Ezekiel

Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel to the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile around 593-571 BC. Ezekiel writes about his prophecies including vivid visions and symbolic acts that communicate God's message of judgment and restoration. The book reflects on the sins of Israel and the imminent destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. Ezekiel emphasizes God's holiness, His judgment, and hope for the future restoration of Israel. Ezekiel envisions a renewed temple and the reestablishment of God's presence among His people.

Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision - Chapter 1

In the thirtieth year of exile, Ezekiel has a vision from God. On the fifth day of the month in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile, the heavens opened, and Ezekiel, a priest, experienced the hand of the LORD upon him. Ezekiel's vision starts with a powerful windstorm from the north with flashing lightning and brilliant light, symbolizing God's approach and His glowing presence. In a fire, there were four living creatures, known as cherubim, who are angelic beings that serve God. The living creatures have four faces including a human (symbolizing intelligence), a lion (symbolizing strength), an ox (symbolizing service), and an eagle (symbolizing swiftness). They have four wings and straight legs with feet like burnished bronze, symbolizing stability and purity. These creatures move in unison, directed by God's spirit, without turning as they move. Beside each creature is a wheel that sparkles like topaz and is full of eyes, which symbolizes God's omnipresence and omniscience. Above the creatures is a crystal-like vault that represents the heavens. Above the vault is a throne with a figure like a human who was glowing like metal and fire while being surrounded by brilliant light like a rainbow. This figure represents God's glory. Overwhelmed by this vision, Ezekiel falls facedown and hears a voice speaking to him.

Ezekiel's Call To Be A Prophet - Chapter 2

God speaks to Ezekiel, calling him "Son of man". The Spirit enters Ezekiel to help him to rise. God tells Ezekiel he is being sent to the Israelites, who God describes as a rebellious and stubborn nation that has defied God for generations. Ezekiel's mission is to deliver God's message, regardless of whether the people listen. God warns Ezekiel not to fear their hostility or words, despite the challenging and hostile environment. God instructs Ezekiel to faithfully spread His words. God also instructs Ezekiel not to emulate their defiance but to obey God's command. Ezekiel was given a scroll that was inscribed with lamentations of mourning and woe, symbolizing the heavy and sorrowful messages Ezekiel is meant to deliver.

Ezekiel's Call To Be A Prophet (cont.) - Chapter 3

God commands Ezekiel to eat the scroll so he would know God's message. While God's message is a lamentation, Ezekiel describes the scroll to be sweet as honey. God tells Ezekiel that he will be sent to the people of Israel and not foreigners with unfamiliar languages. Despite this, the Israelites will not listen. Ezekiel is to deliver God's words regardless of their response. Then the Spirit lifts Ezekiel, accompanied by a loud sound of divine glory, the wings of living creatures, and wheels. Ezekiel describes a feeling of bitterness and anger but also feels empowered by God. Ezekiel goes to the exiles in Tel Aviv by the Kebar River and sits there for seven days, deeply distressed, reflecting the heavy burden of his prophetic mission.

Ezekiel's Task As Watchman

God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel and tasks him with warning the people of their sins, which lead to death. If Ezekiel fails to warn a wicked person of their impending death, he will be held accountable for their blood. However, if he warns them and they do not repent, they will die for their sins, but Ezekiel will have saved himself. If he warns them and they heed the warning, they will live, and Ezekiel will be saved. God instructs Ezekiel to go to the plain, where he again sees the glory of the LORD and falls facedown. The Spirit raises him and commands him to shut himself in his house. Ezekiel will be bound and made mute, only speaking God's words when commanded. This symbolizes the people's rebellion and their need to heed God's message.

Siege Of Jerusalem Symbolized - Chapter 4

God has Ezekiel act out the siege of Jerusalem by using a block of clay to symbolize the city and placing an iron pan between himself and the city to signify an impenetrable barrier. Ezekiel is to lie on his left side for 390 days, symbolizing the years Judah has sinned, and then on his right side for 40 days, symbolizing the years Judah has sinned, for Ezekiel to take on their sin. God instructs Ezekiel to be bound to prevent him from turning to represent the binding nature of God's siege against the city. He is to make bread from a mixture of grains, eating and drinking limited amounts to symbolize the scarcity during the siege. God initially instructs Ezekial to bake the bread using human feces but after Ezekial protests, stating he has never eaten anything unclean, God relents to cow feces after Ezekiel. This act signifies the lack of food and water, despair, and defilement the Israelites will face in exile due to their sins.

God's Razor Of Judgment - Chapter 5

God instructs Ezekiel to shave his head and beard using a sword as a symbol of His judgment against Jerusalem. God instructs Ezekiel to weigh and divide the hair into three parts: burn one-third in the city, strike one-third with a sword around the city, and scatter one-third to the wind, symbolizing various fates for the people. A few hairs are to be kept, with some later burned, indicating that destruction will spread from a remnant. Jerusalem, set at the center of nations, has rebelled against God’s laws more than surrounding nations. A third of the people will die by plague or famine, a third by the sword, and a third will be scattered and pursued.

