Introduction to Ezekiel: Visions of the LORD

The book of Ezekiel is one of the most visually striking and theologically profound books of the Old Testament. Written during Israel’s Babylonian exile, Ezekiel, often called the “son of man,” serves as a prophet-priest who delivers messages of judgment, warning, and ultimate restoration. The Spirit of God plays a central role, moving Ezekiel in divine encounters and empowering him to proclaim God’s truth.

Ezekiel is renowned for his incredible visions, including the glory of God enthroned on a chariot (Ezekiel 1), the valley of dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37), and the new temple filled with God’s presence (Ezekiel 40-48). These visions symbolize both judgment upon Israel for their rebellion and hope for renewal. The book underscores God’s holiness, justice, and sovereignty, reminding readers that even in exile, God's plan for His people remains, culminating in spiritual restoration and a new heart.

  • "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' and I answered, 'O Lord God, you know.'"

    Ezekiel 37:1–3

  • And I will give you a new hear, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

    Ezekiel 36:26–27

  • Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.

    Ezekiel 10:18–19

Authorship

  • Ezekiel, the book’s author, was both a prophet and a priest. He was taken into Babylonian exile in 597 B.C. and began his prophetic ministry around 593 B.C. His messages spanned approximately 22 years, concluding around 571 B.C.

Date of the Book

  • The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, primarily in Babylon, where Ezekiel ministered among the exiled Israelites. The date of the book spans from approximately 593 B.C. to 571 B.C., covering about 22 years of prophetic ministry. Ezekiel was taken into exile in 597 B.C., along with King Jehoiachin and other elite members of Judah, after Babylon’s invasion of Jerusalem. The book reflects this historical context, addressing both the judgment of Jerusalem and the hope of restoration for Israel.

Purpose of the Book

  • Ezekiel’s primary purposes include:

    • Declaring God’s judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations due to their sin.

    • Calling Israel to repentance and faithfulness.

    • Offering hope of restoration and the renewal of God’s covenant.

    • Demonstrating the holiness and sovereignty of God over all nations.

    • Ezekiel accomplishes this through incredible visions given to him through the Spirit of God.

Ezekiel’s Historical Context

  • Ezekiel lived during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history. The southern kingdom of Judah had been overrun by the Babylonian Empire, and Jerusalem was besieged and eventually destroyed in 586 B.C. Ezekiel ministered among the exiles in Babylon, calling them to repentance and assuring them of future restoration.

Theological Themes

  1. The Sovereignty of God – God is in control of history and nations, directing all events according to His will.

  2. Judgment and Restoration – Sin brings divine judgment, but God remains faithful to His covenant and offers future hope.

  3. The Glory of God – God’s presence and glory are central themes, appearing in Ezekiel’s visions of the temple.

  4. Individual Responsibility – Ezekiel emphasizes personal accountability before God (Ezekiel 18:20).

  5. The New Covenant – God promises a new heart and a transformed people, foreshadowing the work of Christ and the Spirit.

How to Read Ezekiel

  1. Understand the Literary Style – Ezekiel contains symbolic visions, parables, and allegories. Recognizing these literary devices is key to interpretation.

  2. Read in Historical Context – Consider the setting of the Babylonian exile to grasp the significance of the messages.

  3. Look for Christological Themes – Many of Ezekiel’s prophecies, especially about the new covenant and the temple, point forward to Christ.

  4. Be Patient with Symbolism – Some sections are difficult but become clearer when compared with other parts of Scripture.

  5. Near-Far Fulfillment – Look for fulfillment in Israel’s history. Identify distant fulfillment in Christ, the Church, & the end of this age in Revelation.

An Outline of Ezekiel

I. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (1-24)

A. The Call and Commission of Ezekiel (1-3)

1. Vision of God’s Glory (1)

2. Ezekiel’s Commissioning (2-3)

a. The Scroll and Eating the Word (2:8-3:3)

b. The Role of the Watchman (3:16-21)

B. Signs and Prophecies of Jerusalem’s Fall (4-11)

1. Symbolic Acts of Judgment (4-5)

2. The Corruption of the Temple (8-9)

3. The Departure of God’s Glory (10-11)

C. Final Warnings and Messages of Doom (12-24)

1. Parables and Symbolic Acts (12-17)

2. The Allegory of the Two Sisters (23)

II. Judgment on the Nations (25-32)

A. Prophecies Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia (25)

B. Judgment on Tyre and Sidon (26-28)

1. The Fall of Tyre (26)

2. The Lamentation Over the King of Tyre (28)

C. Prophecies Against Egypt (29-32)

III. Future Hope and Restoration (33-48)

A. Ezekiel as a Watchman (33)

B. The New Shepherd and the Restoration of Israel (34-37)

1. The Valley of Dry Bones (37)

C. Prophecies Against Gog and Magog (38-39)

D. The Vision of the Restored Temple and City (40-48)

1. The Detailed Temple Measurements (40-42)

2. The Glory Returns to the Temple (43)

3. The River of Life (47)

Visual Images in Ezekiel

  • The Vision of God’s Glory (Ch. 1) – A dramatic depiction of God’s majesty and holiness.

  • The Scroll and the Prophet’s Commission (Ch. 2-3) – Ezekiel eats a scroll containing God’s words.

  • The Siege of Jerusalem Enacted (Ch. 4-5) – Ezekiel enacts Jerusalem’s destruction through symbolic acts.

  • The Glory Departing from the Temple (Ch. 10-11) – God’s presence leaves the temple due to Israel’s sin.

  • The Valley of Dry Bones (Ch. 37) – A powerful image of Israel’s spiritual renewal.

  • The Gog and Magog Invasion (Ch. 38-39) – A prophetic vision of end-times conflict.

  • The New Temple and the River of Life (Ch. 40-47) – A vision of God’s ultimate restoration.

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Next Steps

Search this theme in Ezekiel: Presence of God: The Spirit of God, the Glory of God, & the Word of God

  1. Read Ezekiel & keep a journal.

  2. Look for the key words: Spirit of God, Spirit, glory of God, word of the Lord

  3. Write out the verse with the key word in it. Look for at least one per chapter.

  4. Look for the concept which is connected to the key word & identify how it is being used.

  5. Identify the eternal truth that is being taught.

  6. Look for some of these verses in the New Testament especially their connection to Jesus, his people & his gospel along with the human sin nature, forgiveness of sin & righteousness.