This book was written by Ezekiel, a Jewish priest, who was called by God to be a prophet (2:5; 33:33). He prophesied to the Israelites taken with him into exile to Babylon in 597 B.C. (1:1-3; 3:4,11). His prophecy balanced the despair of the coming judgment with the hope of restoration. Ezekiel’s message is as much for the people of his era as it is for us today.
Ezekiel captured the attention of his rebellious audience (2:3-5; 3:7; 12:2; 20:8) by using allegories (e.g., The Unfaithful Wife/Jerusalem in ch. 16) and role-playing their future judgment (e.g., Going into Exile in ch. 12). Through these enactments, he became a “sign” (4:3; 12:6; 24:27) to them: As he has acted out, so it will be done to them (12:11; 24:24).
Additionally, Ezekiel used images or symbols to convey meaning. The unfaithful Jewish nation was an “adulterous wife” (16:32; see allegory in ch. 23). God’s enemies were portrayed as “wild beasts” (5:17; 34:5,25,28) and “fire” symbolizes complete destruction (15:6; 19:12; 30:8; 39:6; for more on symbolism, see the footnote).
For the sake of bringing glory to his holy name, that it not be profaned (20:44; 36:20-23; 39:7), God must fulfill three things. First, though the Sovereign Lord takes no pleasure in the death of sinners, he will carry through with his threats to destroy the wicked (6:10; 12:22-28). God’s judgment on the unjust is coming! It is certain! (17:24; 21:7; 22:14; 33:33). Therefore, God urges us to repent of our evil ways and live! (18:23,32; 33:10-11).
The Lord said the sins of the Israelites are “exceedingly great” for their land is full of bloodshed and violence, and oppression and injustice (7:23; 9:9; 22:2-13; 45:9) and idols (6:2-6; 11:21; 36:18).
Each person, Jew and Gentile alike, will be judged according to his or her conduct (34:20,22) and suffer the consequence for their sins (7:8,27; 18:30; 23:49; 24:14). None will escape God’s judgment (7:11; 33:27-29; 39:4,23-24).
The prophecy about Gog (38:1 – 39:21; compare Rev. 20:7-10) should be understood symbolically. The ruler Gog (rep. Satan) of Magog (rep. hell) with his collaborating armies (rep. the forces of evil) will ultimately be defeated and permanently eradicated by God.
The second essential action required of God to bring glory to his holy name is to reward the faithful. Like a good shepherd, God’s servant David, the prince (i.e., Christ; 21:27; 34:23-24; 37:24-25) will gather his scattered faithful people, both Jews and Gentiles, from among the nations (20:41-42; 34:13; 36:24; 37:21), not leaving any behind (39:28), and lead them into the land of the living. The Lord will tend and care for his spiritual flock (34:11-16,22-23,31) and there, they shall be blessed and live safely in peace (28:26; 34:25-30; 36:29-30).
When the world witnesses the Lord’s just judgment on evildoers (25:17; 38:21-23; 39:21-22) and the restoration of his holy people (36:36,38; 39:25,27-28), then God declares, “They will know that I am the LORD” (- a statement repeated dozens of times). In this way, God will display his holiness and glory.
One of Ezekiel’s most fascinating visions is that of the valley of dry bones (37:1-14; compare Matt. 27:51-54), which foreshadows our future resurrection. When he prophesied to the human corpses, bones connected; muscles, tendons and skin appeared on them; and they received the breath of the Spirit of life (37:6,9-10,14; compare Gen. 2:7).
Ezekiel was rich in his references to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God came into him and spoke to him (2:2; 3:24), and it is through the Spirit that he prophesied (3:26-27; 11:5; 24:27). By way of divine visions or revelations, the Spirit took Ezekiel to various places, providing him with deep spiritual insights (3:12,14; 8:3; 11:1; 40:1-2).
Thirdly, for the glory of his holy name, God cleanses the faithful from the impurities of their sin and places within them a new heart and a new spirit, that is the Spirit of his holiness (11:19-20; 36:25-27; 37:14,23; compare “idols in their hearts” in 14:3,4,7).
In the final section of the book (chs. 40-48), Ezekiel details a description of the new temple with its regulations and the designated allotted land for each of the Jewish tribes. It is meant to depict the future utopian holy city (43:1-7), where God will forever reign as king (37:24) from his throne in the temple (43:6-7). His glorious presence will forever radiate through the Promised Land. The New Jerusalem will be called, “The LORD is There” (48:35), a name reflecting how God will be the heartbeat of his holy nation of people.
*Symbols convey meaning in Scripture. The “Israelites” (i.e., ethnic Israel; 37:21) represent the spiritual Israel, the faithful people of God from every nation. In ancient times, the land of the Jews was split into two kingdoms, Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and Israel/Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom, home to the Samaritan outcasts). The former kingdom symbolically corresponds to the Jews; the latter, to the Gentiles. Ezekiel prophesied of a day when the two will no longer be divided, but one, sharing in God’s salvation through faith (37:16-22).
Walking with Jesus Series, Refl. #135, Aprill 2026
Copyright © 2026 by Christopher Clark