Intro to Ezekiel

Therefore, say to the house of Israel, thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. 
Ezekiel 36:22

If you asked High School/College Alex what his favorite subject was, he would have confidently replied with “History”! If you ask current day Alex what his favorite subject is, it would be the same answer. The reason why I love it so much is that we can learn so much from it. Solomon was right when he wrote, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc 1:9). And because there is nothing new under the sun, by studying it we can avoid making the same mistakes as those who have gone before us. Likewise, by following “the ancient paths”, we can be sure to be following truths that have been established and have stood the test of time (Jer 6:16). And as we have been reading through the Scriptures, I am sure that we all can admit that we are very much like the people that we read about. And hopefully, we are learning from their experiences, rebellions, and successes. In the book of Ezekiel, we find many visions and prophecies by this exiled prophet that point us to a couple of truths. But first, some history.

Ezekiel is ministering during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, which is a very familiar figure as most readers will be familiar with Daniel. Although Josiah had reformed much of Judah for a period of about 31 years, the people still ran to idolatry and faced God’s judgment. In Ezekiel, you will want to keep a couple of things in mind to help you understand what is going on historically: 1) this book is not written in chronological order, so as you read dates (you will come across 13 of them) use them to orient you to where you are in history, and 2) the major event which was unimaginable and impossible in the minds of the Jewish people, the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in 586 BC. In the early chapters of the book, you can see that the people were not really taking his message seriously, but after the city was sacked and the people did not return immediately, Ezekiel’s message of restoration and hope was one they sought after.

Which brings me to the several points or messages we find in the book. Firstly (chapters 1-3), we will find revelation on the character of God. In this first vision he sees what can be described as the glory of God. Secondly (chapters 4-32), He is a God who judges all nations. In this section, we read of all the ways in which the people of God and the nations have rebelled and turned away from God. It is for these deeds that they will ultimately face the judgment to come. And finally (chapters 33-48), He will not abandon His people but will redeem and restore them for His name’s sake. In this final and marvelous section, we read of how God is the good shepherd who will care for his flock, unlike the princes, prophets, and priests who have led the people astray; people who are very much culpable for their own sins. But the Lord will care for them. And what is the motivation for God’s redemption? It is not because of anything we have done, are doing, or will do, but for His own name’s sake that He will act. While we read this book, we cannot help but admit that we too like the nations have rebelled against God and turned away from Him. There is nothing but evil in our hearts and we all will face an impending judgment. But by the grace of God, He gives new hearts and puts in us His spirit so that we may obey His commands, not from our own effort, but because of His spirit in us (36:27). And while it might sound odd that He does all these things not for our own sake, when we reflect back on the glory of God from chapter one, who else deserves all praise (36:32)? So, praise be to God from whom all blessings flow, especially for our salvation!

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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