Doom For The Mountains Of Israel - Chapter 6

God tells Ezekiel a prophecy against the mountains of Israel, declaring that He will bring destruction to the high places by demolishing altars and smashing incense altars. The dead bodies of the Israelites will lie in front of their idols, and their towns will be laid waste. God will spare some of those who will be scattered, and they will remember God and feel remorse for their wickedness. They will understand that God’s warnings were not in vain. God again proclaims that Israel will face punishment by the sword, famine, and plague. The widespread devastation will serve as a reminder to the people that He is the LORD.

The End Has Come - Chapter 7

God declares the end for the land of Israel. He will judge Israel according to their conduct and repay them for their idolatry and wicked practices. Wealth and valuables will become worthless and will be looted by foreigners. The pride and security of the Israelites, symbolized by their sanctuaries and possessions, will be destroyed. In their desperation, they will seek guidance from prophets, priests, and elders but find none. Kings and princes will mourn, and the people will tremble in fear. God expresses that the Israelites will realize that their suffering is a direct consequence of their sins and that God is executing His wrath upon them. God states that He will judge them by their own standards.

Idolatry In The Temple - Chapter 8

In the sixth year, Ezekiel, while sitting with the elders of Judah, experiences a vision. God lifts Ezekiel by his hair and takes him to Jerusalem's temple. Ezekiel sees an idol that provokes God's jealousy, signifying the Israelites' detestable practices. God shows Ezekiel abominations within the temple where elders were worshiping unclean animals and idols. Then, God shows Ezekiel women mourning the god Tammuz. After, God shows him twenty-five men worshiping the sun, turning their backs on the house of the LORD. Each time God shows Ezekiel different scenes He emphasizes the darkness of their actions but tells Ezekiel he will see something even more detestable than this, in reference to the next scene. God laments their idolatry and violence that fills the land with sin and provokes His anger. Despite their cries, God vows not to show pity or listen to them, emphasizing the severity of their betrayal and His impending judgment.

Judgment On The Idolaters - Chapter 9

God commands Ezekial to call on six men with weapons who will execute judgment and to call on a man in linen carrying a writing kit. God instructs the man in linen to mark the foreheads of those who lament the city's detestable acts. The marked individuals are to be spared, while the others will be killed by those with weapons. The killing starts at the temple which is defiled with the slain and the slaughter continues throughout the city Ezekiel falls facedown and questions if God will destroy the entire remnant of Israel. God responds that the people's sins are immense, but they believe He has forsaken them. God says He will show no mercy, in consequence for their actions. The man in linen confirms he has carried out God's command.

God's Glory Departs From The Temple - Chapter 10

Ezekiel sees the glory of God departing from the temple. Above the cherubim is a throne of lapis lazuli. God commands the man in linen to take burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city. As this occurs, the temple is filled with a cloud, symbolizing the presence and glory of the LORD. The cherubim, with their intricate, wheel-intersecting-wheel structures and bodies full of eyes, move in unison with the wheels beside them. The cherubim has four faces each: a cherub, a human, a lion, and an eagle. When they move, the wheels move with them, directed by the spirit within them. The glory of the LORD then moves from the temple threshold to above the cherubim, who rise and stop at the east gate of the temple, indicating God's presence is departing from the temple. Ezekiel recognizes these creatures as the same he previously saw by the Kebar River.

God's Sure Judgment On Jerusalem - Chapter 11

Ezekiel is transported by the Spirit to the east gate of the temple, where he sees twenty-five men, including Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, leaders of the people. God reveals that these men are plotting evil, giving wicked advice, and claiming false security. God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against them. The Spirit of the LORD empowers Ezekiel to deliver God’s message that, despite the leaders' claims, God is aware of their thoughts and actions. They have killed many and filled the city with the dead. God declares that He will drive them out of the city and deliver them to foreign hands, where they will face the sword and His judgment. This city will not protect them, rather, they will be judged for not following God's decrees. As Ezekiel prophesies, Pelatiah dies, prompting Ezekiel to cry out to God, fearing the destruction of the remnant of Israel.

The Promise Of Israel's Return

God assures Ezekiel that the exiles have had a sanctuary in Him, despite being scattered. He promises to gather them from the nations and return them to Israel. Upon their return, they will cleanse the land of idols. God will give them undivided hearts, a new spirit, and enable them to follow His laws. They will be His people, and He will be their God. However, those devoted to idols will face judgment. The vision concludes with the glory of God departing from Jerusalem and Ezekiel sharing the vision with the exiles in Babylonia.

