Ezekiel

Lore & Background

Ezekiel is portrayed as a prophet among the exiles, receiving direct visions from God (Ezekiel 1:1). He is commanded to perform symbolic acts, such as lying on his side for a siege (Ezekiel 4:8) and binding a few hairs in his skirt (Ezekiel 5:3). The prophet is sent to speak to the rebellious house of Israel, whether they hear or forbear (Ezekiel 3:11).

Reader's Guide

The sampled passages show Ezekiel as a recipient of elaborate visions: the living creatures with burning coals and lightning (Ezekiel 1:13), a voice from the firmament (Ezekiel 1:25), and the glory of the LORD appearing in the plain (Ezekiel 3:23). The book contains oracles of judgment against Jerusalem for its abominations, including idolatry (Ezekiel 8:5; 8:17) and violence (Ezekiel 22:29), with repeated declarations that God will act so that they 'shall know that I am the LORD' (Ezekiel 6:10; 13:9; 20:26; 35:9). Later passages shift to restoration: the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:4), the joining of two sticks for Judah and Israel (Ezekiel 37:16), and a vision of a new temple with precise measurements (Ezekiel 40:8–48:23), including a river teeming with fish (Ezekiel 47:10) and land allotted to the tribes (Ezekiel 48:23).

Did You Know?

• The prophet's first vision includes living creatures with wheels full of eyes (Ezekiel 10:12).
• The book contains a detailed description of a future temple, including chambers for singers (Ezekiel 40:44) and a prince's entry (Ezekiel 46:10).
• The final chapter divides the land among the tribes, including a portion for Benjamin (Ezekiel 48:23).