Ezekiel
Book Overview
Author: Ezekiel, priest and prophet Date of Writing: Approximately 593-570 BC Historical Context: Babylonian exile; prophesies before and after Jerusalem's fall (586 BC) Original Audience: Jewish exiles in Babylon Purpose: To explain reasons for exile, pronounce judgment on nations, and promise future restoration with new temple Genre: Prophetic oracle with visions, symbolic actions, poetry, and prose
One-Sentence Summary
God's glory departs from corrupted temple but will return to dwell with His Spirit-transformed people in a purified new creation.
Book Structure
Part 1: Judgment on Jerusalem (Chapters 1-24)
- Chapters 1-3: Ezekiel's call and commission; vision of God's glory
- Chapters 4-7: Symbolic acts depicting Jerusalem's siege and judgment
- Chapters 8-11: Temple visions; idolatry exposed; glory departs from temple
- Chapters 12-24: Messages of judgment; false prophets; individual responsibility
Part 2: Oracles Against the Nations (Chapters 25-32)
- Judgment on Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt
Part 3: Restoration and Hope (Chapters 33-39)
- Chapters 33-34: Watchman's role; God as true shepherd
- Chapters 35-36: Judgment on Edom; new heart and Spirit promised
- Chapter 37: Vision of dry bones - national resurrection and reunification
- Chapters 38-39: Gog and Magog defeated; God's holiness vindicated
Part 4: The New Temple (Chapters 40-48)
- Chapters 40-43: Detailed vision of restored temple; God's glory returns
- Chapters 44-46: Worship regulations and priesthood
- Chapters 47-48: River of life; division of the land
Key Verses
Ezekiel 36:26-27 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees." Significance: God's promise of internal transformation through the Holy Spirit - new heart, not just external reform - foundation for New Covenant.
Ezekiel 37:3-5 - "He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign LORD, you alone know.' Then he said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones... I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.'" Significance: Iconic vision demonstrating God's power to resurrect what seems hopelessly dead - national restoration and spiritual renewal.
Ezekiel 43:1-5 - "Then the man brought me to the gate facing east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east... and the glory of the LORD filled the temple." Significance: God's glory returns to purified temple, reversing the departure in chapter 11 and promising eternal divine presence with His people.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
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God's Glory and Sovereignty
- Inaugural vision of God's throne-chariot demonstrates divine majesty
- Glory departs from corrupted temple before destruction
- Glory will return to purified temple in restoration
- Repeated phrase: "Then they will know that I am the LORD"
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Individual Responsibility
- "The soul who sins shall die" - personal accountability
- Cannot blame previous generations
- Each person responsible for their own choices
- Opportunity for repentance and life
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Judgment on Israel and Nations
- Comprehensive indictment of Judah's sins
- Idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness
- Surrounding nations also judged for their sins
- God's holiness requires dealing with sin
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Restoration and New Life
- Vision of dry bones: national resurrection and return
- New heart and new Spirit promised
- Davidic king will shepherd united people
- God will dwell with His people forever
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The New Temple and God's Presence
- Detailed vision of restored temple (chapters 40-48)
- River of life flowing from temple brings healing
- God's presence permanently dwelling with purified people
- Ultimate vision of perfect worship and fellowship
Central Message
Ezekiel emphasizes God's holiness, which demands judgment on persistent sin, while promising future restoration through heart transformation. God's glory departed from the corrupted temple but will return to dwell with a renewed people. Through the Spirit's work, God will give new hearts, raise the dead nation to life, and establish His eternal presence among His people in a purified new creation.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Own Your Choices: Embrace personal responsibility for your actions rather than blaming family background, circumstances, or others (18:20)
- Pursue God's Presence: Make time and space for worship that honors God's holiness—don't let spiritual practices become mere routine
- Expect Transformation: Trust that God can give you a new heart and spirit; He can change desires and character, not just behavior (36:26)
- Speak Up for Justice: Let Ezekiel's indictment of social injustice motivate you to address wrongs and advocate for the vulnerable
- Value Community Restoration: Work toward reconciliation and healing in your church and relationships, reflecting God's desire for renewed community
For Spiritual Growth:
- Regularly examine whether you're truly worshiping God or have allowed subtle "idols" to creep into your spiritual life
- Pray for a fresh experience of God's glory and presence—don't settle for spiritual dryness or mere knowledge about God
- Study the vision of dry bones (chapter 37) as encouragement that God can revive what seems spiritually dead in your life or church
- Reflect on how the Spirit's work brings new life, allowing this to shape your dependence on God rather than self-effort
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall Ezekiel by Daniel I. Block (NICOT, 2 volumes) - Monumental evangelical commentary combining exegetical excellence, theological depth, and pastoral insight.
For Beginners The Message of Ezekiel by Christopher J. H. Wright (BST) - Clear, accessible exposition that makes Ezekiel's visions and messages understandable and relevant.
For In-Depth Study Ezekiel by Iain M. Duguid (NIVAC) - Excellent work connecting Ezekiel's ancient context to contemporary Christian life with strong application.
Technical/Academic Ezekiel by Moshe Greenberg (Anchor Bible, 2 volumes) - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with detailed philological analysis and extensive historical background.