Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel

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The book of Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel

Introduction 01 02 03 What is it about? What are the major themes and ideas? Why should I read it?

Voices

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Introduction
All of the Old Testament prophets spoke radical words, but Ezekiel in particular is noted for his strange, unorthodox life which embodied his prophetic messages. Even among its original Jewish audience, concerned rabbis would sometimes not allow someone to read Ezekiel until they were thirty years old because of its unusual content. Perhaps this was because of the extremes of Ezekiels behaviour recorded throughout the book? Possibly the sexual references were too provocative for anyone younger? Whatever its challenges, Ezekiel is a powerful and important book for todays church. It originally spoke to a people who were at a critical turning point in history, a people who faced judgement but were promised restoration. It still speaks today to a world that will experience judgement but is promised restoration.

Hugh Griffiths LifePoint Church www.lifepoint.org.uk

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The book of Ezekiel

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... a carefully crafted book that is filled with rich meaning, portraying historical and spiritual realities using fantastic and symbolic images and ideas

What is Ezekiel about?

Ezekiel is one of the bibles three major prophets, so called because of the length of the book. Like Isaiah and Jeremiah, it is significantly longer than the minor prophets recorded in Scripture. Its 1,273 verses are set out in 48 chapters that together form an anthology that describes Ezekiels many visions, messages and prophetic acts. It is a carefully crafted book that is filled with rich meaning, portraying historical and spiritual realities using fantastic and symbolic images and ideas. Author Although fantastic and visionary there is no doubt that Ezekiel otherwse led a normal life and he was certainly not a reclusive mystic. The bible shows us that this prophet was a priest who had both a wife (24: 15-18) and a house (8: 1). Like the prophet Daniel, he was writing from exile. Five years previously (1: 2) Ezekiel had been taken from Judah and deported to Bablyonia and resettled within this foreign empire with with 10,000 of his countrymen (2 Kings 24: 14). His name means may God strengthen, an indication of the difficult times he was called to minister into. He brought challenging and uncompromising messages to a people who had already faced a forced relocation imposed by a foreign army of pagan invaders. Background Ezekiel lived in the sixth-century BC, a time of international conflict when several great empires clashed and fought for dominance. The major theme of the book reflects that - it speaks of a nation scattered into exile and then gathered or restored. This is summed up in chapter 11 where God is explicit about what has happened:

Thus says the Lord GOD: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone. Therefore say, Thus says the Lord GOD: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. Ezekiel 11: 16-17
Outline The promised exile and restoration of the nation is reflected in the overall pattern of the book of Ezekiel that is structured around this dual-theme. Part 1 Opening visions and Ezekiels call (1-3) The present judgement (4-24) Part 2 The promised restoration (25-39) Closing visions (40-48)

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The book of Ezekiel

The message of the first half of the book (chapters 1-24) tells us that although thousands were already exiled, the full measure of divine judgement was not yet complete. Contrary to the false prophets who were predicting a swift return to Jerusalem, Ezekiel foresaw the destruction of the city because of the sins of the people and its rulers and priests. Rather than being able to console those who were in exile with him with messages of immediate restoration, instead Ezekiels visions portrayed the glory of God leaving both the temple (10: 18) and city of Jerusalem (11: 23). This message of judgement peaks in chapter 24, the major turning point in Ezekiels ministry and also in the book that records his message. Here God reveals to Ezekiel that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Bablyon, had laid siege to Jerusalem (24:2). Gods judgement against Israel was to culminate with the complete destruction of the city. The symbolic importance of this event was reflected in the parable of the cooking pot shared by Ezekiel (24: 3-14) and, sadly, by the death of his wife (24: 15ff) whose loss he could not mourn. This tragic moment moves us into the second half of the book (chapters 25 48) that speak of restoration and hope rather than judgement and destruction. The godless nations that were once an instrument in the hands of God to humble Israel, are now themselves subject to his anger (25-32).

