Background

The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest taken into exile during the Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry began around 593 BC, five years after he was exiled to Babylon, and lasted for about two decades. His primary audience was the Jewish exiles in Babylon, but his messages also reached those still in Jerusalem. The purpose of the book is to call the people to repentance, warn them of impending judgment, and eventually offer hope of restoration after the fall of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

The Glory of God: One of the most striking features of Ezekiel is its emphasis on God’s glory, often depicted through dramatic visions. Ezekiel witnesses the glory of the Lord departing from the temple due to Israel’s sin and later returning as a sign of its restoration.

Judgment and Restoration: Ezekiel brings messages of harsh judgment against Israel and other nations. This judgment is followed by visions of hope and the promise of restoration, particularly through the renewal of the covenant and the rebuilding of the temple.

Individual Responsibility: A key theological concept in Ezekiel is personal accountability for sin. Ezekiel refutes the popular notion of collective punishment, emphasising that individuals are responsible for their own actions.

Symbolic Actions: Ezekiel often uses symbolic actions to convey his prophetic messages, such as lying on his side to bear the sins of Israel and Judah, or shaving his head to symbolise the coming destruction.

The Message for Today

Ezekiel’s message remains relevant today as it calls people to repentance, reminds us of the consequences of disobedience, and offers hope of restoration when we turn from our sins. The book underscores the importance of recognising God’s holiness and sovereignty in the midst of human suffering and national crises. Ezekiel also speaks to the need for true worship, not just external religious practice, and highlights the promise of spiritual renewal, fulfilled in the person and work of Christ.

The Different Kingdom Lens

From a Kingdom perspective, Ezekiel is countercultural in its portrayal of God’s reign and cross-centred in its focus on the suffering of exile, while also showing the power of God’s redemptive plan, even when his people are rebellious. The Kingdom of God as revealed in Ezekiel is not confined to physical borders or a temple made by human hands, but rather is expressed through God’s presence among his people, his judgment of sin, and his restoration of hearts. The promise of a new heart and spirit, as seen in Ezekiel 36, reflects the transforming power of the Kingdom, where God’s rule reshapes lives from the inside out. This stands in contrast to worldly values of power and success, pointing instead to spiritual renewal through God’s amazing grace.