The Book of Ezekiel gives us the account of a priest from the Temple in Jerusalem who became a preacher in the streets of Babylon. This book records the messages and ministry of Ezekiel, a prophet and priest (who is an associate of Daniel) who was carried from Jerusalem to Babylon as a young man, there to serve as the “watchman on the wall”.
Ezekiel was the final one of four Old Testament author-prophets who also had a priestly background. These four are listed as: Moses (Ex.2.1; Deut. 18:15); Ezra (7:1-6); Jeremiah (1:1); and Ezekiel (1:3).
Ezekiel was called to minister as a prophet in the exile in Babylon. We understand that there were three times in which Babylon attacked and an exile took place with the deportation of the citizens. There were three distinct phases leading to the eventual destruction of the city of Jerusalem. For these deportations people who were considered “valuable” were moved, these people included but were not limited to craftsmen and individuals who were higher in education. The first deportation of the citizens that took place in 598 B.C.E. (phase 2) this is when we gain an understanding of when Ezekiel was taken and giving us knowledge of how some of his ministry is between the first and second deportations.
The three “phases” that we mention can be broken down for better understanding:
Phase 1 – (First Phase) Happened around 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar put Jerusalem to tribute and carried off thousands of hostages, including Daniel and his three friends (Daniel 1:3-4; 2 Chron. 36:6-7).
Phase 2 – (Second Phase) This phase happened around 598 B.C. and again the Babylonians came and carried off more loot and prisoners. During this occasion Ezekiel the prophet was taken to Babylon (2 Kings 24:10-16).
Phase 3 – (Third Phase) This phase happened around 587 B.C. and at this time the city was burned, and the Temple was destroyed (2 Kings 25:1-7). Ezekiel wrote, witnessed, and issued warning during the period between phases two and three.
Babylon had overthrown Judah following the first deportation where a group of people were taking into exile. For many this was a time of positive emotions, hope, and high spirits. They felt as though they could rebuild, communities such as neighborhoods would begin to reform, business would reopen, and things would be able to go simi back to “normal”, life was being put back together.
However, during this same time frame we gain understanding that the nationalist prophets better known as the “false” prophets were preaching victory over Babylon and not ultimate defeat. There message was that if they would all just come together that they would be able to overthrow Babylon. Even King Zedekiah joined this movement of resistance and rebelled against Babylon which eventually led to another attack from Babylon which in 587 B.C.E. (phase 3) and led to the destruction of the temple. We know the nationalist prophets aimed at preaching a message of rebellion and pushing the concept of victory over defeat, however Ezekiel preached against this resistance movement along with the other “true” prophets. These true prophets led the idea that it was significant to trust God, and that God’s plan was not yet complete.
Ezekiel was married, his wife was taken by God in death on the eve of Jerusalem’s siege and destruction. Ezekiel also is the one who gives us a description of Satan’s original existence and fall. Ezekiel shares with us his vision of the Valley of Dry Bones and witnessed the divine glory cloud of God departing from the temple.
There are also some interesting things to gain from Ezekiel including how Ezekiel and John both saw visions of future events, and how both Ezekiel (2:8-3:3) and John (Rev. 10) were both instructed to swallow a scroll containing words they were to proclaim!
Although this is a relatively short glance at Ezekiel, there is so much more to gain from the ministry of this prophet. My hope is that you will build on your understanding of who Ezekiel is, his calling and ministry, and how God used Him.
Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 