Ezekiel

Ezekiel

Historical Background & Prophet Purpose:

Ezekiel, the writer of the book, received the visions from God while in exile in Babylonia. They were intended for his fellow Jews living exiled in a pagan nation. The Jews needed to know and hold steadfast to the words given Ezekiel to remain confident that the God of Israel was still God. Ezekiel was a priest called by God to be a prophet, during the reign of Jehoiakim with his call came huge sacrifice. God killed his wife as a sign to the exiled Jews that Jerusalem would be destroyed. (Ezekiel 24:16-24) Ezekiel’s heart burned with the Lord’s for the Jews in Jerusalem still awaiting their time of exile. Ezekiel felt the pain and frustration of Judah’s persistent disobedience and sin and God asks him, “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die?... of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like the other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not!” (Ezekiel 18:23-24)

Character & Nature of God:

A huge part of Gods character seen in Ezekiel is God’s judgment on Judah and on surrounding nations (Ezekiel 25-29). Gods redemption also screams off the pages when He gives Ezekiel the a vision of the  valley of dry bones signifying the Spirit of God breathing fresh life into a once died and exiled people. (Ezekiel 37:1-14) The eight concluding chapters of the book finish by revealing Gods ultimate redemption of Israel with detailed specifications for the restoration of the temple, the city and the land (Ezekiel 40-48). God is a refining God and uses heat and hard situations to cleanse his people (Ezekiel 22:17-22, 24:1-4). God also takes covenant seriously. “Now this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will give you what you deserve, for you have taken your solemn vows lightly by breaking your covenant”(Ezekiel 16:59).

What does the book show about Gods redemptive plan?

Gods Restoration of Mankind:
Chapter 36:28-38 is God’s promises of restoration for Israel. “…When I cleanse you from your sins, I will repopulate your cities, ad the ruins will be re-built.” (36:33) Also, God’s promise to make the dry bones of Israel have life again; the restoration of their people. (37:5) The ultimate redemption for all God’s children is the temple layout God gives to Ezekiel in the last eight chapters; 40-48. The main redemptive differences we see when comparing to other temples are: a prince making sacrifices instead of a priest, the equal tribal allotments, and Gods glory being in full restoration with a square temple.