's Glory
"The glory of the God of Israel came from the east… and the earth shone with His glory."
ЁЯМЯ Symbol of God’s presence restored among His people.
Prophecies Against Nations
| Nation | Message |
|---|---|
| Ammon, Moab, Edom | Mocked Judah’s fall — they would be destroyed. |
| Philistia | Would face divine wrath. |
| Tyre and Sidon | Judged for pride and greed. |
| Egypt | Its power would be broken before Babylon. |
| Gog and Magog (Ch. 38–39) | Future battle — evil defeated by God’s power. |
Symbols and Meanings
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scroll | Word of God — truth both sweet and bitter. |
| Watchman | Responsibility to warn of sin. |
| Two Sticks (Ch. 37:15–28) | Unity of Israel and Judah under one King (Messiah). |
| River from the Temple (Ch. 47) | Flow of life and healing — symbol of the Holy Spirit. |
| Gate Facing East | The way of God’s glory return — prophetic of Christ’s Second Coming. |
Timeline Summary
597 BC
Ezekiel taken to Babylon in exile
593 BC
Receives first vision by River Chebar
586 BC
Jerusalem destroyed
571 BC
Last recorded vision (New Temple)
Spiritual Lessons from Ezekiel
- God’s glory departs from sin but returns to holiness.
- Repentance restores relationship with God.
- God can breathe life into dry, hopeless souls.
- Every believer is a watchman — responsible to speak truth.
- The Spirit of God renews, revives, and restores nations.
Summary
Ezekiel combines visions of judgment and visions of hope.
It shows the power and holiness of God, and His plan to restore Israel and dwell among His people again.
From the valley of dry bones to the river of life, the book proclaims that nothing is too dead for God to revive.
Key Verse
"The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD, and set me in the midst of a valley which was full of bones." — Ezekiel 37:1
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