Summary: This book records the activity of the prophet Ezekiel
who lived in Babylon during the Jewish exile. His message was directed to fellow
captives and to Jews still present in Palestine. Both groups refuse to listen
and remain unwilling to accept the rule of Babylon. Ezekiel proclaimed good news
to the exiles that Israel, after being chastened, would be restored and God's
kingdom would rise. This yet future kingdom will last forever and God's people
will never again be cast out.
Key verses: "O my people, I am going from them; I will bring
you back to the land of Israel... I will put my Spirit in you and you will live"
(Eze 37:12,14).
Outline
1. Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem: Eze 1:1 -
24:27
a) Introduction: The call of Ezekiel: Eze 1:1 -
3:27
b) Symbolic acts showing the siege of Jerusalem: Eze
4:1-5:17
c) Oracles explaining divine judgement: Eze
6:1-7:27
d) Vision of the corrupted temple: Eze 8:1
-11:25
e) Symbolic acts showing Jerusalem's exile: Eze 12:1 -
28
f) Oracles explaining divine judgement: Eze
13:1-24:27
2. Oracles against foreign nations: Eze 25:1 -
32:32
3. Prophecies of the restoration of Israel: Eze 33:1
- 39:29
a) The watchman: Eze 33:1-33
b) The Lord as the good shepherd: Eze 34:1-31
c) Oracles against Edom: Eze 35:1-15
d) Israel to be restored and made fruitful: Eze 36:1-
37:28
e) The final battle: Eze 38:1-39:29
4. Vision of the new temple: Eze 40-48
a) Description of the new temple: Eze 40-43
b) Duties and land allotment: Eze 44-48