Studies in Ezekiel: Introduction

The book of Ezekiel was written by a priest-prophet named Ezekiel (meaning "God will strengthen") in around 593-571 B.C., when those messages were given. The book has 48 chapters and contains a number of visions and prophecies regarding the then and future Israel.

About the Author

Ezekiel was born in 623 B.C. in a priestly family of Jerusalem. His father's name was Buzi (1:2). When he was 25 years old, he was taken away into the exile in Babylon by the army of king Nebuchadnezzar who invaded Jerusalem in 597 B.C. Five years later, in 593 B.C., Ezekiel got his first vision of God when he was 30 years old, the age when a priest was supposed to enter temple ministry (1:1-3). Beginning from then, he prophesied for the next 30 years, his last message dates as on April 28, 573 B.C. (Zondervan Archaelogical Bible). Ezekiel typifies the style of prophetical life in which the prophesy is symbolized by a lifestyle of the prophet which acts as object lessons to the audience.

Date

The book was written between 593-573 B.C.

Place

The messages were given to the exiles in Babylon.

Message

The book contains series of messages that deal with God's judgment of and later, restoration of Israel.

Plan

The messages can be divided into three periods:

1. Pre-siege Messages (593-586 B.C.) - Chapters 1-24

2. Messages during the Siege (586 B.C.) - Chapters 25-32

3. Post-siege Messages (586-573 B.C.) - Chapters 33-48

The first part deals with prophecies related to God's judgment of Israel and the transition into the "times of the gentiles" when the three great world empires, according to Daniel's prophecy, would arise and rule over Israel.

The second part is a set of prophecies of condemnation on those nations that oppressed Israel.

The third part speaks of the glorious plan of God regarding the restoration of Israel.

Ezekiel and Revelation in Comparison

The first vision of Ezekiel is similar to that of John in Revelation 4. Both have a vision of the glory of the Lord and of 4 living creatures. However, John's vision is of things in heaven, while Ezekiel's is of things on earth.
John's vision has mainly to do with events related to the Church under Roman rule (the 4th kingdom prophesied by Daniel - a kingdom which is revived in the last days) while Ezekiel is speaking of Israel, especially before and after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Both Ezekiel and John have a vision of God's future and glorious temple (Eze.40-46; Rev.21,22).

Understanding Ezekiel

It is understood that Jewish Rabbis prohibited a person from reading the book of Ezekiel until he was 30 years old. Perhaps, it has to do something with the fact that Ezekiel himself was 30 when the visions came to him; but, more because the book is filled with so much of abstruse imagery (Jerome). However, since "all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in all righteousness" we understand that the prophetical message of Ezekiel is meant for our edification to make us wise unto salvation.

Is Water Baptism Necessary Before Partaking in Lord's Supper

"Last Supper" by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1750) Yes, it is. Water baptism identifies one with the redemption work of Jesus Christ, with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is anticipated of visible identification with Christ and His Church. Every person has the personal responsibility to examine him/herself before deciding to partake in the Lord's Table. The Bible makes it clear that those who chose not to be baptized were rejecting the counsel of God (Lk.7:30). In a mixed congregation, it is not possible to always know who is worthy to partake of the Table; however, the minister must encourage only those who have been baptized for remission of sins (not just as a ritual but by faith in Jesus Christ) to partake of the Table. Before Jesus sat down to dip bread in the cup, He washed His disciples' feet. He makes the statement that they are already "washed" and only need feet to be washed. Of course, this may not explicitly/only refer to their baptism, fo

Matthew 6:31-33

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Mat 6:31-33) The original sense of nakedness was from that deep insecurity of autonomy that sprung from man's first alienation from God due to sin-- spiritual death. Seeking God marks man's refusal to stay alienated by turning towards His Maker in whom alone is Covering and true Security and no reason to be ashamed anymore.

The Light of Law Vs Light of Christ (John 8)

JOHN 8:1-12 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the mids

Marbaniang, Domenic

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