Ezekiel

1 Kings 12-25; 2 Chronicles 10-36

Ezekiel’s book of prophecy appears somewhat psychedelic, with its strange visions. Ezekiel was a priest exiled to Babylon in the second wave of deportations and relayed God’s judgment to the rebellious people. He also made several prophesies about the future, including the coming of Jesus, the New Jerusalem (Ezekiel 48:30–35), and the millennial kingdom (Ezekiel 44). Ezekiel was one of the few prophets who eagerly spread God’s message no matter what resistance he encountered—although that may have been because God told him if he didn’t prophesy he would be held accountable for the souls of those he didn’t warn (Ezekiel 33).

Early Life and Background:

• c. 622 BCE: Birth of Ezekiel – Ezekiel is born into a priestly family in Jerusalem, during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is part of the tribe of Levi.
• c. 598 BCE: First Deportation to Babylon – Ezekiel is likely taken into exile when King Jehoiachin and a number of Judah's elite (including priests, nobles, and skilled workers) are deported to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar II. Ezekiel is among these exiles, possibly in his late teens or early 20s.

Ezekiel's Prophetic Calling:

• c. 593 BCE: Ezekiel's Vision and Prophetic Call – At the age of 30, Ezekiel has a dramatic vision of God’s glory by the River Chebar in Babylon. He is called to be a prophet. This marks the start of his ministry, which he carries out in Babylon among the Jewish exiles.
• Vision of the Glory of God: Ezekiel sees a vision of a whirlwind, four living creatures, and a chariot with wheels within wheels—an overwhelming experience that marks the beginning of his prophetic role (Ezekiel 1).

Prophecies Against Judah and Jerusalem:

• 593–586 BCE: Prophecies Against Judah– Ezekiel’s early prophecies focus on Judah’s impending doom due to idolatry, social injustice, and rebellion against God. He also speaks against the false prophets and leaders who mislead the people.
  • Ezekiel 2-7: Ezekiel is called to deliver messages of judgment against Judah, including visions of the city’s impending destruction.
  • Ezekiel 8-11: Ezekiel has visions of the temple in Jerusalem, showing idolatry and wickedness in the temple, which ultimately leads to God's glory departing from the temple.
  • Ezekiel 12-19: Further warnings are given to the people of Judah about their sin, the coming destruction, and the loss of their nation.
  • Ezekiel 21-24: The fall of Jerusalem is foretold, including specific prophecies of the coming siege and the destruction of the city. Ezekiel performs symbolic acts to demonstrate the severity of the coming judgment.

The Fall of Jerusalem:

• 586 BCE: Destruction of Jerusalem– As Ezekiel had prophesied, the Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem, including the temple. This is the culmination of God’s judgment against Judah for their disobedience and idolatry.
  • Ezekiel 33: News of Jerusalem’s fall reaches Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel is then reaffirmed in his role as a watchman for Israel. The exiles are given hope that their sins will eventually be forgiven.

Prophecies of Restoration and Hope:

• 586–571 BCE: The Promise of Restoration– After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel turns to prophecies of hope for the future of Israel. He speaks of God's future restoration of Israel, the eventual return of the exiles, and the re-establishment of a new temple.
  • Ezekiel 34-36: These chapters focus on the promise of a new shepherd for Israel (the Messiah), and the eventual spiritual and physical restoration of the land. God promises to gather the scattered Israelites and cleanse them from their sins.
  • Ezekiel 37: The famous vision of the "Valley of Dry Bones" – a prophecy of the resurrection and return of the exiles to their land. Ezekiel sees dry bones coming to life, symbolizing the revival of Israel.
  • Ezekiel 38-39: A prophecy about the defeat of Gog and Magog, symbolizing a final victory over Israel’s enemies and the ultimate triumph of God’s people.

The Vision of the New Temple:

• c. 571–570 BCE: The Vision of the New Temple– In the final chapters of the book (Ezekiel 40-48), Ezekiel describes a detailed vision of a future, idealized temple, the reorganization of Israel, and the restoration of sacred worship. This vision is highly symbolic, but it conveys the hope that God will return to dwell with His people and bring about a new, purified covenant.
  • Ezekiel also envisions the reestablishment of the land boundaries, a just society, and the ultimate holiness of the nation.

Ezekiel’s Death and Legacy:

• c. 570 BCE (Approx.): Death of Ezekiel – Though the exact date of Ezekiel’s death is not known, it is believed to have occurred sometime after his final vision, possibly around 570 BCE. Ezekiel’s prophecies and his role as a watchman for Israel have a lasting impact on the post-exilic community and on later Jewish thought.