Ezekiel
“God strengthens, or God will prevail”
Summary
A priest and one of the four major prophets, who prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon through dramatic visions, symbolic actions, and powerful oracles concerning judgment and restoration.
☩Life and Ministry
Ezekiel was the son of Buzi, a priest, and was carried captive to Babylon with King Jehoiachin in 597 BC, eleven years before Jerusalem's destruction. He settled with a community of exiles by the river Chebar in Babylonia. In the fifth year of his captivity, when he was about thirty years old (the age for beginning priestly ministry), the heavens were opened to him and he received his prophetic call. He continued prophesying for at least twenty-two years. He was married, but his wife died suddenly as a sign to the people.
☩Prophetic Character
Ezekiel's ministry was marked by vivid visions, symbolic actions, allegories, and lamentations. He saw the throne-chariot of God, watched the glory depart from Jerusalem's temple, and witnessed its return in his vision of the restored temple. He enacted prophecies by lying on his side, shaving his head, and packing baggage for exile. His priestly background gave him authority among the exiles, whose elders consulted him regularly. He is called 'the priest among the prophets' for his emphasis on temple, ritual, and holiness.
☩The Book
Ezekiel's prophecy divides into two major parts: chapters 1-24 contain prophecies of judgment before Jerusalem's fall, and chapters 25-48 contain prophecies after its destruction, including oracles against nations and visions of restoration. The book concludes with the famous vision of the restored temple and the land's division among the tribes.
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Ezekiel," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ezekiel," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Ezekiel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.George Morrish, "Ezekiel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).