Summary #33

Weekly Summary
Ezekiel 1-21


Being able to understand Ezekiel depends profoundly on understanding the context. The northern nation of Israel has been exiled, Jerusalem destroyed, and now Nebuchadnezzar has defeated the Southern King of Judah, and exiled its 18-year old King, Jehoiachin along with many of its leading citizens. Included in this group is Ezekiel, who is a member of the priestly class. He begins his prophetic career at the age of 30 -- interestingly, the age that priests assume priestly duties. He later dates the end of his prophesying at age 50 -- the age at which priests no longer serve in the temple.

As a prophet to exiles, Ezekiel is preaching to a devastated lot. They have lost everything, and Ezekiel calls to their attention that they have broken their part of the covenant. What he accused them of is of not keeping God's name holy - his mission was to restore the glory of God's name not only before the people of Judah, but also before the surrounding nations.

Covenant broken -- by the people, not by God -- is not covenant ended, though. The word of God through Ezekiel contains his wrath and his destructive power, but it is never without the reassurance that God has permanently bound himself to his people, and that though they will suffer the consequences of their sin, not even Nebuchadnezzar could finally destroy what God would protect. God's promise is also one of restoration.

Keep reading through Ezekiel, looking for images that highlight God's sovereignty as well as his power, his holiness and his justice. Ezekiel is quite the poet, and God uses him powerfully to bring a message to his people.