Name
The book of Ezekiel derives its name from its author Ezekiel. The name “Ezekiel” means “God will strengthen” or “God will harden.”
Author
Ezekiel, the priest, the son of Buzi, identifies himself as the author in Ezekiel 1:3.
Genre
Prophecy
Literary Form
Primarily prose with some poetry in chapters 7, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31, and 32.
Time Frame
Ezekiel’s prophecies are arranged chronologically beginning with the fifth day of the fourth month in the thirteenth year of the exiles, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile, which is July 31, 593 B.C. (Ezekiel 1:1-2)
Ezekiel’s final dated prophecy is recorded in Ezekiel 29:17 as the first day of the first month of the 27th year or March 26, 571 B.C.
Ezekiel’s entire prophetic ministry lasted at least 22 years from when he was 30 years old until he was 52 years old.
Emphasis
The emphasis of Ezekiel is on ministering to the exiles in Babylon. They were under the mistaken impression that they would be allowed to return to Jerusalem soon. Ezekiel’s prophecies showed them that first, they needed to repent and return to the Lord, THEN they would be allowed to return to their homeland. He began by describing their sins against God and warns of God’s impending judgment. Next, he reveals that Judah’s neighbors will also face judgment for their sins. Finally, Ezekiel concludes with a description of the end times when the people be reunited with God and restored to their lands during Christ’s Millennial reign on earth.
Outline
There are three main sections to the book of Ezekiel.
- The Judgment on Judah (Ezekiel 1-24)
- The Judgment on Gentile Nations (Ezekiel 25-32)
- The Blessings on Israel (Ezekiel 33-48
