Theological study of the book of ezekiel

The book of ezekiel he will be strengthened of god. Overview of the book of ezekiel reformed answers to. Exposing the depth of israels disobedience, the prophet ezekiel calls the nation to find forgiveness by turning away from their sin and back to god. The prophets wrote over a period of 250300 years, spanning the decline, the exile, and the return of the children of israel. Paul joyce, one of the leading experts on the book of ezekiel, provides a wealth of balanced information reflecting current trends in the study of ezekiel in this survey of the whole book of ezekiel. These studies are meant to be a compliment to the ezekiel sermons heard at st. According to dates given in the text, ezekiel received his prophetic call in the fifth year of the first deportation to babylonia 592 bc and was active until about 570 bc. However, this major prophecy in the book of ezekiel contains descriptions, specifications, and measurements of the millennial temple which are so exhaustive that one may actually make a sketch of it, just as one might of solomons historic temple. It was during the elevenyear reign of jehoiakim that the first deportation took place when daniel was taken captive. A brief assessment cat quine university of oxford abstract this study focuses on the significance of water in the book of ezekiel, and raises the wider question of the significance of water in the bible as a whole. The exegetical and theological interpretation takes into account the historical and cultural context in which this verse was written. The dried bones convey a life giving message to the dejected ones. Ezekiel was then taken to a valley of dry bones in a vision.

There is something more positive to be said in favor of diligent study of ezekiel. The glory of god may well be viewed as the theme of the book, because ezekiel s ministry begins with a vision of gods glory and emphasizes it throughout the book 1. While there are other excellent commentaries on ezekiel, the commentators on the commentaries are unanimous in their praise and most rate this one as the most important work on the book, and a musthave for anyone who wishes to preach through it. In contrast to various other prophets ezekiel has not been criticised as much. Second, ezekiel is presented in his book as a man totally possessed by the spirit of god. Ezekiels contribution to a biblical theology of mission. In chapter 4, an intertextual study is undertaken to compare v. Ezekiel, theology of ezekiel and his contemporaries confronted what for the israelites was the most traumatic possible challenge to their faith. Ezekiel with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. This is not only the concise overview of the book of isaiah, but also of the book of ezekiel, except that ezekiel adds one more principle, the principle of individual responsibility which was also touched by the prophet, jeremiah. This is the first of two volumes of essays on ezekiel and his book.

The books theological center is the unfolding of gods saving purposes in the history of the worldfrom the time in which he must withdraw from the defilement of his covenant people to the culmination. This commentary is based upon my personal devotional notes and reflections on the book of ezekiel. He earned a phd in church history from cambridge university and an mdiv from gordonconwell theological seminary. Much harder to do than for a modern book and even if ezekiel. After the fall of jerusalem ezekiel was recommissioned to show the necessity and inevitability of judahs restoration to fellowship by god chaps. Book of ezekiel read, study bible verses online bible study tools. Gods sovereign grace, his absolute holiness and justice, and his universality are presented here as clearly as in any other portion of scripture. Resources for the book of ezekiel check the scripture index for links and study resources pertaining to specific pericopes. But from almost the very beginning of the book, god makes clear that in the midst of suffering and judgment they have misunderstood gods heart. The book of ezekiel, one of the major prophetical books of the old testament. Knoedler professor emeritus of old testament at wheaton college. According to the book itself, it records six visions of the prophet ezekiel, exiled in babylon, during the 22 years from 593 to 571 bc, although it is the product of a long and complex history and does not necessarily preserve the very. Iain duguid, professor of old testament at westminster theological seminary.

The prophet is so overcome by the vision that he falls on his face. A commentary on the book of ezekiel southside christian. The use of ezekiel in the gospel of john and in literature of the second temple period. Each essay in this collection presents fresh perspectives on ezekiel s treatment of theology and anthropology through the use of newer methodologies e. His last words in his book are the measurements of the temple. This collection of essays profoundly deepens and enriches our appreciation of the prophets work and is an essential resource for all who study it. To many readers the book of ezekiel is a hopeless riddle. A free bible version and commentary on the old testament book of ezekiel in easy english. Intro to ezekiel biblica the international bible society. Book of ezekiel overview insight for living ministries. The book s theological center is the unfolding of god s saving purposes in the history of the worldfrom the time in which he must withdraw from the defilement of his covenant people to the culmination of his grand design of redemption. Ezekiel enacts destruction of jerusalem, chapter 12 vv. Ezekiel, book of cyclopedia of biblical, theological and. Ezekiel describes his vision as an elaborate and complex image that symbolizes the majesty of yahweh and proclaims yahwehs sovereignty over all the nations of the earth.

