Ezekiel
Author: Ezekiel
Period: 593-c.560 B.C.
Title: The English, Hebrew, Greek and Latin versions all name this book after Ezekiel, the prophet whose ministry is recorded in the book. The name Ezekiel (Hebrew Chizkiyahu) means “God is strong” or “God strengthens.”
Summary: This book records the activity of the prophet Ezekiel during the exile in Babylon. His message was directed to fellow captives and to Jews still present in the land of Judah. Both groups refuse to listen and remain unwilling to accept the rule of Babylon. Ezekiel proclaimed good news to the exiles that Israel, after being chastened, would be restored and God’s Kingdom would rise. This future Kingdom will last forever and God’s people will never again be cast out.
Breakdown:
Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem: Chapter 1:1 – 24:27
- Introduction: The call of Ezekiel: 1:1 – 3:27
- Overthrow of city and state predicted: 4:1 – 7:27
- The sin and fate of Jerusalem: 8:1 – 11:25
- Moral necessity of the captivity: 12:1 -19:14
- Israel’s coming downfall inevitable and necessary: 20:1 – 24:27
Oracles against foreign nations: the universal sovereignty of God: Chapter 25:1 – 32:32
- Ammon: 25:1-7
- Moab: 25:8-11
- Edom: 25:12-14
- Philistines: 25:15-17
- Tyre: 26:1 – 28:19
- Sidon: 28:20-26
- Egypt: 29:1 – 32:32
Prophecies about the restitution of Israel: Chapter 33:1 – 39:29
- The prophet’s function in preparation for the new age: 33:1-33
- The royal house: selfish shepherds of Israel and the Good Shepherd: 34:1-31
- The land: Israel to be restored and made fruitful: 35:1 – 36:38
- The people: Resurrection of dry bones of Israel; reunion of Judah and Israel: 37:1-28
- Peace: The Lord to defend Israel against Gog: 38:1 – 39:29
Vision of the restored community: the new temple and new law: Chapter 40:1 – 48:35
- Description of the new temple: 40:1 – 43:27
- A new service of worship with an ideal ministry and sacrificial system: 44:1 – 46:24
- Israel reorganized according to tribal divisions: 47:1 – 48:35