The Exile Symbolized - Chapter 12

God tells Ezekiel to symbolically act out the exile of Israel. Ezekiel is told to pack his belongings and move them during the day while being observed. At night, he is to dig through a wall and carry his belongings out, covering his face to signify the obscured vision of the exiles. God warns that the people will be scattered and suffer from sword, famine, and plague, but a few will survive to acknowledge their sins among the nations. Ezekiel is also commanded to eat with trembling and drink with fear to illustrate the anxiety and despair that will grip those in Jerusalem as their land becomes desolate due to their violence.

There Will Be No Delay

God addresses the skepticism of the Israelites who believe that prophecies of judgment will not come to pass in their time. God declares that He will put an end to this proverb and says that the time is near when the prophecies will be fulfilled. God explains that the prophecies are not distant, but will happen in their own days.

False Prophets Condemned - Chapter 13

God condemns the false prophets of Israel. God tells Ezekiel that they prophesy out of their imagination rather than receiving visions from God. They leave the people with a false sense of spiritual security, not preparing them for "the day of the LORD." God declares His opposition to the false prophets, stating that they will not return to the land of Israel. The passage also condemns women who use magic charms and veils to ensnare people, leading them astray with lies. God promises to tear away deceptive practices and save His people.

Idolaters Condemned - Chapter 14

As Ezekiel is sitting with the elders of Israel, God tells him that the elders have set up idols in their hearts and questions whether He should allow them to seek His counsel. God declares that when Israelites harbor idols and seek prophetic guidance, He will respond directly to expose their idolatry to recapture their hearts. God commands the Israelites to repent and renounce their idols and detestable practices. He warns that those who persist in idolatry and consult prophets will face His judgment and be removed from His people.

Jerusalem's Judgment Inescapable

God declares the inevitability of Jerusalem's judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. He states that even the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job could not save the city or even their sons and daughters. Noah, Daniel, and Job would only be able to save themselves from the judgment that God is bringing. God then highlights that Jerusalem will face all famine, wild beasts, the sword, and plaguebut promises some survivors.

Jerusalem As A Useless Vine - Chapter 15

God compares Jerusalem to the wood of a vine, that is not used for any practical purposes, to the branches of trees in the forest. Vines are primarily only used as fuel for fire. God explains that if the vine wood is already useless when whole, it is even more so after being charred by fire. Like the vine burned for fuel, God tells Ezekiel that He will set His face against the wicked people, making the land desolate due to their unfaithfulness, but through His judgment, they will recognize God's sovereignty and judgment.

Jerusalem As An Adulterous Wife - Chapter 16

God uses the metaphor of an adulterous wife to illustrate Jerusalem's unfaithfulness. Jerusalem's ancestry is likened to the Canaanites, and her humble beginnings are described as an infant abandoned at birth. God nurtured and adorned her, making her beautiful and renowned, but she used her beauty to engage in spiritual adultery with idols and foreign nations. She sacrificed God's gifts, including her children, to these idols, acting worse than a prostitute by paying others to sin with her. God says that the foreign nations, described here as Jerusalem's lovers, will turn against her and destroy her. Despite her greater sins compared to her "sisters" Sodom and Samaria, God promises restoration and an everlasting covenant, leading Jerusalem to acknowledge her disgrace and God's sovereignty.

Two Eagles And A Vine - Chapter 17

God tells Ezekiel of two eagles and a vine. The first eagle, symbolizing Babylon, takes a top shoot from a cedar, symbolizing Jerusalem's king, and plants it in a city of traders. The eagle then plants a seedling in fertile soil, which grows into a low, spreading vine, signifying Judah under Babylon's rule. However, the vine reaches out to a second eagle, symbolizing Egypt, for support in seeking water. God uses this parable to explain that Jerusalem breaking their treaty with Babylon, by seeking support from Egypt will not succeed, and like the vine, they will wither and die. God declares that He will plant a new cedar shoot on a mountain in Israel, symbolizing the restoration and flourishing of Israel under His care.

The One Who Sins Will Die - Chapter 18

God rejects the proverb, “The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge,” and declares that individuals are accountable for their own sins. The righteous person who follows God’s laws and practices justice will live, while a wicked person will die for their sins. It emphasizes personal responsibility, stating that a son will not bear the guilt of his father if he acts righteously, nor will a father bear the guilt of his son. God declares that if a wicked person repents and turns to righteousness, their past sins will not be held against them, and they will live. Conversely, if a righteous person turns to sin, their previous righteousness will not save them from death. God calls for repentance, stressing that He takes no pleasure in anyone's death and desires that everyone turns from their sinful ways and lives.

