EZEKIEL BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: EZEKIEL’S MESSAGE TO THE EXILES
The prophet Ezekiel was divinely called to deliver God’s urgent message to the exiles in Babylon, emphasizing both God’s judgment and compassion. While he confronted the sins of Israel, he also offered hope by highlighting God’s desire to breathe new life into His people and restore Jerusalem. God called Ezekiel to speak to “Israel,” but the nation of Israel had already been divided and taken captive. This reference to the united people of Israel showed His intention to restore His people in unity.
Ezekiel’s ministry occurred during the Babylonian exile, providing a voice of prophecy amid great despair. His messages contain vivid imagery and visions, revealing the consequences for disobedience and God’s desire for righteousness. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, God’s message that “They will know that I am the Lord” is frequently repeated, emphasizing God’s call for recognition of His authority.
Ezekiel’s name, meaning “God strengthens,” aptly reflects his challenging role as a prophet during this difficult period. Throughout his prophetic journey, he experienced profound pain and frustration as he boldly communicated the impending consequences of Judah’s disobedience. While God tasked Ezekiel with a daunting mission, He also revealed His goodness and power through hopeful visions, affirming His desire to redeem Israel once again.
MAIN IDEAS: EZEKIEL’S VISIONS FROM GOD
Ezekiel was sent as God’s messenger to those taken captive by Babylon. (Ezekiel 1:1-3)
God desires to be known and worshipped among His people. (Ezekiel 20:41-42, 36:23)
Ezekiel’s elaborate and powerful displays warned the Israelites of Jerusalem’s fall. (Ezekiel 4-5)
God provided Ezekiel with vivid visions that revealed His plans for restoring Israel. (Ezekiel 36-48)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: BREATHES NEW LIFE
God hated the Israelites’ sin and warned of His impending wrath and judgment on the rebellious and stubborn people. God’s departure from the temple highlights the physical and spiritual desolation in Jerusalem.
While God’s righteous anger is on display in Ezekiel, so is His compassion. God wanted the people of Judah to avoid the consequences of sin, but they did not listen to His call for repentance and righteousness. God did not prevent the Israelites’ rebellion but offered hope for future restoration and revival.
Because God is the creator and sustainer of life, He had the ability to breathe new life into the Israelites. Through visions of dry bones coming to life and a restored temple, God provided Ezekiel with the hope that He would breathe new life into the people of Jerusalem once again.
JESUS IN EZEKIEL: RAISED FROM THE DEAD
In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel encountered God’s miraculous ability to turn a valley of graves into a fully alive army. God’s power to transform decayed bones into living, breathing beings displayed His victory over death. God used this image as a metaphor for the exiled Israelites and the desire to revive His people.
Much later, God demonstrated His authority over death through the resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion. Jesus displayed power over death—the most permanent consequence of sin—and offered new life to all who believed.
