Ezekiel

Overview:
Ezekiel was called to be "a watchman for the house of Israel" (Eze 3:17). Already exiled to Babylon in the deportation of 597 B.C., he prophesied the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 588-586 B.C. In a vision the Lord took Ezekiel, who was himself a priest, into the temple so that he could see the secret worship of idols by Judah's leaders; and he was informed by God that Jerusalem would be destroyed because of idol worship (see Eze 8-9). Then Ezekiel witnessed the departure of the glory of God from the temple (see Eze 10).

In his book, Ezekiel chided the false prophets - both male and female (see Eze 13:17-25). He announced God's judgment on the surrounding nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon and Egypt. Also in this book, we read that Ezekiel suffered when the "delight of [his] eyes" - his wife- died and he was instructed to not mourn her death as a sign of God's impending judgment (see Eze 24:15-24).

Despite the coming judgment through King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, there was hope for Israel. God would restore her, as the dry bones received life in Ezekiel's vision recorded in chapter 37. Furthermore, a new temple would be constructed according to the pattern shown to him (see Eze 40-48).

Every now and then the church needs a revival to awaken "dry bones" to knew life in Christ Jesus. What areas of your life need a refreshing renewal? Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, God provides living water that will never run dry (see Jn 7:37-39).

Outline:
I. Ezekiel's call and Commission (1:1---3:27)
II. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (4:1---24:27)
III. Judgment on the Surrounding Nations (25:1---32:32)
IV. Restoration for Israel (33:1---48:35)

Scannable Facts:
Author: Ezekiel
Time Written: 593-571 B.C.
Theme to Note: Hope and restoration for the exiles
Notable Women: Ezekiel's wife, women who prophesied falsely