In line with this shift of emphasis, Ezekiel himself is recommissioned as a prophetic watchman to the nation (33). Further powerful visions such as the valley of bones (37: 1-14) that anticipates Gods power to rebuild a people, to birth spiritual life from death and build a new community in whom there is a new heart and a new spirit (36: 26). Ezekiels earlier visions of a temple corrupted by sin and abandoned by God are replaced by detailed and inspiring visions of a new temple overflowing with His glory (40-47). Throughout Ezekiel portrays a powerful God whose sovereignty stretches over the whole world. Though focussed on Israel, we see that His concern is not for a single geographically defined nation. Instead, God is looking for a people who love him, know him and obey him. Ezekiels time and message demonstrate that nothing is more important than faithfulness to God. Even the powerful sway of places of worship, the priority of geographical locations and the privilege of certain national or religious identities will be swept away.

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Ezekiels visions, propehtic messages and personal history are intertwined

What are the major themes and ideas?

Because of its length, subject matter and mixture of styles Ezekiel can be a challenging book to understand. Ezekiels visions, prophetic messages and personal history are all intertwined. His remarkable use of symbolism and vivid imagery sometimes make things less than straightforward. The powerful mix of styles combines to convey the central theme of judgement against a sinful people but a promised restoration. Keeping this idea in mind as you explore Ezekiels many visions, allegories and demonstrations will help you get to grips with one of the most fascinating books of the Old Testament. Visions and symbols Many of the chapters contain writing filled with unusual pictures and strange happenings, such as the one recorded in the opening chapter. These descriptions reach deep into our imagination and are intended to carry rich meaning that cannot otherwise be put into words. Like much of the book of Revelation in the New Testament, Ezekiel uses symbolism rather than literal descriptions to communicate the truth he wants to convey. These include the: vision of God and the cherubim (1: 4) vision of the scroll (2:9) vision of glory (3: 22) vision of sin in Jerusalem (8:1) Lying down on one side and eating limited rations to demonstrate the ordeals of captivity (4: 4-8) Cutting of his hair and beard with a razor and a sword to show Jerusalems destruction (5: 1-17) Moving out from his home as an exile to show what would come to those living in Jerusalem (12: 1-7, 17-20) Wielding a sharpened sword to show impending judgement that would fall through Babylon (21: 1-23) Not mourning the death of his wife to show Jerusalems lack of repentance (24: 15-27) Writing on and joining of two sticks to symbolise Gods future restoration of the nation (37: 15-17) vision of dry bones (37: 1) vision of a new temple (40: 1) Symbolic acts On many occasions, Ezekiels own life and actions were also symbolic. God called him to do some very unusual things in order to more powerfully communicate the prophetic word that he carried. Each of these demonstrations was designed to arrest the attention and communicate Gods word with dynamic intensity. Crafting a brick symbolising Jerusalems siege and capture (4: 1-3)

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The book of Ezekiel

Gods glory and holiness These dramatic words and images convey one of the most important themes in the book - that God alone is absolutely sovereign. This is conveyed by one of the signature phrases of Ezekiel - know that I am the Lord - which occurs more than 60 times throughout the book. Appearing consistently alongside each message of judgement, this repeated phrase provides a clear and unambiguous statement of the divine purpose. As a last resort, judgement was coming against Jerusalem to demonstrate that God was sovereign and that he would not tolerate the sin and idolatry of an unrepentant people. Equally, this sovereignty would be demonstrated by their future deliverance from their exile and captivity in Bablyon.

As well as the example of his personal encounters, Ezekiels prophecy in chapter 36 together with the vision of the dry bones in chapter 37 give us the clearest revelation of the work and power of the Holy Spirit in the whole of the Old Testament. It shows the dramatic life-giving power of the Spirit and, importantly, that the Spirit would be within the believer rather than an external force.

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit witin you, and cause you to wlak in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36: 26-27
The Son of Man Ezekiel is regularly addressed as son of man. Out of the 100 or so uses of the phrase in the Old Testament, 93 occur in this book. Although there is some debate about the precise significance of the title, it is interesting that the gospels show us that son of man was the main way that Jesus described himself (more than 80 times in the gospels). At a basic level, son of man simply expresses humanity. However, the repeated use of this name also establishes a powerful connection between Ezekiel and Christ. Both were prophets and both spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem and the coming restoration of the kingdom of God. The son of man identified Christ as the last Adam who brings life and redemption compared to the first Adam whose sin brought death into the world (1 Cor. 15: 45).

