Introduction to Ezekiel

Goals of 4-part study to ‘meet’ Ezekiel and understand his context

to learn how to read the book beneficially

to see how it is fulfilled in Christ and the new covenant (Joh. 5:39)

Overview for tonight What is the historical context of this book?

Who is Ezekiel?

What does his book say?

What are the particular features and themes of this book?

Ezekiel’s Context

The Big Picture

A. Moses and the Exodus

B. Northern kingdom falls

C. Nehemiah’s leadership

D. The call of Abram

E. King David’s reign

F. Destruction of temple at hands of Babylon

G. Division of Israel’s kingdom

Timeline Abraham ca. 1800BC

Moses ca. 1300BC

David ca. 1000BC

Division 922BC

Northern Kingdom 722BC

Destruction of Temple 586BC

Nehemiah ca. 450BC

What is the context of the book? After the exile has begun

Located in Babylon with refugees

Before the temple has been destroyed

Who is Ezekiel?

Ezekiel stats

From a priestly family

His ministry begins at age 30

The “watchman”

What does his book say?The Message of the book

The Message of the Book Judgment and salvation

The vision of the temple

The identity of people of God found in God’s purposes

The movement of the bookI. There will be judgment on Jerusalem (1-24)

II. Judgment is also coming on the nations (25-32)

III. But there is hope beyond judgment (33-48)

Ezekiel’s style, literary features, themes

Features

Prophetic genre

Many ‘sub genres’

Bizarre and disturbing images

Theological Themes

The holiness and transcendence of God

The grace and mercy of God

The sovereignty of God

Individual responsibility

Future beyond exile Ezekiel 34, “I myself will search for my sheep

and will seek them out.”

Ezekiel 36, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols, and I will give you a new heart.”

Ezekiel 37, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

Vision of a new temple