Dyer, notes on the book of ezekiel, unpublished class notes in 304 preexlic and exilic prophets, dallas theological seminary, fall 1993, 4. Overview of the book of ezekiel third millennium ministries. We still find many features of the man and his message difficult and sometimes even shocking, if not offensive. Study the book of ezekiel, and your life will be transformed. The student will be required to read the commentary which serves as the course textbook. A series of studies in the old testament book of ezekiel st albans. The prophet ezekiel introduction to the prophets part one even though god had redeemed his people from slavery in egypt and made them a mighty nation, with both a civil and spiritual law that called for their obedient commitment, the nation of israel was constantly. Instead, it is a part of the theology of wealth, the stewardship and disposition of things of value.

Ezekiel is hardly the first biblical book to spring to mind on the topic of a biblical theology of mission. Ezekiel cliffsnotes study guides book summaries, test. The prophet is not just credible but sufficiently audible. Author bio michael lawrence phd, cambridge university.

Ezekiel lived during a time of international upheaval. Best commentaries and books on ezekiel logos bible software. The glory of god may well be viewed as the theme of the book, because ezekiels ministry begins with a vision of gods glory and emphasizes it throughout the book 1. Third, ezekiel s most strident and scandalous oracles were delivered during a period in which yahweh struck him mute. Ezekiel was a sincere priest and a prophet who cared deeply about the priestly code. The present volume reflects the authors longstanding interest in ezekiel, the man and his book. Ezekiel and his contemporaries confronted what for the israelites was the most traumatic possible challenge to their faith. Ezekiel brazos theological commentary on the bible. Ezekiel powerfully depicts the grandeur and glory of gods sovereign rule see themes and his holiness, which he jealously safeguards. Ezekiel, theology of dictionary definition, verses and bible references on the topic of ezekiel, theology of using bakers evangelical dictionary of biblical. This book brings together the fruit of joyces extensive research in a comprehensive and accessible way. While the book of ezekiel is a book rich with metaphors and symbolism, the vision of the dry bones is very memorable. The extraordinarily graphic character of the vision has attracted and inspired countless artists through the ages, including the painters of the ancient synagogue of duraeuropos in babylon.

Chapter 1 at first was banned from reading in the synagogue and from study in the schools. Mdiv, gordonconwell theological seminary serves as the lead pastor of hinson baptist church in portland, oregon. The seven general essays and two studies of particular texts in this collection explore the times, the message, and the methods of the prophetic priest. The author of the book of ezekiel is responsible for one of the most significant paradigm shifts. For each book of the bible, youll find a thorough outline and overview detailing the author, period, and cultural considerations. Professor darr served on the editorial board for the new interpreters bible commentary series abingdon press and authored the commentary on ezekiel for that series. Boda, mcmaster divinity college few scholars, whether evangelical or critical, christian or jewish, know the book of ezekiel like daniel block. The book of ezekiel anticipates and points to jesus christ throughout. Few scholars, whether evangelical or critical, christian or jewish, know the book of ezekiel like daniel block. Library the father william most theological collection. This book is basically about the destruction and exile of judah and the promise of its eventual restoration by god. The book of ezekiel proclaims gods uncompromising judgment against his rebellious people but also his promise of of restoration if they repent. According to the author of the book of ezekiel, yhwh is god of the exiles, god of.

The knowing the bible series is edited by theologian j. Her current researchwriting project is a study of proverbs appearing in ancient israels prophetic corpus. Not only does the book present a striking picture of the resurrection and restoration of gods people ezekiel 37, it. The book is full of profound theology, not the least of which is the doctrine of individual responsibility. The book of ezekiel pronounces judgment on both israel and surrounding nations, but it also provides a vision of the future millennial kingdom that complements and adds to the vision of other old and new testament texts.

Apr 22, 2018 nowhere is that more true than in ezekiel. Historical, literary, and theological studies in the book of ezekiel this is the first of two volumes of essays on ezekiel and his book. Book of ezekiel encyclopedia of the bible bible gateway. New testament apocrypha studies synod of hippo textual criticism. The book of ezekiel, written by the prophetpriest ezekiel, who lived both in jerusalem prior to the babylonian exile 586 bce and in babylon after the exile, and also by an editor or editors, who belongs to a school of the prophet similar to that of the prophet isaiah, has captured the attention of readers for centuries because of. Feb 07, 2020 ezekiel was then taken to a valley of dry bones in a vision.

For all ezekiels outward appearance of severity, beneath the hard shell there was a heart that felt deeply for and with his people. The assyrian empire that had once conquered the syropalestinian area and destroyed the. Introduction to ezekiel bible commentary theology of work. Doughty southside christian church december 2014 introduction. It is difficult for the contemporary protestant to grasp the significance of this theological catastrophe. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Study scripture verses and use highlighting, underlining, and take notes in the bible. The book of ezekiel is the third of the latter prophets in the tanakh and one of the major prophetic books in the old testament, following isaiah and jeremiah. Ezekiel religious and theological studies loras college.

