Assyria and Egypt stopped being the dominant powers, and were overtaken by Babylon, including in notable battles. 14And the living creatures ran back and forth, (U)in appearance like a flash of lightning. What is shown is far more than anything we have seen up to now as it looks to the bringing together of Israel and Judah under one good shepherd, David (as opposed to the false shepherds preceding), where the people are fully devoted to their God. The idea that the whole human race is divided into two classes, known as the righteous and the wicked, and that the righteous can be identified as the ones who live in strict conformity with all of Yahweh's laws, while the wicked are those who do not obey these laws, is derived from Ezekiel's teachings. [34], The Visionary Ezekiel Temple plan drawn by the 19th-century French architect and Bible scholar Charles Chipiez, The Vision of The Valley of The Dry Bones by Gustave Dor, 1866, Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones by Maerten de Vos, c. 1600, Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones by Quentin Metsys the Younger, c. 1589, Second Temple and rabbinic Judaism (c. 515 BCE500 CE), Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, 1937. pp811-894, Rape in the Hebrew Bible Ezekiel 16 and 23, "How many verses are in the book of Ezekiel? By Mendel Dubov. 1. The spirit of Ezekiel's work determined to a very great extent the character of the religious life of the people during the centuries that followed his teachings. 16(W)The appearance of the wheels and their workings was (X)like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. 21:1; Jer. Violation of any of these rules would constitute a profanation of that which was holy or sacred. If you have room in your Bible at the beginning of the chapter, record your title once you are satisfied that the title really summarizes whats in the chapter. How do your observations in this section compare to God's covenant promise to Abraham that "I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. The Temple will be built outside the main part of Jerusalem, constructed in such a manner that will make it possible to keep out those persons and objects that might contaminate the holy place in which Yahweh will dwell. Genesis Used by permission. Four living creatures appear from the whirlwind. The Lord explains the meaning of he vision in verses 11-14. It contains three sections, each of which addresses a different subject matter. According to Ezekiel's vision, the throne of God is transported by the cherubims. Put a symbol next to any indication of timing. How did he get there? Song of Solomon Also list what you learn about the Spirit, heart, and the glory of God. Proverbs During the studies, I deliberately chose not to speculate or be controversial, but I would be remiss if I were to give the impression all of Ezekiels prophecies have been fulfilled or that the more tricky sections where there has not been literal fulfillment are not to be taken literally. 24:10; Num. The corruption of Israel had reached to the religious leaders, the elders of Israel. The four plagues. SECTION 5: Chapters 4048: Prophecies about the Temple. I include these two charts because in a short period including that which was covered by Ezekiel, there was a significant a change in the international power structure. Ezekiel's Vision of a Scroll. Dan's portion was in the north and on the Mediterranean coast. And (H)this was their appearance: they had (I)the likeness of a man. He appears to have spent the rest of his life in Mesopotamia. These and similar questions have disturbed Bible students and occupied their researches ever since Ezekiel published his vision. Resist the urge to glance at what the commentaries say until you have carefully observed the text. Ezekiel is brought to a valley of dry bones and the Lord asks him to prophesy of the dry bones. The word "major" just refers to the fact that it is longer than some books written by other prophets. Erich von Dniken is one of the biggest proponents of this theory, providing a very compelling argument for an alternative . Malachi Note that there are 5 segment divisions of Ezekiel are at the top table of the chart at the top of this page. In the same way, Ezekiel's seemingly strange behavior in the early chapters of his book was intended to get the attention of a jaded Israelite congregation and to graphically communicate a message of judgment to them. "And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet and I will speak unto thee. It should be bourne in mind though that Ezekiel like other prophets used language and images the people he was primarily addressing (in this case the exiled Judaens, only a remnant of which returned) could understand, anticipating while not fully understanding the final outcome, to be bound up with the messianic kingdom. Please consider donating to help us make more videos. 1Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by (A)the River Chebar, that (B)the heavens were opened and I saw (C)visions[a] of God. 2 On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, 3 the word of the . Essay Questions. [2] Hosea 4. Many of Ezekiel's divine visions point to God's plans for reconstructing the present world and restoring his people to ideals of the garden of Eden. Deuteronomy Included in these hope chapters (34 39) is the final battle; Israel is attacked by God and Magog in that last great battle (38, 39) but with Gods intervention Israel is victorious. All this brings me to the book of Ezekiel itself. FIRST SIEGE But his hopes and dreams had been dashed by King Nebuchadnezzar's invasion, taking him and other young . 3:23; Dan. Ezekiel's vision of the New Jerusalem. [21], The first half of the 20th century saw several attempts to deny the authorship and authenticity of the book, with scholars such as C. C. Torrey (18631956) and Morton Smith placing it variously in the 3rd century BCE and in the 8th/7th. The Book of Ezekiel is the third of the Latter Prophets in the Tanakh and one of the major prophetic books, following Isaiah and Jeremiah. The reader is left in a maze, either groping for a mere ethereal and imaginary temple that was never supposed to have any substantial existence at all, or else being presented with an actual sanctuary set in an environment which clashes at every turn with the plans and specifications outlined by the prophet." - -1-3 - - the call of Ezekiel as a prophet - -4-24 - - Ezekiel's prophecies against Jerusalem - - 25-32- -Ezekiel's prophecies against the nations- - 33-48 - - Ezekiel's prophecies of the future restoration of Israel. To accomplish these tasks, the prophet performed a number of symbolic acts. 605BC Also note to whom he is sent and why. How?- See interrogate with the 5W'S & H). Chapter 1. 2. 2. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Each creature is accompanied by a wheel. Ephesians Read. (see 2Ki 17:1ff especially 2Ki 17:5, 6). When you find one dont just mechanically mark it, but interrogate the word or phrase with a few questions (Who? 3. TO THE INDUCTIVE STUDY OF EZEKIEL, FIRST YOU WILL WANT TO ESTABLISH THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT BY UNDERSTANDING THE TIMELINE. According to the prophet, the reason for the captivities that had already occurred, as well as for the one in store for the people left in Jerusalem, is the people's defiance of Yahweh's laws. In his enumeration of these sins, Ezekiel includes both moral and ceremonial transgressions, but he noticeably places the greater emphasis on matters pertaining to the ceremonial. SECTION 4: Chapters 3339: Prophecies about Israel's Restoration. Already in the vision of Ezekiel and the earlier vision in Revelation, the most prominent feature is light: fire, lightning, rainbow, gemstones that brilliantly refract the light. 3:14, 22, Is. This later prophecy concerns a Temple yet to be built (and still has not been built the Temple built on Israels return from exile was not it and neither was that build by Herod and destroyed in AD 70). For less than $5/mo. Prior to this time, Judah had been a vassal of the Assyrian empire, but the rapid decline of Assyria after c. 630 led Josiah to assert his independence and institute a religious reform stressing loyalty to Yahweh, the national God of Israel. In the vision of the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel proclaims a complete restoration of the whole house of Israel. BY CERTAIN scholars the Book of Ezekiel is considered the crown jewel of prophecy of the Old Testament; by others it is not given such a high rating, though it is recognized as a marvelous revelation from God. Ezekiel's Vision of God | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org Although the term holy is not used in Ezekiel 1, the entire vision conveys the reality of the Lord's transcendence, His "set-apartness" as the Creator and ruler 3:15; Ezek. b. Once the siege begins, he switches to prophecies against the Gentile nations some of whom are scoffing at Jerusalem. As you go through these chapters one at a time, interrogate the text with the five W's and an H. Ask questions such as: What does Ezekiel see? Zephaniah First Fruits as a prophetic picture of Christ's Resurrection, The Sign of Jonah as a prophecy of Christ's Resurrection. Four of these dates refer to a day and month in 587 b.c., very close to the time of Jerusalems destruction. He was appointed to be a watchman (chapters 3 and 33) whose solemn duty was to warn of danger and pass on Gods message to those who needed it even when they rejected it, which he discharged faithfully. While the focus was on the Temple, described here in meticulous detail, description was also given of the City where it was and the restored kingdom of Israel, under the rule of the Messiah. [5], The Book of Ezekiel describes itself as the words of Ezekiel ben-Buzi, a priest living in exile in the city of Babylon between 593 and 571 BCE. Name the Judean king held captive at the time of Ezekiel's ministry. - God is a spirit and He is omnipresent, but He also appears in glory on His throne. .God raised up Ezekiel to serve as a prophet during a most difficult time in Israel's history. Nebuchadnezzar, who with his