Ezekiel

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Ezekiel 1:1-3 says that Ezekiel wrote the book of Ezekiel. He lived in Tel-abib by the Kebar River in Babylon (3:15). He had been brought there because of the exile. Ezekiel prophesied during the captivity of Jehoiachin (1:2, 8:1). The original readers were those who had obeyed God and went into submission to Babylon by going into exile. They had probably lost hope and faith in God. Babylon had completely destroyed them and taken away their security. The people trusted in the temple and that they had a descendant of David on the throne (11:11-12, 24:21). They thought God had to bless them and keep them because of these things. God's desire for them was to know that He is God (7:9, 12:16). This is the main theme throughout the book of Ezekiel. God displays His power through the prophesies of Ezekiel for destruction (9:9-10) and His plan for redemption for them (20:42).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God thoroughly displays His anger and wrath to the people of Judah (8:17). He talks of destruction and more destruction as He punishes Judah for their sin. But God does this so that the people will know that He is God and He is the sovereign one (11:9-12, 14:5). God uses Ezekiel as a sign for the people and for a warning towards His people. He asks Ezekiel to do many weird things so that they would fear God and turn from their wickedness (12:3-6). God says that He has been merciful on the people despite the greatness of their wickedness (20:44). The greatest part of God's character and nature is seen as He defends His people. While the other nations watched and cheered on while they were being destroyed, Gods anger was building towards them (25:1-3). God cares about His special possession (36:8) and spends 10 chapters casting judgment on the surrounding nations who came against Judah. God acts justly in defense of His people from the nations who carried out violence against them.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      God's redemptive plan can be found many time in Ezekiel. Most often we find God promising to bring His people back to the land (11:16-17, 20:42, 28:25-26, 36:24-38, 37:21, 39:27). God was giving them much hope for their future as a people. He made it clear that this exile to Babylon was not their end. God also makes reference to the promise that their sins will be forgiven. Again referring back to the promise that they will not be held in captivity forever, but they will return and their sins will be forgiven (16:59-63, 18:20-24). God raises up Ezekiel to be a watchman for the people of Judah (33:7). Ezekiel is the one that God uses to draw His people back to Him. He uses Ezekiel to tell them to turn from their sin and receive the forgiveness of God. Probably the greatest sign of God's redemptive plan can be found in 34:10-31 when God refers to the coming Messiah as the shepherd. The Shepherd will draw His sheep to Himself, search for the lost ones, and care for them. Later on in 37:22-28 God again refers to the shepherd that will come and lead a united Israel. A descendant of David will come and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Personal Application

      I thought Ezekiel 3:10 and 11 were an amazing little passage of scripture. God tells Him a very important thing in 10, to “let all my words sink deep into your own heart first.” This is definitely something that I need to take to heart. In our world we want to share so quickly what we've learned or what God has shared with us, but here God says to wait, be patient and take everything in. Don't go run and tell everyone what I've shared with you, but know it and understand it for yourself first. Then He tells Ezekiel to say what God has for him to say whether they listen or not. The prophets had a difficult job. They told unflattering messages to kings and prophesied the downfall of nations. I can't imagine it was an easy thing to do to confront rulers and kingdoms in this way. Ezekiel was writing things down that he couldn't even explain and gave messages that were full of doom, but He was faithful. He understands that He is simply God's instrument to bring justice and righteousness to the people. I just thought these two things in this verse were very important. For me to do what God asks and teach what God calls me to teach no matter what the outcome might be. And like Jeremiah it's not about the results, but about the obedience.