Ezekiel among the captivesnow it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as i was among the captives by the river chebar, that the heavens were opened and i saw visions of god a. Son of the priest buzi, and a prophet in the babylonian exile. In the beginning of his book, isaiah described the awful situation of the people of god. According to the book itself, it records six visions of the prophet ezekiel, exiled in babylon, during the 22 years from 593 to 571 bc, although it is the product of a long and complex. Study basics about bible books, people, dates, places, and content, and take webbased selftests. According to dates given in the text, ezekiel received his prophetic call in the fifth year of the first deportation to babylonia 592 bc and was active until about 570. The book of ezekiel reminds us to seek out the lord in those dark times when we feel lost, to examine our own lives, and to align ourselves with the one true god. Though ezekiel had many times announced such a severe judgment, when he actually saw it carried out in his vision, it made him completely undone.

The theology of the book of ezekiel seminar, denver, co. The first reason to study ezekiel is that it will help you see yourself, and. Entry for ezekiel, book of cyclopedia of biblical, theological and ecclesiastical literature one of 8 bible encyclopedias freely available, this encyclopedia, with its nearly 50,000 entries and 17 millin words, dwarfs modern bible encyclopedias with the depth of knowledge. A commentary on the book of ezekiel by pastor galen l. The book of ezekiel is unique in that, with occasional exceptions, it is entirely autobiographical, that is, written in the first person, from the viewpoint of ezekiel himself.

Ezekiel, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the churchthrough aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forthand demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the bible. Theology of work project online materials by theology of. In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day. This paper gives an exegetical and theological interpretation of this verse in chapter five of the book of prophet ezekiel. At the conclusion of the course, the student will write a 510 page exegesis of a passage from the book of ezekiel of his or her choosing. View chuck swindoll s chart of ezekiel, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes. A commentary on the book of ezekiel international theological commentary vawter, mr.

Historical, literary, and theological studies in the book of ezekiel. The book of ezekiel is the third of the latter prophets in the tanakh and one of the major. A common opinion among critical scholars of the nineteenth century was that prophets represented sincere, ethical religion and that priests represented dead legalism, but ezekiel defies that. The theological significance of water in the book of ezekiel. However, if we persist, and if we meditate long and hard on individual utterances and sign actions, we will discover that despite the strangeness. Upwards of 75 times god expresses his own concerns in the book as for my names sake or that ye shall know that i am the lord. Ezekiel religious and theological studies loras college library. The vision of dry bones is more interesting when we read between the lines. The first reason to study ezekiel is that it will help you see yourself, and especially your sin, more clearly. Remember, the designation major or minor simply refers to the length of the book, not its importance. This study walks readers through the prophecies of ezekiel, pointing them to the promises of god to restore his people so they display his glory to the nations. The theological vocabularies of john and ezekiel in. He is the author of biblical theology in the life of the church.

Ezekiel chapters 1 to 24 free bible commentary in easy english. The book opens with an account of the vision that summoned ezekiel to his prophetic calling. Ezekiel and work bible commentary theology of work. The namesake of the book, ezekiel, authored this prophetic book. In the valley, ezekiel was told by the lord to prophesy that the skin and spirit would be returned to the bones. God strengthens, or god will strengthen ezekiel is one of the three that were called the captivity prophets the other two are. The theological significance of water in the book of. In chapters 33 to 39 the book returns to the idea of ezekiel as israels watchman. It is probably the most ignored book in the old testament. In the first two ezekiel announced judgment on jerusalem ezek.

The bizarre opening vision catches us off guard and tempts us to stop reading. This summary of the book of ezekiel provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of ezekiel. Ezekiel himself is said to be a sign or portent 12. Ezekiel among the captivesnow it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as i was among the captives by the river chebar, that the heavens were opened and i saw visions of god. Historical, literary, and theological studies in the book of ezekiel block, daniel i.

Michael lawrence serves as the lead pastor of hinson baptist church in portland, oregon. Lawrence is the author of biblical theology in the life of the church. A commentary on the book of ezekiel international theological commentary. The jewish bible in hebrew is called the masoretic text meaning passing. The cornerstone biblical commentary focuses first on the words of scripture, then on the theological truths of scripture. The ministry of ezekiel took place in one of the great critical periods of history. In chapter 34 the prophet begins talking about the future and how it can be brighter than the present. Exegetical and theological interpretation of ezekiel 36. It is intended to help you better understand some of the background and issues in ezekiels prophecy.

So unless youre one of those people that are into figuring out arcane prophecy, why study the book of ezekiel. Yet this book contains one of the strongest reiterations of gods missionary intent. The book of ezekiel gives a compelling account of how the jewish people suffer a severely diminished life of deprivation and oppression and even death as captives in the conquering empire of babylon. Vernon mcgee taking the whole word to the whole world. Ezekiel s in babylon, having been exiled there after the first siege of judah by the babylonians. The prophets are not exactly feelgood books, nor do they seem to contain the kind of. Beattie, baba bathra and the bible or i dont know why ezekiel didnt write ezekiel, irish biblical studies 6.