The writer of this book is Ezekiel, the prophet-priest of the Babylonian exile. He was exiled along with 10,000 Jews from Judea to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C. In 586 B.C. there was a final siege on Jerusalem by the Babylonians, at which time the city and the Temple were burned.
Ezekiel wrote this prophesy from Babylonia, preceding the destruction of Jerusalem by 7 years and following it by 15 years. These 22 years of his prophetic activity exceeded a priest's normal service by two years. (Priests served from age 30 to age 50, after which they entered semi-retirement and assisted others in ministry.)
The book of Ezekiel can be outlined in the following way: Jerusalem and the Temple will fall - Chapters.1 to 24 Seven surrounding nations will be judged - Chapters. 25 to 32 A word of hope given for God's people - Chapters. 33 to 48
The prophecy of Ezekiel proclaims God's sovereignty over creation, people, nations and the course of history.
Ezekiel lived to see the utter devastation of Jerusalem. But he also looked ahead to the time when there would be a new temple, a new priesthood and a new flowing river. In Christ, God makes all things new!
A prophecy against Gog of the land of Magog - threat! Then the intervention of the Sovereign Lord - deliverance! Finally, the outpouring of God's Spirit- restoration!
God would punish both Israel and the surrounding nations. But, through it all, God means to restore Israel. There is hope!
God is grieved by the sins of his people. His presence departs the Temple. But there is hope of renewal.
Ezekiel has a vision from God, a call from God, and a word from God. Listen!
In an enactment-prophecy, Ezekiel packs his bags. There would be no further delay. Jerusalem and Judea would be devastated by the Babylonians.
The problem was idolatry; the result was God's judgment; the goal is our repentance and acknowledgment of God as Sovereign Lord.
God will not abandon his people forever. Israel can begin again - and so can we. A covenant of peace is available. A new heart is possible.