The Book Of Ezekiel
Author	Ezekiel
Date Written	Between 593 and 565 BC
Time Span	About 22 years
Title	This book is named after its author: the prophet Ezekiel. The name Ezekiel means “strengthened by God.”
Background	Ezekiel, who grew up in Jerusalem and served as a priest in the Temple, is among the second group of captives taken to Babylon along with King Jehoiachin. While in Babylon he becomes a prophet of God. Jeremiah has already prophesied in Jerusalem for about 35 years, and Daniel, having been exiled in Babylon 9 years earlier, is also a well-established prophet, as shown by his being mentioned 3 times in Ezekiel's messages. Both Ezekiel and Daniel are several years younger than the prophet Jeremiah.
Where Written	Babylon
To Whom	Principally to the Babylonian exiles
Content	Ezekiel's ministry begins in Babylon with condemnation and judgment of the nation Judah. But after the destruction of Jerusalem takes place, Ezekiel's perspective changes. The past is gone, but there is a glimmer of hope shining through for the future. Ezekiel, who wants to help the people learn from their failures, announces impending judgment upon the nations that surround Judah and reestablishes hope for the restoration of Israel. His vision of the valley of dry bones pictures new life being breathed into the nation. Ezekiel concludes with his return to Jerusalem in a vision to receive details on the new Temple, the new Jerusalem, and the new land. Israel and Judah will once again be restored to unity from the ends of the earth, as God's glory also returns.
Themes	God always has and always will hate sin. The ways of God contrast with the ways of the world. We are each responsible for our own sins. We are together accountable for the sins of our nation. As will any loving father, God will discipline us for our disobedience. God's promises of restoration for His people will undeniably be fulfilled.
Key Words	“Visions”; “Watchman.” Ezekiel receives a variety of beautiful and unusual “visions” concerning the immediate and long-term plans of God. These help to establish Ezekiel as God's “watchman” to warn and encourage the people.
Outline	1:1- 3:27  Call and commission of Ezekiel 4:1-24:27  Judgment on sinful Judah 25:1-32:32  Judgment on the Gentiles 33:1-39:29  Promised restoration of Israel 40:1-48:35  The new Temple
More	Audio of the Book of Ezekiel

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