Ezekiel was a prophet and priest who lived during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. He was taken into captivity in 597 BC during the second deportation of Jews by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:10-16). Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry began five years later, around 593 BC, and lasted approximately 22 years (Ezekiel 1:2-3; 29:17).
Ezekiel was contemporary with other major prophets such as Jeremiah, who remained in Jerusalem during the exile, and Daniel, who lived in the Babylonian court. Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering both warnings of judgment and hope for restoration.
Ezekiel’s Visions: A Glimpse into the Divine
Ezekiel’s ministry is characterized by vivid, often mysterious visions. These visions convey profound spiritual truths and reveal God’s plan for judgment, restoration, and the future. Some of the most significant visions include:
The Vision of God’s Glory (Ezekiel 1:4-28)
Ezekiel’s first vision is a majestic encounter with the glory of God, described with vivid imagery:
“And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it” (Ezekiel 1:26).
This vision underscores God’s authority, holiness, and transcendence. It also sets the tone for Ezekiel’s prophetic mission, as he is called to speak God’s words to a rebellious people.
The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
This vision portrays a field of dry bones coming to life as God breathes His Spirit into them.
“Thus says the Lord God: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (Ezekiel 37:9-10).
The vision symbolizes the spiritual restoration of Israel, demonstrating that God will bring His people back from exile and give them new life.
The Vision of the New Temple (Ezekiel 40–48)
Ezekiel’s detailed vision of a restored temple and land represents a future era of peace, worship, and God’s presence among His people. This vision ties into eschatological themes and points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the Millennial Kingdom.
The Vision of the Cherubim Departing from the Temple (Ezekiel 10)
Ezekiel witnesses God’s glory departing from the temple due to Israel’s sin.
“And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the temple” (Ezekiel 10:4).
This signifies God’s judgment on Jerusalem and the loss of His protective presence.
The Overall Purpose of the Book of Ezekiel
The Book of Ezekiel serves several key purposes:
To Proclaim God’s Judgment on Sin
Ezekiel boldly declares God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness. God says,
“And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt and all her helpers are destroyed” (Ezekiel 30:8).
The recurring phrase, “They shall know that I am the Lord,” highlights God’s desire for His people to recognize His holiness.
To Offer Hope for Restoration
Despite pronouncing judgment, Ezekiel also delivers messages of hope. God promises to restore Israel, give them a new heart, and renew His covenant with them:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
To Reveal God’s Sovereign Plan
Ezekiel emphasizes God’s control over history, showing that He orchestrates events for His glory and the ultimate good of His people. The book underscores that God’s purposes will prevail, both in judgment and restoration.
Connections to Revelation
The Book of Ezekiel has numerous parallels to the Book of Revelation, underscoring its eschatological significance:
The Throne of God
Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne (Ezekiel 1) mirrors John’s vision in Revelation 4. Both describe God’s glory and sovereignty through vivid imagery, including creatures, a throne, and a rainbow.
The New Jerusalem and Temple
Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple (Ezekiel 40–48) parallels John’s vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. Both emphasize God’s presence with His people and the perfection of His kingdom.
Judgment on Nations
Ezekiel’s prophecies against the nations (Ezekiel 25–32) find echoes in Revelation’s judgments on Babylon and other world powers (Revelation 18). Both books highlight God’s ultimate victory over evil.
Living Water
Ezekiel 47 describes a river flowing from the temple, bringing life wherever it goes. Similarly, Revelation 22:1-2 depicts a river of water of life proceeding from God’s throne.
My Final Thoughts
Ezekiel’s life and ministry provide a powerful example of faithfulness in the face of adversity. Called to deliver a hard message to a rebellious people, Ezekiel obeyed God, even when his words were met with resistance. His visions reveal God’s holiness, justice, and mercy, offering a profound glimpse into His redemptive plan.
Ezekiel reminds us that God is faithful and committed to restoring His people. His message of judgment warns us to turn from sin, while his visions of restoration inspire hope in God’s unfailing promises. Ultimately, Ezekiel points us to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s covenant and the source of eternal life.