A Lament Over Israel's Princes - Chapter 19

Ezekiel writes a lamentation about Israel's princes that is meant to symbolize Israel's decline. The "lioness" represents Israel, with her "cubs" symbolizing its princes. The first cub became powerful but was captured and taken to Egypt. In response, the lioness raised another cub, who became fierce and terrorized the land. The second lion was also captured, caged, and taken to Babylon. Ezekiel then compares the lioness (Israel) to a prosperous vine, that had abundance, and produced strong branches (symbolizing rulers). Due to Israel's defiance, God sent His wrath to uproot the vine, drying it out to be consumed by fire. Ezekiel wrote this song to lament Israel's fallen leaders and nation.

Rebellious Israel Purged - Chapter 20

Elders of Israel approach Ezekiel to inquire of the LORD. God responds through Ezekiel, refusing to be consulted due to their ongoing disobedience. God recounts Israel’s history of rebellion, starting from their time in Egypt where He chose them and commanded them to forsake idolatry. Despite God’s commands and blessings, including leading them out of Egypt and providing laws and Sabbaths, Israel repeatedly rebelled in the wilderness and after entering the Promised Land. God’s judgments included wrath in the wilderness and eventual dispersion among nations. He allowed Israel to experience the consequences of their choices, using their idolatrous practices to demonstrate His sovereignty.

Rebellious Israel Renewed

God addresses the Israelites' idolatry and disobedience. Despite their desire to be like other nations, God declares that He will rule over them with power and judgment. He promises to gather them from their scattered locations and judge them, similar to how He judged their ancestors in the wilderness. God will separate the rebellious from the faithful to ensure that only the faithful enter the land of Israel. God acknowledges that the Israelites will turn away from their idols and back to God. On His holy mountain, Israel will worship God properly, and He will accept their offerings. Through their return and God's restoration, they will recognize His holiness and loathe their sinful ways.

Prophecy Against The South

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against the southern region, specifically its forests. He predicts a devastating fire that will consume all the trees in the forests. God will start an unquenchable fire that will scorch everyone from the south to the north. This prophecy is meant to convey God's impending judgment. However, Ezekiel expresses concern that the people are dismissing his warnings as mere parables.

Babylon As God's Sword Of Judgment - Chapter 21

God tells Ezekiel a prophesy against Jerusalem and Israel, declaring that He will use Babylon as His sword of judgment. God’s sword will strike both the righteous and the wicked. God tells Ezekiel to groan in anguish as a sign to others, who will be filled with fear. God compares his impending wrath to a sharpened sword and will use the king of Babylon as His sword. The king of Babylon will follow omens to decide his path of attack, ultimately targeting Jerusalem. Israel’s sins led to their captivity and the overthrow of their leaders. God's judgment will bring about total ruin until the rightful ruler, the Messiah, comes. The Ammonites will face a similar fate for their false prophecies and sins.

Judgment On Jerusalem's Sins - Chapter 22

God commands Ezekiel to judge Jerusalem. The city's leaders and people are guilty of violence, oppression, desecration of holy things, sexual immorality, bribery, and exploitation of the poor. God declares that Jerusalem will be scorned and mocked by other nations. He will disperse the people among different countries. God likens the people to dross—worthless metal residue to be melted in His wrath. The city's leaders, priests, and prophets are corrupt, misleading the people with false visions.

Two Adulterous Sisters - Chapter 23

God uses the allegory of two sisters, Oholah (representing Samaria) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem), to symbolize Israel's idolatry and infidelity. Both sisters engage in prostitution, symbolizing their political alliances and idol worship with foreign nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. Oholah (Samaria) is depicted as lusting after the Assyrians, leading to her downfall. Oholibah (Jerusalem) surpasses her sister in depravity, engaging with the Babylonians and other nations. As a consequence, God declares that these nations will turn against Jerusalem, leading to her destruction. God condemns Samaria and Jerusalem and says that their consquences will serve as a lesson to affirm God's sovereignty.

Jerusalem As A Cooking Pot - Chapter 24

God tells Ezekiel when Babylon will begin its siege of Jerusalem and delivers a parable about Jerusalem's rebellion. The parable describes a cooking pot filled with choice meat and bones, symbolizing Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The city, likened to an encrusted pot with impurities, represents the bloodshed and sins within Jerusalem. God made attempts to cleanse the Jerusalem, symbolized as the pot, but it remains defiled, so God declares that the city will be set to fire to purify its impurities.

Ezekiel's Wife Dies

God tells Ezekiel that his wife will die, but commands him not to mourn publicly. Ezekiel obeys God and his lack of mourning prompts the people to ask for its significance. God explains that they are to do the same as Ezekiel when He desecrates His sanctuary, the temple in Jerusalem, and when their sons and daughters die by the sword. When a fugitive brings news of Jerusalem’s fall, Ezekiel’s prophecy will be confirmed and they will know that God, who spoke through Ezekiel, is LORD.

