S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Author: The Prophet Ezekiel is the author of the Book (Ezekiel 1:3). He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah and Daniel.Date of Writing: The Book of Ezekiel was likely written between 593 and 565 B....

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November 15 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt

Ezekiel the prophet spoke for the Lord to the captives in Babylon for about twenty years. 

As with other prophetic writings, the writer’s name gives insights to the messages in the book. Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens.” Frequently in this book are words “strong,” “strength,” “strengthen,” “power” “fortress” and “defense.” Also, there are words, “hand,” Ezekiel 9:2, 13:9, “arm” Ezekiel 4:7, 17:9, “a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” Ezekiel 20:33-34, “the hand of the Lord” Ezekiel 8:1, 37:1. Seven times “the hand of the Lord was upon me” occurs as in Ezekiel 1:3.

Some other symbols for power are “pillars” Ezekiel 26:11; “scepter” Ezekiel 19:14’ “lion,” Ezekiel 32:2; “eagle,” Ezekiel 17:3, “iron,” Ezekiel 4:3, and “cedar,” Ezekiel 17:23. 

About 93 times, Ezekiel is addressed as “son of man,” to remind him of his mortality and frailty, a humble and submitted servant to God and strengthened by Him. Many times, the word of the Lord came to him. God had him act out strange but impressive object lessons as a silent ministry to Israel, Ezekiel 4:1-17, 5:1-4, 12:1-7, 18, 24:16-18, 37:15-23. He was a sign to the people to come back to the Lord, Ezekiel 24:24. He faced a stubborn people, but God made him stronger, Ezekiel 3:7-9. 

The people of Israel were proud, stubborn, brazen, and callous, Ezekiel 2:4, 3:7, but God would put an end to that, Ezekiel 7:24, 17:9, 22:14. By the king of Babylon, God would judge them as He did the nations that seemed strong, such as Tyre and Egypt, Ezekiel 26:4-21, 29:19, 30:10, 24-25. The strength or “arm” of Egypt that some were relying on was broken and Egypt would be devastated, Ezekiel 30:21-25. 

Ezekiel refers often to things that are holy and glorious. Ezekiel saw and heard the display of the greatness and majesty of God, Ezekiel 1:4, 2:12-14, 3:12. He witnessed the glory of God as it left the temple and later would see in a vision the glory coming back, Ezekiel 9:3, 11:23, 43:4-5. He was shown the temple to encourage the people, Ezekiel 43:10-11. God Himself was the sanctuary for His people, Ezekiel 11:16.

The future for Israel will bring the strong leader, Ezekiel 34:23-24; a new heart, Ezekiel 36:23-27; revival to the land, Ezekiel 36:33-36, restored nation, Ezekiel 37; a glorious deliverance, Ezekiel 38-39, rebuilt temple, Ezekiel 40-42; the life-giving river from the Jerusalem temple, Ezekiel 47:1-12; the glorious city of Jerusalem known as “The Lord Is There,” Ezekiel 48:35. 

God is strong to judge and restore, Ezekiel 34:16. Seventy times throughout the book is found some variation of the phrase, “they shall know that I am God.” When God judges His people or acts in their behalf, it will allow Israel and all nations to know that God is the powerful Lord. He will strengthen the weak, Ezekiel 34:16.

God’s message through Ezekiel was true to Ezekiel’s name, “God strengthens.” Through sermons and symbolism, the Lord, through Ezekiel, showed His mighty power and grace to His people.

May 20 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report