Bible 110 Old Testament
Prophecy
Ezekiel
A. Major problems associated with Ezekiel: Was Ezekiel a real figure? Did he or
another writer or both compose the book? When was this done, during
Manasseh’s reign, exile, post-exilic period?
B. The book has been so thoroughly edited that it is difficult to find the original
works of Ezekiel. The main editor redactor is a 5th century BC person. He
prepared the materials in Ezekiel for the post-exilic community.
C. Where was Ezekiel? He may have been in Palestine before the fall of
Jerusalem, but he was in Babylon after 586 BC. In exile he lived in Tel-abib by
the River Chebar, southeast of Babylon. Ezekiel lived in Babylonia 5 years
before his call. Did he return to Jerusalem/Judah in 591?
D. Chronology of Ezekiel’s oracles:
July 21, 592 1:2
Apr 16, 570 29:17
Sept 7, 591 8:1
Apr 19, 586 30:20
Sept 1, 590 20:1
Jun 11, 586 31:1
Jan 15, 588 24:1
Mar 3, 585
Uncertain
26:1
Apr 16, 585 32:17
Jan 6, 587
29:1
Jan 8, 585
32:1
33:21
Apr 17, 572 40:1
E. Message of Ezekiel:
Before fall – lamentation, mourning, woe
God’s judgment is upon a sinful nation. Doom for rebellious house of Israel;
apostasy (abandonment of faith) is chief sin. Allegories carried same message:
worthless vine (15), faithless wife (16:1-43); Judah is lioness with 2 whelps (19:19); Judah is a fruitful vine (19:10-14); eagle takes away cedar of Lebanon (a7:121); Jerusalem in cauldron, the people are the flesh in it (24:1-14). Prophecy of
1
Bible 110 Old Testament
judgment becomes promise after 572 (Ch 40-48, perhaps 37:1-14), Ezekiel
recommended a restored theocratic community, Temple-centered; Zadokites
have sole charge of Yahweh’s sanctuary.
F. Editor – a biographer/disciple of Ezekiel who was interested in priestly matters
as well as matters of prophecy
G. Outline
1. Ch 1-24 – Oracle against Judah and Jerusalem (592-588) includes the call
and commission of Ezekiel (1-3) Ezekiel writes of the abominations of the
Temple and departure of glory of God.
2. Ch 25-32 Oracle against foreign nations, esp. Tyre and Egypt but also
Ammon, Moab, Edom , Philistia, and Sidon. Not in chronological order.
Range from 587 to 570.
3. Ch 33-39 Prediction of the coming restoration of Israel with the rule of a
Davidic Messiah Yahweh will give house of Israel a new heart and a new
spirit and will triumph over pagan nations. Both Israel and Judah will be
restored.
4. Ch 40-48 Visions of restored community 572. Centers in Temple; includes
laws for the priesthood and for the Temple worship as well as division of
land among 12 tribes, and territory of prince and city. Glory of Yahweh
returns to Temple and a stream of life flows from Temple to Dead Sea
2