A Prophecy Against Ammon - Chapter 25

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against the Ammonites for their mocking of Israel’s downfall. As a result, God will give their land to the people of the East, turning Rabbah into a pasture. The Ammonites will be plundered and destroyed, becoming extinct among nations.

A Prophecy Against Moab

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Moab and Seir because they belittled Judah. He will expose Moab's frontier towns and give their land to the people of the East along with the Ammonites. Moab will face punishment to acknowledge the LORD's authority.

A Prophecy Against Edom

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Edom for taking revenge on Judah. God will decimate Edom's people and animals, laying waste from Teman to Dedan. Israel will execute God's vengeance on Edom.

A Prophecy Against Philistia

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against the Philistines for their vengeful actions against Judah. God will destroy the Kerethites and the Philistines along the coast. This destruction will make them recognize the LORD's power and judgment.

A Prophecy Against Tyre - Chapter 26

God condemns Tyre for rejoicing over Jerusalem's downfall. As punishment, God will bring many nations against Tyre, leading to its destruction. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will besiege, demolish, plunder, and kill the people of Tyre. The coastlands will tremble at Tyre's fall, and princes will be appalled. Tyre will be made desolate, submerged by the ocean and never to be found again, demonstrating God's absolute judgment.

A Lament Over Tyre - Chapter 27

God instructs Ezekiel to lament over Tyre, a city that was known for its beauty, trade, and craftmanship. Despite Tyre's prosperity, God warns that Tyre will face destruction by Nebuchadnezzar who will besiege and destroy Tyre. The city's downfall will cause shock and mourning among the nations and coastlands, as they lose a major trading hub. The lament emphasizes Tyre's former glory and its inevitable end, which serves as a divine judgment for its pride and sins.

A Prophecy Against Egypt - Chapter 29

Judgment On Pharoah

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel against Pharaoh and Egypt. Pharaoh's arrogance of claiming the Nile as his creation will be punished. God will humiliate Pharaoh, dragging him from the Nile and leaving him and his people to perish in the desert. Egypt will be desolate for forty years and scattered. After, the Egyptians will return but never again be a powerful nation. God will use this as a reminder to Israel of their misplaced trust in Egypt for support, rather than the Sovereign LORD.

Nebuchadnezzar's Reward

God tells Ezekiel that Nebuchadnezzar's army received no reward for their arduous siege of Tyre, but that He will grant Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. He will plunder its wealth and use it as payment for his army's efforts, which were in service to God's purpose. This will demonstrate God's sovereignty and will lead to a time when Israel is strengthened and restored.

A Prophecy Against The King Of Tyre - Chapter 28

God condemns the ruler of Tyre for his pride and self-deification. God tells Ezekiel that He will bring ruthless foreigners to destroy the ruler of Tyre. His mortality will be evident as he dies a violent death. God describes the ruler as once perfect, wise, adorned with precious stones, and serving as a guardian cherub, but his pride and sin led to his downfall. God cast him out, reducing him to ashes, and all nations are appalled by his demise, ending his reign.

A Prophecy Against Sidon

God declares judgment against Sidon and promises to display His glory through their punishment. A plague and bloodshed will devastate the city to eliminate them from troubling Israel. God will gather the scattered people of Israel and let them live safely in their land, free from harmful neighbors. God's action will make the people recognize Him as "the LORD their God."

Chapter 30

A Lament Over Egypt

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel with a lamentation for Egypt. God describes a "day of the Lord" that will bring destruction, where Egypt and its allies, Cush, Libya, Lydia, Arabia, Kub, and others, will fall by the sword. Egypt’s wealth will be plundered, and its cities will be left in ruins. God declares that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, will bring an army to execute this judgment, filling the land with the slain and drying up the Nile. The idols and images of Egypt will be destroyed, and no Egyptian prince will rule again. Cities like Memphis, Zoan, Thebes, Pelusium, Heliopolis, Bubastis, and Tahpanhes will face devastation, leading to the recognition that these calamities are the LORD’s doing, affirming His sovereignty and power.

Pharaoh's Arms Are Broken

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel concerning Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. God states that He has metaphorically broken Pharaoh's arm, leaving it without treatment or support to heal. This represents Pharaoh's weakened state and inability to wield power. God declares He will break both of Pharaoh's arms, symbolizing complete loss of strength and military capability. The Egyptians will be scattered among the nations, but God will empower the king of Babylon, strengthening him to defeat Egypt. Pharaoh will suffer and groan as a mortally wounded man before the might of Babylon.

