Ezekiel- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Ezekiel
• Audience: The people of Israel in captivity in Babylon.
• Original Hebrew Name: יחזקאל
• Translated Greek Name: Ἰεζεκιήλ
• Common English Name: Ezekiel
• Transliteration: Yechezq'el
• Meaning: Strength of G-d
• Date Created: c 571 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 586 BCE and the future
• Key Individuals:
  • Ezekiel
  • Ezekiel's wife
  • The kings and leaders of Israel
  • Nebuchadnezzar
  • The "Prince"
• Key Themes:
  • Messages of doom for Jerusalem and Judea (Ezekiel 1-24)
  • Messages of doom for seven foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32)
  • Messages of hope for the people of Israel who honor him (Ezekiel 33-48)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Ezekiel is a historical narrative, prophecy, and apocalyptic vision. It begins with a dramatic depiction of Ezekiel's vision of G-d and His entourage of angels.  During Israel's captivity in Babylon, "the land of the Chaldeans," Ezekiel writes this book to the exiles and the people left in Judah.  His message is both G-d's warning and judgment to prophesy the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE.  After that judgment came to pass, G-d gave Ezekiel a message of hope and comfort for the people of Judah.  Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is a powerful depiction of G-d's ability to restore His people.

• Location Created: Babylon
• Content Location: Israel, Jerusalem, Babylon, and Egypt
• Teaches:
  • G-d holiness cannot be compromised.
  • G-d judges sin.
  • G-d can restore those who have been judged.
  • G-d judges leaders with a greater and stricter measure.
• Chapters: 48
• Verses: 1273