defeat of Neco had become the dominant world power, besieged Jerusalem for the second time taking King Jehoiachin into exile to Babylon (this event in 597BC helps understand the fifth year of Jehoiachins exile specifically given by in Ezekiel 1:2) along with 10,000 Jews, one of whom was the young man Ezekiel. (see Acts 26:7, Jas1:1, Re 21:12 as support that these 10 tribes are not lost). Note to whom or to what he was to speak and what the message was to be. A Vision of The Glory of the Lord and Ezekiels Call (chapters 1 3). Nehemiah The new spirit reminds us of the New Covenant. Chapters 2539 contain a series of oracles addressed to foreign nations, concluding with a section in which the future of Israel is contrasted with that of the foreign nations. He was deported to Babylon and died there. The vision of dry bones is about bones coming together into human form with life breathed into them. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." In 597, following a rebellion against Babylon, Ezekiel was among the large group of Judeans taken into captivity by the Babylonians. THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL: Ezekiel could see it all, including named persons dropping dead. Make sure you note or mark when the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. In the vision of Ezekiel 3:1-10 God required Ezekiel eat a scroll, which may have included the written words God spoke to him. Concerning the man who has lived wickedly all of his life but turns from his wickedness and does that which is lawful and right immediately before he dies, all of his wickedness will not be remembered: He will be judged as a righteous man. Followers of this type of mysticism sought to recreate similar experiences and ascend into God's realm. Ezekiel Sees the Glory & Receives the Call, Chapter 25-32 1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, thatthe heavens were opened and I saw visions[ a] of God. Amos The final exile concided with the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Book of Ezekiel, Click chart to enlarge Much contained in the later chapters (34 onwards) refers to a coming Messiah that is to reign over his people, specifically Israel. The third section, Chapters 4048, presents a plan for rebuilding the Temple and reorganizing the restored state of Israel. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Perhaps the most notable aspect of Ezekiel's account of the chariot is the wheels. Ezekiel, no less than Jeremiah, sees the significance of the individual in his relationship to Yahweh. In earlier times, the entire tribe was regarded as having been set apart for the priesthood, but now only a select group within this tribe was allowed to officiate in the Temple's services. In this vision the Lord is as a teacher and instructs Ezekiel. A lecture on the Book of Ezekiel by The Shepherd's Chapel's Dr. Arnold Murray. Rejecting the ideas that fathers may be punished for the sins of their sons and the sons punished for the sins of their fathers, he boldly states that the soul that sins shall die. Compare this with what you saw in Ezekiel 8 through 11. c. Warning: This last segment of Ezekiel may seem a little boring after the first 39 chapters. They sparkled (J)like the color of burnished bronze. [24] The vision in chapters 1:428 reflects common mythological/Biblical themes and the imagery of the Temple: God appears in a cloud from the north the north being the usual home of God/the gods in ancient mythology and Biblical literature with four living creatures corresponding to the two cherubim above the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant and the two in the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Temple; the burning coals of fire between the creatures perhaps represents the fire on the sacrificial altar, and the famous "wheel within a wheel" may represent the rings by which the Levites carried the Ark, or the wheels of the cart. Evidently, Ezekiel knows that the message he is to proclaim portends impending disaster, yet he thoroughly enjoys the task given to him. a. Note what Ezekiel is called to do and how he is to do it. He resided by the river of Chebar ( Ezekiel 1 ). What are the events associated with the three key dates in red? 3. [27] In sum, the book describes God's promise that the people of Israel will maintain their covenant with God when they are purified and receive a "new heart" (another of the book's images) which will enable them to observe God's commandments and live in the land in a proper relationship with Yahweh. Ezekiel appears only briefly in the Dead Sea Scrolls, but his influence there was profound, most notably in the Temple Scroll with its temple plans, and the defence of the Zadokite priesthood in the Damascus Document. So when I saw it, (AN)I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking. Jonah Notably, Ezekiel blames the Babylonian exile not on the people's failure to keep the Law, but on their worship of gods other than Yahweh and their injustice: these, says Ezekiel in chapters 811, are the reasons God's Shekhinah left his city and his people. Ezekiel