Chapter 31

Pharaoh As A Felled Cedar Of Lebanon

God compares Pharaoh to a majestic cedar of Lebanon, symbolizing his greatness and power. The cedar, nourished by deep waters, towered above all other trees, providing shelter and support to many nations. However, due Pharaoh's pride, he will be handed over to a foreign ruler, like a tree being cut down. The once-great nation will be abandoned, its power broken, and its people scattered. The fall of this mighty cedar serves as a warning to other nations against pride. Pharaoh and his people will join other fallen nations in the realm of the dead, highlighting the inevitability of divine judgment.

Chapter 32

A Lament Over Pharaoh

God tells Ezekiel to lament for Pharaoh and tells Ezekiel a prophecy of Pharoah's destruction. His fall will bring darkness and terror, signaling God's judgment. Babylon will execute God's judgment on Egypt, shattering their pride. The Nile's waters will settle, symbolizing the end of chaos. Egypt's desolation will prove God's sovereignty, and this lament will be chanted by the nations, mourning Egypt's fall.

Egypt's Descent Into The Realm Of The Dead

God describes Egypt's fate in the afterlife, joining other fallen, uncircumcised nations in the realm of the dead. Egypt, Assyria, Elam, Meshek, Tubal, Edom, and the princes of the north lie in shame among the slain. Pharaoh and his hordes will be consoled by seeing their fallen peers. Despite causing terror in life, Pharaoh will be humiliated in death, lying among the uncircumcised and those killed by the sword, highlighting the inevitability of God's judgment.

Renewal Of Ezekiel's Call As Watchman - Chapter 33

God renews Ezekiel's role as a watchman for Israel, emphasizing his duty to warn the people of impending judgment. If Ezekiel warns the wicked and they do not repent, their blood is on their own heads. If he fails to warn them, their blood is on his head. God stresses that He desires repentance and life, not death. Righteousness or wickedness is determined by current actions, not past deeds. Those who turn from wickedness and do what is right will live, while those who fall into sin will die regardless of previous righteousness.

Jerusalem's Fall Explained

A survivor of Jerusalem's fall informs Ezekiel of its fall. The evening prior, God opens Ezekiel’s mouth, enabling him to speak to the remaining Israelites' false confidence, comparing their current sinful behavior to Abraham’s solitary righteousness. Their idolatry, violence, and immorality disqualify them from possessing the land. God declares that those left in ruins will face further destruction, emphasizing that desolation will reveal His sovereignty. God also highlights the people’s hypocrisy. They listen to Ezekiel but do not act on his words, treating him like an entertainer rather than a prophet. When God's warnings come to pass, they will recognize Ezekiel's true prophetic role.

The LORD Will Be Israel's Shepherd - Chapter 34

God condemns the selfish leaders, who are symbolized as shepherds, of Israel who neglected their flock. They let their flock scatter and become vulnerable, but God promises to intervene by judging the shepherds and caring for His sheep. He vows to gather them from all nations, bringing them back to their land where they will flourish under His nurturing care. God will appoint a new shepherd, likened to David, to lead them with justice and compassion. He will establish a covenant of peace and they will know He is their God, and they are His cherished flock.

A Prophecy Against Edom - Chapter 35

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel against Edom, represented by Mount Seir, condemning their historical animosity towards Israel. Because Edom rejoiced at Israel's downfall and participated in their destruction, God promises judgment. He vows to make Mount Seir a desolate wasteland where no one will live, filling it with the slain and cutting off all traffic. This punishment is a direct consequence of Edom's violent actions and their claim over Israel's territory in defiance of God's presence and will. Through this judgment, God declares His sovereignty and ensures that Edom will recognize His authority and justice, acknowledging that He is the LORD.

Hope For The Mountains Of Israel - Chapter 36

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel regarding the mountains of Israel. The enemy nations mocked and plundered Israel, claiming its land for themselves, but God declares judgment against these nations. God promises restoration for the mountains that will flourish, produce fruit, and support a renewed Israel. God promises to favor the land, ensuring its prosperity, rebuilding its towns, and increasing its population. The land will no longer be a place of suffering or scorn, and Israel will inherit it securely. Through these blessings, the people will recognize God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Israel's Restoration Assured

God delivers a prophecy to Ezekiel to assure Israel of their restoration despite their past defilement of the land through idolatry and bloodshed. Their scattering among nations brought disgrace to God's name, but for the sake of His holy name, God promises to gather them back, cleanse them, and transform their hearts with a new spirit. Their rebuilt cities and fruitful land will demonstrate God’s power and faithfulness, resembling the Garden of Eden. The restored population will be as numerous as sacrificial flocks, signifying prosperity and divine favor. Nations will recognize God’s sovereignty.

The Valley Of Dry Bones - Chapter 37

Ezekiel is taken by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the desolation and hopelessness of Israel. God asks Ezekiel if the bones can live, and Ezekiel responds that only God knows. God commands him to prophesy to the bones, promising to restore them with tendons, flesh, and breath. As Ezekiel obeys, the bones come together, are covered with flesh, and come to life. This vision signifies Israel's hopelessness but provides hope of restoration. God will revive them, bring them back to their land, and fill them with His Spirit.

