Memory Verse(s)
Ezekiel 11:19-20
(19) Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh,
(20) that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.
Overview|Background
The book of Ezekiel pronounces judgment on both Israel and surrounding nations, but it also provides a vision of the future millennial kingdom that complements and adds to the vision of other Old and New Testament texts. Not only does the book present a striking picture of the resurrection and restoration of God’s people (Ezekiel 37), it also offers readers a picture of the reconstructed temple in Jerusalem, complete with the return of God’s glory to His dwelling place (40:1–48:35). This latter section of Ezekiel’s prophecy looks forward to the people’s worship after Christ’s return in the end times, when He will rule Israel and the nations from His throne in Jerusalem during His thousand year reign.
Key Passage(s)
Ezekiel’s Call
Ezekiel 2:1-10
(1) And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.”
(2) Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.
(3) And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.
(4) For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’
(5) As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.
(6) “And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
(7) You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.
(8) But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
(9) Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
(10) Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe.
Key Facts
Authorship & Time Period
The book of Ezekiel takes its title from the priest of the same name, son to a man named Buzi. Ezekiel’s priestly lineage shines through in his prophetic ministry; he often concerned himself with topics such as the temple, the priesthood, the glory of the Lord, and the sacrificial system.
Ezekiel 1:1 tells us that the prophecy began “in the thirtieth year.” Scholars usually consider this a reference to Ezekiel’s age, making him about the same age as Daniel, who was exiled to Babylon nearly a decade earlier. Like many priests of Israel, Ezekiel was married. But when his wife died during his prophetic ministry, God prevented Ezekiel from mourning her in public as a sign of Judah’s lack of concern for the things of God (Ezekiel 24:16–24).
Type of literature
Prophecy & Historical Narrative
Characters
MAJOR CHARACTERS: Ezekiel and Yahweh
The Story
Summary
Ezekiel ministered to his generation who were both exceedingly sinful and thoroughly hopeless. By means of his prophetic ministry he attempted to bring them to immediate repentance and to confidence in the distant future. He taught that: (1) God works through human messengers; (2) Even in defeat and despair God’s people need to affirm God’s sovereignty; (3) God’s Word never fails; (4) God is present and can be worshiped anywhere; (5) People must obey God if they expect to receive blessings; and (6) God’s Kingdom will come.
Major Events
- Ezekiel’s call to be a prophet
- Ezekiel’s visions and symbolic acts
- Jerusalem’s destruction
- Israel and Judah’s exile
- Coming renewal through resurrection
Themes
- God’s worldwide presence
- Worldwide sin
- Israel and Judah’s restoration
- The restoration of Jerusalem and the temple
Outline of Ezekiel
Ezekiel’s book can be divided into four sections:
- Chapters 1-24: prophecies on the ruin of Jerusalem
- Chapters 25-32: prophecies of God’s judgment on nearby nations
- Chapter 33: a last call for repentance to Israel
- Chapters 34-48: prophecies concerning the future restoration of Israel
Where Do We See Christ?
Ezekiel 34 is the chapter wherein God denounces the leaders of Israel as false shepherds for their poor care of His people. Instead of caring for the sheep of Israel, they cared for themselves. They ate well, were well-clothed and well-cared for by the very people they had been placed over (Ezekiel 34:1-3). By contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and who protects them from the wolves who would destroy the flock (John 10:11-12). Verse 4 of chapter 34 describes people whom the shepherds failed to minister to as weak, sick, injured and lost. Jesus is the Great Physician who heals our spiritual wounds (Isaiah 53:5) by His death on the cross. He is the one who seeks and saves that which is lost (Luke 19:10).
Point of Application
How can we apply this to our lives today?
The Book of Ezekiel calls us to join in a fresh and living encounter with the God of Abraham, Moses and the prophets. We must be overcomers or we will be overcome. Ezekiel challenged us to experience a life changing vision of God’s power, knowledge, eternal presence and holiness; to let God direct us; to comprehend the depth of and commitment to evil that lodges in each human heart; to recognize that God holds His servants responsible for warning wicked men of their peril; to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ, who said that the new covenant is to be found in His blood.
Discussion Questions
How does Ezekiel 1 challenge your preconceived notions about God’s nature and appearance?
Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Ezekiel in such a complex vision?
Closing Prayer
Father, we want to establish godly wisdom in our lives, but we need your help to plant those seeds and water them to fruition. Thank you for gathering us here today to foster the growth you have begun in our hearts and minds. Bless the words we have read, studied, and shared here today to sink deep into the rich soil of our souls, maturing our faith as we seek more and more of you. It’s by your truth, God, the world turns. When earth seems full of chaos, we know you remain in sovereign control. Your wisdom guides us through difficulty, allowing us – not just to get through tough times – but to thrive and lead others to you. Let the wisdom you are developing in our daily lives bring honor and glory to you, God. Because it is by you that all things progress. Bless us with godly wisdom and the desire to seek you with all of our hearts every day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Prayer List
Doc – renewed vigor to join us on Saturdays
Richard Brooks – faith and courage during the next stage of his journey in Christ
Bob & Gaynelle – Breast cancer (from Mike Arras)
Julia (Arras) – praise for health
Jim Allen, friend of Daryl, heart issue, praise
Jim Sachs – praise
Darryl’s employee Tara – lung cancer, in US
Darryl’s Son Jonathan and Wife Lizz – spiritual renewal
Tom and Jeanice – praise and prayers for continued recovery
Becky and Lee Davidson, health and healing, difficult situation
Jim & Melissa, father-in-law’s heart condition and spiritual health, marital closeness
Mike Arras’ daughter, praise
Mike Allen – sister Adele and brother
Joe & Deb – continued prayers for Deb’s Dad, travel for Deb
Brian – Job situation
JC – health issues
JC’s granddaughter Kylie, Tiffany, and Tommy
Todd – medical issues (sinuses, hands)
Wisdom about meeting location
Our country & our world
Gayle (Karl’s wife) – wisdom, peace, strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds
Karl’s friend, Jesse – PRAISE! Found a good church body to join
Additional Content
FOR GREATER HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING: EXILE IN BABYLON
Babylon relocated people from Judah to various places in its empire (see map on p. 305). Ezekiel and many fellow exiles were settled near the Chebar canal (1:3; 3:15). This canal was probably located about sixty miles south of Babylon at a place called Tel Aviv, which means “ruin” or “spring.” The Chebar canal likely branched off the Euphrates River into dry farmland needing irrigation.
Exiles were often put to work in royal agriculture or building projects. Nebuchadnezzar built up Babylon and other cities during his entire reign (c. 605–562 BC).1 As time passed, many were able to become merchants. For example, according to ancient tablets found near the Chebar canal, one Hebrew family by the name of Murashu had a thriving business.2 Thus, life for some exiles was comfortable, though many suffered. Jewish communities have remained in the region into the twenty-first century.
Babylon’s chief gods were Bel and Marduk (Isaiah 46–47). Marduk’s name is reflected in the names of later biblical characters, including Mordecai, a major figure in the book of Esther. Exiles were often left to worship God as they wished. In extreme cases, the king could require worship of his gods (Dan 3:1–30).
During Ezekiel’s lifetime, Babylon was constantly at war to expand and maintain its empire. Egypt was a primary enemy (chaps. 29–32). Tyre, a center of sea trade, was also an opponent (chaps. 26–27). Nebuchadnezzar was able to maintain the empire, but Babylon degraded continuously after he died in 562 BC until Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC. [Paul R. House; Eric Mitchell (2023). (p. 304). Old Testament Survey. B&H Publishing Group. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
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