contextContext is all important when studying the Bible and this is particularly relevant when studying Ezekiel. Among his more famous prophecies, which were compiled in the Book of Ezekiel, are his visions of the Divine Chariot, the Valley of the Dry Bones and the Third Temple. Jeremiah concludes with a series of oracles against nine foreign nation. When does the glory return (what is the the first fulfillment of the glory returning)? The prophet is so overcome by the vision that he falls on his face. 3. [23] In Ezekiel the phrase describes God mounted on His throne-chariot as he departs from the Temple in chapters 111 and returns to what Marvin Sweeney describes as a portrayal of "the establishment of the new temple in Zion as YHWH returns to the temple, which then serves as the center for a new creation with the tribes of Israel arrayed around it" in chapters 4048. Ecclesiastes 27Also from the appearance of His waist and upward (AK)I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Ezekiel's Vision of God. There are parts, especially toward the end that are about not fulfilled or some will see as end times prophecy that eventual will be literally fulfilled and not merely figuratively. There is of course much else to glean, which is why I suggest you read the book. The book moves on to anticipate the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, explains this as God's punishment, and closes with the promise of a new beginning and a new Temple. (THE LORD IS NOT THERE), PROPHECY OF RESTORATION 1. Also note any symbolic acts he was to perform and why. His most prominent theological concepts are God's faithful nature, the purpose of His judgments, Israel's restoration, repentance, and individual accountability to God. . He rationed his food, carried furniture out of his house, and did various other things to represent the disaster that would soon overtake the city of Jerusalem. Ruth Ezekiel's plans for rebuilding the Temple and reorganizing the state were carried out to a considerable extent when the exiles returned to their own land. In other words dont just title chapter 1 Gods Glory. Exodus Chapter 6:1-8. In a distinctive way, mark when the final vision is given. I am touched too concerning the conduct of Ezekiel, whose life was not an easy one, but it was one of obedience, such that he did not mourn when he learned of his wifes death. The books of Ezekiel and Daniel relate dramatic visions of glory, apocalypse, and ultimate restoration. Daniels prophetic ministry from Babylon began about 605BC. The visions, and the book, are structured around three themes: (1) Judgment on Israel (chapters 124); (2) Judgment on the nations (chapters 2532); and (3) Future blessings for Israel (chapters 3348). (1:4-5) The likeness of four living creatures. Following the short-lived reign of Jehoiachin the second exile took place in 597 BC and this included Ezekiel. Philippians Ezekiel describes his vision as an elaborate and complex image that symbolizes the majesty of Yahweh and proclaims Yahweh's sovereignty over all the nations of the earth. 22(AB)The likeness of the [f]firmament above the heads of the [g]living creatures was like the color of an awesome (AC)crystal, stretched out (AD)over their heads. 2 Peter Record the chapter themes/titles as discussed above. 2 Chronicles The Israelites will return to their own land and rebuild the kingdom that was overthrown, and Yahweh will dwell in their midst forever. 2 He said to me, "Son of man, stand up, and I will speak to you." 2 As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me, stood me on my feet, and I heard 2. Prior to that date the prophecies all have to do with warning the people and exhorting them to repent and to trust in God rather than in pacts with Egypt or any other neighbor. [25] The process of purification begins, God prepares to leave, and a priest lights the sacrificial fire to the city. Vision of the Scroll (2:9 - 3:3) 3. 2 He said to me, "Son of man, stand up, and I will speak to you." 2 As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me, stood me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. Ezekiel was a priest and 30 years old at the time of his vision. Because Ezekiel believes that Yahweh rules supreme over all the nations of the earth, any violation of Yahweh's commands without appropriate punishment constitutes an infringement upon the deity's honor. For some time, they believed that he wrote practically the entire book while living in the colony of exiles. and any corresponding bookmarks? - Over the cherubims is a firmament or expanse or platform, and on that expanse is God's throne. According to Ezekiel, Yahweh's presence went up out of the Temple and rested on a hill outside; then the Temple fell. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. DEFEATED BY ASSYRIA. Be sure to read the last verse of the book. Leviticus 5. A Vision of a Valley of Bones - and Resurrection (chapter 37) Ezekiel's message changed, once Jerusalem fell, into one of hope, around returning back to its land where Israel lives in peace and prosperity. Read the chapter again. Galatians John 597BC The Book of Ezekiel has the most logical arrangement of any of the prophetic books. The Jewish Bible in Hebrew is called the Masoretic text (meaning passing down after a Hebrew word Masorah; for Jewish scholars and rabbis curated and commented on the text). 