📘 THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL

🔹 THEME

“The Glory of the LORD: Departed Because of Sin, Restored by Grace.”

Ezekiel reveals that God’s glory is not confined to a temple or a land. Because of Israel’s sin, the glory of the LORD departs, but through repentance and divine grace, that same glory returns to a restored people.

Key Verse:
“And they shall know that I am the LORD.”
— Ezekiel 36:23 (cf. repeated throughout the book)

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🧭 SYNOPSIS

Ezekiel was both priest and prophet, taken captive to Babylon in 597 B.C. His ministry took place among the exiles by the river Chebar. Unlike Jeremiah (who prophesied in Jerusalem), Ezekiel preached to the captives, explaining why the exile happened and assuring them that God was not finished with Israel.

The book unfolds in three major movements:

1. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem

2. Judgment on the Nations

3. Restoration of Israel and the Return of God’s Glory

Ezekiel uses symbolic acts, vivid visions, and allegories to communicate God’s message. The book reaches its climax with the vision of dry bones coming to life and a new temple filled with God’s glory.

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🧩 OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL

I. The Vision and Call of Ezekiel (Chapters 1–3)

• 1 – Vision of the glory of God (the living creatures and wheels).

• 2–3 – Ezekiel’s commission as a watchman to Israel.

“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel.” — Ezek. 3:17

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II. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (Chapters 4–24)

• 4–5 – Symbolic acts portraying Jerusalem’s siege.

• 6–7 – Judgment for idolatry.

• 8–11 – Vision of abominations in the Temple and departure of God’s glory.

• 12–19 – Israel’s rebellion explained through parables and signs.

• 20–23 – Israel’s history of unfaithfulness.

• 24 – Final sign: death of Ezekiel’s wife symbolizes Jerusalem’s fall.

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III. Judgment on the Surrounding Nations (Chapters 25–32)

• Prophecies against Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.

• God shows His sovereignty over all nations—not Israel alone.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make thee a terror.” — Ezek. 26:21

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IV. Restoration and Hope for Israel (Chapters 33–48)

• 33 – Ezekiel reaffirmed as watchman.

• 34 – Condemnation of false shepherds; promise of the Good Shepherd.

• 36 – New heart and new spirit promised.

• 37 – Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones.

• 38–39 – Gog and Magog defeated.

• 40–48 – Vision of the restored Temple and the return of God’s glory.

“And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.” — Ezekiel 48:35

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📖 SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL

Section	Chapters	Focus	Key Emphasis
Call & Glory	1–3	Divine commission	God’s transcendent glory
Judgment on Israel	4–24	Sin and accountability	Departure of God’s glory
Judgment on Nations	25–32	God’s sovereignty	Justice beyond Israel
Restoration & Hope	33–48	Renewal and future glory	New life and new order

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💡 KEY THEOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

1. The Glory of God

Ezekiel uniquely emphasizes God’s glory—mobile, sovereign, and holy.

“And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city…” — Ezek. 11:23

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2. Individual Responsibility

Each person is accountable before God.

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” — Ezek. 18:4

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3. The Watchman Principle

Spiritual leaders are accountable to warn God’s people.

“If thou dost not speak to warn the wicked… his blood will I require at thine hand.” — Ezek. 3:18

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4. The New Heart and New Spirit

God promises inward transformation, not mere outward reform.

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” — Ezek. 36:26

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5. Resurrection Life

The dry bones vision points to national restoration and spiritual resurrection.

“Behold, O my people, I will open your graves.” — Ezek. 37:12

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🌿 CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL

• The Son of Man – A title later used by Jesus more than any other (Ezekiel’s frequent designation).

• The True Shepherd – Ezekiel 34 finds fulfillment in Christ (John 10).

• The Giver of New Life – The new heart and Spirit fulfilled in the New Covenant (John 3; Acts 2).

• The Temple of God – Christ and His Body (the Church) fulfill the temple imagery (John 2:19; Eph. 2:21).

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🕯️ SUMMARY THOUGHT

Ezekiel assures us that sin drives away the presence of God, but repentance invites His glory back. What seems dead can live again. When God’s Spirit breathes, dry bones rise, and when His glory returns, everything is restored.