Ezekiel
Ezekiel
Ezekiel prophesied to the exiles in Babylon before and after Jerusalem's fall. His dramatic visions and symbolic acts proclaimed judgment on Judah, judgment on nations, and ultimate restoration. The book includes the famous vision of dry bones coming to life and detailed plans for a future temple. Ezekiel emphasizes God's glory, holiness, and sovereign control over history.
Chapters
Book Outline
Ezekiel's throne vision and call to be a watchman.
Symbolic acts, visions of idolatry, God's glory departing the temple.
Oracles against surrounding nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Egypt.
The good shepherd, valley of dry bones, defeat of Gog and Magog.
Vision of the restored temple, worship, and division of the land.
Key Themes
The Glory of God
God's glory, which departs from the defiled temple, will return to the restored temple.
Personal Responsibility
Each person will be judged for their own sins, not their parents' (chapter 18).
Spiritual Renewal
God promises new hearts and His Spirit dwelling within His people.
God's Sovereignty
God controls all nations and history for His purposes and glory.
Key Verses
I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
God's promise to resurrect Israel, picturing spiritual and national restoration.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you.
Promise of internal transformation by God's Spirit, foundational for the New Covenant.
I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.
God as the good shepherd who will rescue His scattered flock.
Main Characters
Biblical Locations
Connection to Christ
The Good Shepherd
God's promise to shepherd His people Himself is fulfilled in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
JHN 10:11-14Resurrection and Life
The vision of dry bones pictures Christ's power to give life to the spiritually dead.
EPH 2:1-5The New Heart
The promise of a new heart and Spirit is fulfilled in regeneration through Christ.
2CO 5:17God's Dwelling Among His People
The vision of God's glory returning to the temple points to Christ and the new Jerusalem.
REV 21:3