597 BC 2ND SIEGE OF JERUSALEM & EXILE TO BABYLON: is described in 2Ki 24:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (Record this date in your Bible margin) When Jehoiakim died, Jehoiachin succeeded him as king of Judah and in 597 B.C. After the vision, the Lord speaks directly to Ezekiel and gives him instruction. Here I refer to Ezekiels prophecies, which came as visions, pictures and words from the Lord. Ezekiel 1:1 says the 30th year and it appears in context to refer to Ezekiels age of 30 years, the year in fact that Ezekiel would have been eligible for priesthood (see Nu 4:3), he begins his prophetic ministry. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Salvador Dali 1967 Authentic Biblia Sacra "Ezekiel's Vision" SIGNED FRAMED COA at the best online prices at eBay! Record the theme or title of each chapter remembering to try to use words that are actually in the chapter. A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel's hopeful visions gave rise to a Jewish identity that extended beyond geographical and political borders. There came forth, as he tells us, out of the great cloud, with its fire infolding itself and its brightness round about, the appearance of glowing metal, and out of it came forth four living creatures. He lay on his left side for a period of time each day for three hundred and ninety days, and then he lay on his right side in a similar manner for forty days. Note in the margin who is going to know and how they will know. Its later influence has included the development of mystical and apocalyptic traditions in Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity. True. The prophets of Israel were oracles (a term for a person as well as a place) for ways in which humans communicated with their gods. 3 John Read Ezekiel 1:1-3:27 and mark distinctively (with a color &/or symbol) the key words or phrases. Jerusalem were captured and the Temple and city walls were destroyed. Only one lonely voice disturbed their peace the voice of Jeremiah prophesying in Judah (cf Jer 1:9, 10). The people who were left in Jerusalem after the first captivity consoled themselves with the idea that they were better off than their brethren who were taken to Babylon. Matt. [33] Apart from Revelation, however, where Ezekiel is a major source, there is very little allusion to the prophet in the New Testament; the reasons for this are unclear, but it cannot be assumed that every Christian or Hellenistic Jewish community in the 1st century would have had a complete set of (Hebrew) scripture scrolls, and in any case Ezekiel was under suspicion of encouraging dangerous mystical speculation, as well as being sometimes obscure, incoherent, and pornographic. Coming into direct contact with that which is unclean contaminates Yahweh's sanctuary and profanes his holy name, which Yahweh will not tolerate. It has been nearly two months since I introduced my subject (see here and especially the slides it contains), but since then I have led five Bible studies on Ezekiel to folk at my church, the first being to provide a context and introduction (visions, pictures, words) to Ezekiel and his life and ministry, including his prophecies. The book being opened. Ezekiel's First Temple Vision: Ezekiel 8 - 19: 591 BC: Ezekiel Sees God Refuse the Elders: Ezekiel 20: 591 BC: Ezekiel Prophesies against Jerusalem: Ezekiel 21, 22: 591 BC: Ezekiel Prophesies against two Sisters: Ezekiel 23: 588 BC: Siege of Jerusalem Begins: Ezekiel 24: 587 BC: God's Vengeance on Ammon and Edom: [17], The Jewish scriptures were translated into Greek in the two centuries prior to the Common Era. 1:12 ), and we know which direction. The book of Ezekiel bursts with vivid descriptions of heavenly visions, strong judgments, and incomprehensible divine love. His influence on the future development of Israel's religion was, at least for several centuries, greater than that of any of the other prophets. Note why he was to speak in that way and the significance of his action. 5. [16] While the book exhibits considerable unity and probably reflects much of the historic Ezekiel, it is the product of a long and complex history and does not necessarily preserve the very words of the prophet. Job 18:46; 2 Kin. NOTE: Refer to the Timeline above to help get an overview of the timing of the prophesies of Ezekiel. (Who is the Angel of the LORD?) Ezekiel would see visions of another temple and another Jerusalem a city that would be known by the glorious name Jehovahshammah, the LORD is there! he is holy and judges sin but also he is merciful and keeps his covenants. He isolates the oracles and speeches behind the present text, and traces Ezekiel's interaction with a mass of mythological, legendary and literary material as he developed his insights into Yahweh's purposes during the period of destruction and exile.