Exile in Babylon · prophesies around 593–571 BC
Ezekiel in the Bible
The watchman-prophet of the exile. Name meaning: “God strengthens” or “God makes strong”
A priest deported to Babylon with King Jehoiachin, Ezekiel receives grand visions of the glory of God by the river Chebar. Appointed as a watchman, he announces the fall of Jerusalem to the exiles through spectacular words and actions, then, after the catastrophe, promises them a new heart, the resurrection of the nation, and a temple where “the LORD is there.”
Key moments
- The heavens are opened by the river Chebar Ezekiel 1:1
- Vision of the throne and the glory of the LORD Ezekiel 1:26–28
- Eats a scroll as sweet as honey Ezekiel 3:3
- Appointed watchman over the house of Israel Ezekiel 3:17
- Sees the glory of God leave the temple Ezekiel 10:18
- Loses his wife without being allowed to mourn Ezekiel 24:16–18
- Prophesies over the valley of dry bones Ezekiel 37:7–10
- Sees the glory return and fill the future temple Ezekiel 43:4–5
Strengths
- Total obedience
- Sense of God’s holiness
- Watchman’s responsibility
- Endurance
- Hope
Weaknesses
Scripture records no notable failing in Ezekiel. He admits only that he left his first vision “in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit,” and then stayed astonished for seven days (3:14-15), and he protested the order to bake his bread over human dung (4:14).
Lessons for today
- God is not limited by our places or circumstances: he can reveal himself in the very heart of exile (1:1-3).
- The believer is a watchman: warning others is part of his responsibility before God (3:17-19).
- God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked; he calls them to turn and live (33:11).
- No situation is too “dead” for the Spirit of God: he can bring dry bones to life (37:3-10).
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
People around Ezekiel
- Buzi — His father, of a priestly family
- His wife — The “desire of his eyes,” who died at the start of the siege
- Jehoiachin — The king of Judah deported with him; his dates are counted from his captivity
- The elders of Judah — Exiles who came to sit at his house to listen to him
- Daniel — A contemporary in exile, cited by Ezekiel with Noah and Job for his righteousness
- Jeremiah — A contemporary prophet who stayed in Jerusalem
Stories with Ezekiel
Quiz: how well do you know Ezekiel?
Near which river did Ezekiel have his first visions?
“As I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” Ezekiel 1:1
What title does God use to address Ezekiel throughout the book?
From the call onward, God says to him, “Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.” “Greatly beloved” is the title given to Daniel. Ezekiel 2:1
What filled the valley where the LORD set Ezekiel down in chapter 37?
The LORD set him down “in the midst of the valley which was full of bones”: very many of them, and “very dry.” Ezekiel 37:1–2
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.