The Prophet Ezekiel

The Call Ezekiel was called to prophecy by an image of four angels in a large cloud surrounded by flames and flashes of lightening. The Lord then called out to Ezekiel and said, “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day” (Ezekiel 2:3). Ezekiel was overwhelmed by this encounter and sat stunned for seven days (Harper Collins Bible Dictionary). After seven days, the Lord spoke to Ezekiel and named him to be a “watchman in the service of God”(Harper Collins Bible Dictionary). God wanted to ensure that Ezekiel would deliver the message to the Israelites of the impending doom that threatened the city of Jerusalem (Biblecentre.org).

Mission Ezekiel was determined to challenge the words and prophecies of other prophets of his time and speak out against the false hopes of the people (Biblecentre.org). Ezekiel had ministered to the sinful and the hopeless and wanted to bring people to repentance for their sins (Gotquestions.org). He stressed the importance of individual responsibility and wanted to inform the Israelites of the actions they can do to seek repentance, such as keeping the Sabbath Holy (Britannica Online Encyclopedia). His main task was “to warn his people to act in accordance to the Word of God” (Harper Collins Bible Dictionary).

Message Ezekiel’s message mainly focused on the approaching destruction of the Israelite’s city (Bible.org). By the use of “divinely commanded actions” and grim words, Ezekiel delivered the message that ultimately, there was no hope for Jerusalem (Biblecentre.org). Ezekiel had originally received prophetic messages concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, however after the devastation hit, his ministry changed and he began to speak words of hope and restoration (Biblecentre.org).

Message cont’d “After the fall of Jerusalem and his period of silence, Ezekiel now addressed himself more pointedly to the Exiles and sought to direct their hopes for the restoration of their nation. His theme changed from the harsh judgment of God to the promise of the future” (Britannica Online Encyclopedia). Overall, it is clear that Ezekiel truly cared for the well- being of his people. He was very adamant about making sure they were never lied to and received the knowledge of the truth. When they were suffering, Ezekiel lent a shoulder and spoke of a bright future, and it was because of Ezekiel’s messages and prophecies that the Israelites were able to survive the Babylonian Exile (Biblecentre.org).

Biography and Historical Context Ezekiel was raised in Jerusalem by his father Buzi, who was a Zadokite priest. 2 At age 30, Ezekiel was called to become a priest, 7 He is now classified as being the only prophet who also served as a priest. 6 This could’ve been because he came from a religious family and followed after his father’s duty. 3 During Ezekiel’s call, his wife died but could not mourn. 3 This is based on the tradition at the time under Babylonian Rule. 3 Fun Fact Ezekiel’s name is translated as “Strong is God” or “Whom God makes strong” 12

Biography and Historical Context About Ezekiel At age 25, in July 592 B.C., Ezekiel felt he was destined to leave his home and begin to portray his mission 11 after he received a scroll showing the word of God in which he was to teach the people. 11 The words written on the scroll read, “Lamentation and Wailing Woe!” 7 He believed in a society that was just and sinless. 2 This said, it was his goal to change Jerusalem to become a, once again, region ran by God. 3 On his journey, he became one of the exiles and was sent to Tel- Abib. 3 Once arrived, he began to preach to the Jews warning them of upcoming destruction of Jerusalem. 4

The Valley of Dry Bones In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel has a vision of a valley of bones. Before his very eyes, the bones are drawn together, filled out with flesh and skin and restored to life. Message: Restoration of Israel is possible, even after Jerusalem has been destroyed.