Last week in my daily devotional times I read through the book of Ezekiel. Quite a man with quite a ministry! Ezekiel lived in the sixth century B.C. and proclaimed a message of uncompromising judgment followed by restoration for the sake of God’s name, not for Israel’s sake. His career was spent among exiled Judeans in Babylon, so he would not have served in the temple rituals. Yet he served as both a prophet and priest, revealing heavenly visions of God’s glory, judgment upon the nations (including his own), earnest calls to repentance, prophetic messages of the New temple, the New Covenant and the people of God. In a couple weeks I’ll be preaching on Ezekiel 36 in our church, and am ramping up to study this challenging book. So I thought I’d share an overview of some of the key elements of the book.
Right from the outset, we see Ezekiel set apart and given an amazing vision of the glory of the Lord in chapter one. It is one of the few times in Scripture when we are allowed to look over the prophet’s shoulder into the stunning transcendence of the dwelling place of God. Although limited to human words to express heavenly realities (living creatures, whirling wheels, sapphire throne), yet “such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (1:28)
Following this vision, Ezekiel receives his call in chapter 2. He is frequently referred to as “son of man,” a title Jesus takes for Himself. Ezekiel is called to be a prophet to the rebellious nation of Israel. He lived during the Babylonian captivity when much of Israel was widely dispersed. God tells him not to back down from the message He gives Ezekiel, even though difficulties will come his way – a good message for us today.
I love the picture in Ezekiel three of the prophet being a “watchman,” called to warn the “house of Israel.” If he does his part, then they bear the responsibility for their actions. But if he does not do his part in warning them, he will bear responsibility. This same picture is reiterated in chapter 33. Likewise today, those of us who have God’s Word are called to be “watchmen” warning people of the truths found therein. Let us communicate God’s message powerfully and relevantly to God’s people.
Beginning with chapter four, judgment is spoken and visualized, initially upon Jerusalem because of their rebellion, idolatry, and abominations in the temple. There are also numerous prophecies against other nations beginning in chapter 25. There are also apocalyptic prophecies spoken, for example against Gog and Magog in chapters 38-39.
In many respects, Ezekiel was called to be a sign to the people of Israel of their condition, or how God would act. In chapter three, he is told to eat a scroll, then deliver the message to Israel. In chapter four, God tells him to lay on his left side for 390 days, and his right side for forty days, symbolizing the punishment of Israel and Judah respectively. In chapter 12, he is told to pack a bag and head into exile, symbolizing the Babylonian Captivity for Judah. In chapter 24, his wife dies but he is not to mourn for her, “thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign.” Other types of symbols are given numerous times, such as Israel as a faithless bride in chapter 16, eagles and a vine in chapter 17, the lusting and whoring of Oholah and Oholibah (Samaria and Jerusalem) in chapter 23, the famous “valley of dry bones” in chapter 37 that is brought back to life.
Along the way, there are glimmers of hope given through Ezekiel to God’s people. In Ezek 11:14-21 – Ezekiel receives a promise from God of the return of exiles from captivity back to Israel, and a new spirit for obedience would be given to them. This is repeated later in Ezekiel 36. In chapter 18, we are told that if a wicked person repents, their sins will be forgiven and wiped away, followed by a call to repentance in 18:30-31. The great detail given to describing the new temple (chapters 40-47) emphasizes that God has a future for Israel and has not left them utterly devoid of His presence and blessing.
One key theme that emerges throughout the book is that God “acts for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations.” (20:9,14,22,41; 39:7,23,27; 43:7-8, et al) God is concerned about other nations and how they view Him. He wants to be worshipped by all people. This, along with the new heart and new spirit given to God’s people by His Spirit are some of the key elements I will emphasize in my message from Ezekiel 36:22-28 (cf. 37:14; 39:29)
Ezekiel’s message is certainly not popular, but is so vitally needed, in his day and ours. May we be faithful to heed the warning, to repent of our (and our nation’s) rebellion, and receive the new spirit by the Holy Spirit abiding in us through the New Covenant, all to the glory of God’s holy Name among all peoples!