They shall know that I am the Lord, whe I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. Ezekiel 34: 27
In this context, we see that Gods purpose in allowing or even sending trials and challenges is to bring restoration and hope, to turn people and ultimately the nations towards him. The Holy Spirit The work of the Holy Spirit is perhaps more evident in Ezekiel than in any other Old Testament book. He frequently encounters the of Spirit of God - not just in providing him with the words to speak, but also transporting him and unveiling powerful visions (3: 14, 11: 5).

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If we want to function in prophetic gifting, we first need to encounter God privately and personally

Why should I read the book of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel is filled with intriguing visions and symbols and it would be easy to get caught up in these details. However, here are some of the bigger themes that show why the book is important and how we can apply it today. Gods mission in and to the nations Although the focus of Ezekiels message was Jerusulem, it is clear that Gods heart is for the world and not just one ethnic group. The repeated motif that you/they will know that I am the Lord signals a clear intention towards Israel and to the other peoples of the world. This is most obvious in chapters 25-32 where the phrase is repeated 15 times in connection with non-Jewish nations. This was not a new idea since God had spoken it in the past. However, it powerfully anticipates Jesus mission: Prophetic ministry Ezekiel provides more insight into the operation of prophetic ministry than any other writer in the bible. As well as reading the messages that he spoke, we see the operation of the Holy Spirit in and through his own life. Frequently he records that the word of the Lord came to me (nearly 50 times) and that the hand of the Lord was upon me (seven times). Both indicate that his ministry was fuelled by a powerful spiritual anointing. God did not just provide him with words to speak, but empowered him and inspired him first. This is so evident in the opening two chapters when Ezekiels call to speak as a prophet was initiated first with an incredible vision of Gods glory. Similarly, if we want to function in prophetic gifting we first need to encounter God privately and personally. Any public ministry can only flow from our personal knowledge and experience of God.

Go therefore & make disciples of all nations Matthew 28: 18-19

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The specific references in these chapters are: 25:5, 7, 11, 14, 17; 26:6; 28:22-23; 29:6, 9, 16, 21; 30:8, 19, 25-26; 32:15.

Ezekiel lets us know that God wants every nation to acknowledge him as Lord - this was at the time of exile; it was also clear at the time of the exodus (Exodus 14: 18, Joshua 4: 24) and would be evident at the conclusion of Christs ministry on earth.

We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:32
Living out the word of God A key part of that personal knowledge and experience of God is let Gods word shape us and change us. Ezekiel didnt just speak out the word of God, he was commanded to demonstrate and embody it in radical obedience. Time

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the goal for nations is specified at three major nodal points in salvation history: exodus, exile, and the Christ-event Elmer Martens

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

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and again, before saying anything, he embodied the prophetic message in his daily life and before the people he was to speak to. These were often very dramatic and confrontational acts but the principle applies to us too. Our lives should be characterised by obedience to Gods word and living out what he has spoken to us becomes in itself a prophetic act that can speak to the world around us. Sometimes this will call for radical or unusual actions, perhaps making decisions about lifestyle or choices that the world will find surprising or even shocking. But unless we are the words we carry, the gospel will seem hollow and empty.

us and fill us. As well as the place of the Holy Spirit, we see in Ezekiel our fundamental need for the Scriptures as a non-optional part of our daily life. No compromise The drama of Ezekiels life, his unquestioning obedience to Gods leadings and the directness of his message all communicate a vital theme - there can be no compromise with God. There is only one God and there is no room for another or for any other thing to take his place in lives or in our worship. This is a valuable reminder, particularly because we live in a culture that values pluralism and seeks to make every religion, lifestyle and worldview of equal value in society. Idolatry can be subtle as well as crude - the lure of money, sex, power or many other things can so easily displace or diminish our love for God.