One Nation Under One King

God instructs Ezekiel to take two sticks, one representing Judah and the other representing Joseph (Ephraim), and join them together as a symbol of the reunification of Israel. This act signifies God's promise to gather the Israelites from exile and restore them to their land as a single, united nation. They will have one king, "my servant David," symbolizing a future, ideal ruler, and they will no longer defile themselves with idolatry. God will cleanse them, making them His people, and He will be their God. He promises to make an everlasting covenant of peace with them, establish His sanctuary among them forever, and thereby demonstrate His holiness to the nations.

The LORD's Great Victory Over The Nations - Chapter 38

God delivers a propechy to Ezekiel against Gog of Magog. The propohecy is of a future invasion of Israel by Gog and other nations. Gog’s intends to plunder Israel, but God declares His opposition. He will turn Gog's forces against themselves and unleash a great earthquake. Through plague, bloodshed, and torrential rain, God will execute judgment on Gog and his allies. These actions will demonstrate God's greatness and holiness, making His power known to many nations.

The LORD's Great Victory Over The Nations (cont.) - Chapter 39

God continues to prophecy His judgment against Gog. God will defeat Gog and cause his forces to fall on the mountains of Israel. God will feed them to birds and wild animals. Fire will also be sent upon Magog and distant coastlands. This event will sanctify God's name among His people and reveal His holiness to all nations. The Israelites will use the invaders' weapons for fuel for seven years and spend seven months burying the dead to cleanse the land. This defeat will demonstrate God's glory and reaffirm His relationship with Israel.

The Temple Area Restored - Chapter 40

In the twenty-fifth year of exile, Ezekiel is taken in a vision to Israel where he sees a bronze-like man with a measuring rod, who instructs him to observe and report everything about a restored temple area to the people of Israel.

The East Gate To The Outer Court

Ezekiel sees a wall around the temple area. Using a measuring rod, the wall's thickness and height are both one rod. The east gate's threshold, alcoves, and portico are measured, revealing uniform dimensions and decorations with palm trees.

The Outer Court

Ezekiel is shown the outer court with thirty rooms along a constructed pavement. The court's width matches the gateways. The distance from the lower to the inner court is a hundred cubits on the east and north sides.

The North Gate

The north gate's measurements match the east gate, with three alcoves on each side and palm tree decorations. It also has a gate to the inner court, a hundred cubits from the outer gate.

The South Gate

The south gate has identical measurements to the others, with narrow openings, palm tree decorations, and a gate to the inner court a hundred cubits away.

The Gates To The Inner Court

Ezekiel is taken to the inner court's south, east, and north gates, all with the same measurements and palm tree decorations as the outer gates. Each has eight steps leading up to them.

The Rooms For Preparing Sacrifices

There are rooms by each inner gateway portico for washing burnt offerings. The portico houses tables for slaughtering offerings, with additional tables outside the north gateway. Four tables on each side are used for sacrifices, with utensils placed on them.

The Rooms For The Priests

Two rooms within the inner court are designated for priests: one for those guarding the temple and another for those guarding the altar. These priests are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites permitted to minister before the LORD. Ezekiel measures the inner court, finding it square, a hundred cubits on each side, with the altar located in front of the temple.

The New Temple

Ezekiel is led to the temple's portico, where he measures its jambs, entrance, and projecting walls. The entrance is fourteen cubits wide, with three-cubit projecting walls on either side. The portico is twenty cubits wide and twelve cubits deep, accessed by stairs, with pillars flanking the jambs.

The New Temple (cont.) - Chapter 41

The man measures the main hall, inner sanctuary, and surrounding areas of the temple. The main hall is 40 cubits long and 20 cubits wide. The inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, is 20 by 20 cubits. The temple walls are six cubits thick with side rooms on three levels. The building has a raised base and various supporting structures. Decorations include carved cherubim and palm trees. The temple’s overall dimensions are 100 cubits long and wide. Both the main hall and the Most Holy Place have double doors with intricate carvings. The wooden altar, three cubits high, is identified as the table before the LORD. Narrow windows and overhangs complete the architectural details.

The Rooms For The Priests - Chapter 42

The man leads to rooms north of the temple, measuring 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide. The rooms have three levels, with the upper rooms narrower due to galleries. South-side rooms mirror the north-side. The rooms are designated for priests to eat and store holy offerings, and priests must change garments before entering common areas. The temple area is enclosed by a wall measuring 500 cubits on each side, separating holy from common.

God's Glory Returns To The Temple - Chapter 43

Ezekiel is brought to the east gate where he witnesses the glory of God returning from the east. God's glory enters the temple, filling it. God declares the temple as His eternal dwelling among the Israelites and commands them to turn away from their sinful practices. God tells Ezekiel to describe the temple's to the Israelites to inspire repentance and obedience, emphasizing the holiness of the entire temple area.

