Ezekiel
Visions of judgment, restoration, and a measured temple for Israel.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The book of Ezekiel opens with the prophet among the captives by the river Chebar, where the heavens opened and he saw visions of God (Ezekiel 1:1). The prophet is addressed as 'son of man' and receives a scroll to eat (Ezekiel 2:9), then is sent to speak to the captivity (Ezekiel 3:11). The passages sampled span from the prophet's initial vision through oracles of judgment, allegories, and detailed temple measurements, concluding with the division of the land among the tribes (Ezekiel 48:23).
- Opening setting
- Thirtieth year, fourth month, fifth day, by the river Chebar among captives (Ezekiel 1:1)
- Prophet's title
- Son of man (Ezekiel 2:9; 8:5; 37:16)
- Key symbolic act
- Prophet bound with bands, unable to turn for days of siege (Ezekiel 4:8)
- Final vision
- Measuring the temple and city, with gates and courts (Ezekiel 40:8; 40:20; 40:32; 40:44; 41:7; 41:19; 42:5; 42:17; 43:9; 43:21; 44:6; 44:18; 44:30; 45:11; 45:23; 46:10; 46:22; 47:10; 47:22; 48:11; 48:
- Recurring phrase
- Ye shall know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 6:10; 13:9; 13:21; 20:26; 20:38; 35:9; 37:28)
Lore & Background
Ezekiel is portrayed as a prophet among the exiles, receiving direct visions from God (Ezekiel 1:1). He is commanded to perform symbolic acts, such as lying on his side for a siege (Ezekiel 4:8) and binding a few hairs in his skirt (Ezekiel 5:3). The prophet is sent to speak to the rebellious house of Israel, whether they hear or forbear (Ezekiel 3:11).
Reader's Guide
The sampled passages show Ezekiel as a recipient of elaborate visions: the living creatures with burning coals and lightning (Ezekiel 1:13), a voice from the firmament (Ezekiel 1:25), and the glory of the LORD appearing in the plain (Ezekiel 3:23). The book contains oracles of judgment against Jerusalem for its abominations, including idolatry (Ezekiel 8:5; 8:17) and violence (Ezekiel 22:29), with repeated declarations that God will act so that they 'shall know that I am the LORD' (Ezekiel 6:10; 13:9; 20:26; 35:9). Later passages shift to restoration: the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:4), the joining of two sticks for Judah and Israel (Ezekiel 37:16), and a vision of a new temple with precise measurements (Ezekiel 40:8–48:23), including a river teeming with fish (Ezekiel 47:10) and land allotted to the tribes (Ezekiel 48:23).
Did You Know?
- The prophet's first vision includes living creatures with wheels full of eyes (Ezekiel 10:12).
- Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll that is handed to him (Ezekiel 2:9).
- The book contains a detailed description of a future temple, including chambers for singers (Ezekiel 40:44) and a prince's entry (Ezekiel 46:10).
- The final chapter divides the land among the tribes, including a portion for Benjamin (Ezekiel 48:23).
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