But the one who loos into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1: 25
The Scriptures This principle of embodying the word of God is pictured with simplicity and strength in Ezekiel 3. The prophet was not only to hear the words he was to live by and speak, he was commanded to eat this scroll, to take into himself a written copy of those words.

Thus says the Lord God; Go serve every one of you his idols, now and hereafter, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name you shall no more profane with your gifst and your idols Ezekiel 20: 39
In these surprising words Ezekiel lays down a clear choice - ultimately there must be a decision in our lives and hearts. We cannot serve God and.. anything else! (Matthew 6: 24).

Eat this scroll and go, speak to the house of Israel. Ezekiel 3: 1
This provides another important insight into prophetic Christian living and speaking - it depends upon us reading and studying the bible, our scroll of Gods word. The image and vision does not teach us about the format for the Bible - it could be a scroll, a book, a Kindle or an iPad - it teaches us to let the written word of God feed

In no uncertain terms, the message of Ezekiel calls us to a life that is transformed and energised by the Holy Spirit, shaped and guided by the Scriptures and stands in uncomprised commitment to the God.

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Voices
(Ezekiel) combined in a unique way the priests sense of the holiness of God, the prophets sense of the message that had been entrusted to him, and the pastors sense of responsibility for his people The instruction provided by the prophets concerning Gods activity in the world is both rich and complex. Ezekiel has served as the model teacher in this regard, for he not only spoke of the power of the spirit but also embodied it in his own person.

John B. Taylor1
In chapter 1 God has brought together in one vision the essence of all that was to occupy Ezekiel, just as is found in the initial vision of the Apostle John in Revelation ... This incomparable prophecy began with a vision of the glory of the Lord in the glorified city of Jerusalem. Ezekiel concluded, as John in the Revelation, with Gods dwelling with man in holiness and glory. Beyond this there is no greater goal of history and Gods dealings with man.

Daniel I. Block4
Ezekiels vision of the restoration included a glorious temple. He foresaw a time when the presence of God in the midst of his people was so overwhelming that under the form of a vision he could only describe it in terms of size and splendour.

Ray Dillard5
Ezekiel sees beyond the physical restoration of the people of Judah to their little territory round Jerusalem. Like the other prophets, he saw an even deeper restoration of the people of God to himself, and also saw that that required an even deeper work of grace in the hearts and wills of the people. ... They needed a heart transplant. In fact, they needed nothing short of resurrection. And both would be the work of the coming Spirit of God.

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Ezekiel: An Introduction and Commentary (Intervarsity, 1969) The Prophecy of Ezekiel: The Glory of the Lord (Moody Press, 1969) Word and Spirit in Ezekiel (T&T Clark, 2006)

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Charles L. Feinburg2
(Ezekiel) the prophet is not required simply to speak the word, but to embody it. This can be seen from the fact that the prophet actually swallows the scroll (2: 8- 3: 3). The word does not remain external to him, but is internalised within him

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The Prophet of the Spirit (Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, March , 1989)

James Robson

Christopher J. H. Wright6

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An Introduction to the Old Testament (Apollos, 1995) Knowing the Holy Spirit through the Old Testament (Monarch Books, 2006)

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Biblios is written, edited and reviewed by a team of church leaders and bible teachers with proven ministries who work together to communicate each subject with one voice. We are passionately committed to providing you with a growing library of resources to support your bible study or teaching. This issue: Writer Hugh Griffiths Editorial reviewers Mick Walford David Lavery

Biblios is produced by Hugh Griffiths. He has been active in a range of church leadership roles for more than 20 years, most recently serving as an elder of LifePoint Church, Swansea. He has regularly preached and taught here in the UK as well as ministered overseas in Europe and India. For more information on how Biblios can be used in your church contact: hugh.griffiths@biblios.org.uk

Unless stated otherwise, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) and are used by permission of the publishers. Cover image by Alyssa Jiosa Bones (used with permission) http://alyssajiosa.tumblr.com/ can these bones live? Ezekiel 37: 3 Biblios / February 2012