The Great Altar Restored

Ezekiel is given the dimensions for the altar. God outlines the regulations for offerings to consecrate the altar: a bull as a sin offering, a goat for continued purification, and other unblemished animals. The priests will conduct this purification process over seven days, and from the eighth day onwards, they will present burnt and fellowship offerings, signifying God's acceptance of the people.

The Priesthood Restored - Chapter 44

Ezekiel is shown the outer east gate of the sanctuary, which is to remain shut since the LORD entered through it. Only the prince may eat there. Ezekiel sees God's glory fill the temple and receives instructions on temple regulations. Those who are uncircumcised in the heart and flesh, including foreigners, not permitted to enter the temple. Levites who strayed from God will serve in lower roles, while faithful Zadokite priests will minister before the Lord. These priests must wear linen garments to avoid perspiration, change clothes before entering the outer court, and adhere to grooming standards. They must abstain from wine in the inner court, marry only certain women, and teach the people about holiness and cleanliness. Priests should avoid contamination from the dead unless it's immediate family and undergo purification. Their inheritance is God, and they will receive offerings and firstfruits from the people, but must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals.

Israel Fully Restored - Chapter 45

God instructs that a sacred district be allotted when Israel's land is divided, measuring 25,000 by 20,000 cubits. This area includes a sanctuary for priests, with designated lands for Levites and the city, spanning 5,000 by 25,000 cubits. The prince's land will border the sacred district and the city's property, ensuring no oppression of the people. Accurate measurements for trade and offerings are mandated. Special offerings include portions of wheat, barley, olive oil, and sheep for atonement. The prince must provide offerings during festivals, including Passover and a festival in the seventh month, to ensure atonement for the people and purification of the sanctuary. The prince will also supply daily offerings during these festivals.

Israel Fully Restored (cont.) - Chapter 46

God instructs that the east gate of the inner court must remain closed on working days but be opened on Sabbaths and New Moons. The prince will enter through this gate to present offerings and worship, and the people will worship there on these holy days. The prince's offerings include specific animals, grain, and oil. During festivals, worshippers must exit through a different gate than they entered. Daily, a year-old lamb and a grain offering must be provided as a burnt offering. The prince can gift land to his sons permanently, but gifts to servants will revert back during the year of freedom. The inheritance of the people must not be taken by the prince. Priests have designated rooms to prepare offerings to avoid consecrating the outer court. Four identical courts in the outer area serve as kitchens for temple ministers to cook the people's sacrifices.

The River From The Temple - Chapter 47

Ezekiel is brought to the temple entrance, where he sees water flowing east from under the temple's threshold. The water starts as a trickle and grows deeper as they walk eastward and becomes a river too deep to cross. The water flows toward the Dead Sea, transforming its salty water into fresh, life-sustaining water. Swarms of living creatures and various fish thrive wherever the river flows. Fishermen will have plentiful catches along its shores. However, some swamps and marshes will remain salty. Fruit trees on both sides of the river will yield fruit every month and their leaves will provide healing, sustained by the life-giving water from the sanctuary.

The Boundaries Of The Land

God provides the boundaries to be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, giving Joseph two portions. The land is divided equally as an inheritance sworn to their ancestors. The northern boundary extends from the Mediterranean Sea past Hethlon, Lebo Hamath, Zedad, Berothah, Sibraim, to Hazar Hattikon. The eastern boundary runs from Hauran and Damascus along the Jordan to the Dead Sea, ending at Tamar. The southern boundary stretches from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh and follows the Wadi of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. The western boundary is the Mediterranean Sea up to a point opposite Lebo Hamath. The land is to be distributed among the tribes of Israel, including foreigners living among them, who are to be considered as native-born Israelites and given an inheritance within the tribes.

The Division Of The Land - Chapter 48

God instructs Ezekiel on how the land of Israel should be divided among the twelve tribes. Each tribe receives a specific portion of land, with Dan in the north and Gad in the south. The divisions follow a north-to-south order: Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, Judah, Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. A central portion is designated as holy land for the priests and Levites, with exact dimensions and locations for their allotments. This sacred area includes the sanctuary and land for the city, which is for common use. The prince receives land on both sides of the sacred district. The southern boundary runs from Tamar to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing various significant locations.

The Gates Of The New City

God describes the gates of the new city that will have exits on each of its four sides, each side measuring 4,500 cubits in length. The gates are named after the tribes of Israel, with three gates on each side. On the north side will be the gates of Reuben, Judah, and Levi. On the east side will be the gates of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. On the south side will be the gates of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. On the west side will be the gates of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. The total perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits. "And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE."