Ezekiel

Ezekiel Homework 

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the book.

Ezekiel was a prophet from the family of high priests (1:2-3). He was sent into exile in the first wave of the babylonian take over 1:2), and it was there that he prophesied. Instead of speaking to the people in Jerusalem like his prophetic counterpart Jeremiah, he was speaking directly to those in exile. Throughout the book, we seen some rather strange images that are meant to exhibit the glory of God in ways that Ezekiel himself had trouble describing. There are many enacted symbols that Ezekiel exemplified to show who God is. There is much depth to each detail within these images, but it is most important to know why these images were given. 

The people in exile had many false mindsets that were holding them back. They put the Lord in a box with many of the pagan gods that they worship and did not understand how they had came to exile in the first place. They were caught in a cycle of assuming that just like their ancestors in Egypt, they would be sent another Moses to redeem them. And in the same way, they figured their exile was a sign that God was losing to the other gods in which he was in battle. They had depended for so long on their “magic charms” - The Temple and Covenants- so all of this was sure to be a mistake by God. (Chapter 18)

Ezekiel was written to show them who God was and why they were there. Every enacted symbol, every mystical, indescribable vision was  so “they shall know that I am the Lord.” (7:4) Through it all, God still hope to bring his people back to him. Yes, he is a jealous God and will not stand for the despicable idol worship (8:5), but his priority is that his people will know him, repent of their ways and return. 

2. What does this book show of the Character and Nature of God as well as His plan for redemption?

The majority of Ezekiel’s prophesies were meant to show the people who he was. There were many false prophets at the time, as well as the pagan mindset that enthralled the people. But the Lord shows them that He is indeed not stuck within the walls of the temple. He is on the move. (Chapter 1) He is glorious, of high glory and wonder than any of the other gods that they’ve known. He is jealous. Idol worship will not be tolerated. (Chapter 8) However it is the same God that is bringing this judgement that not only longs for mercy, but has a plan for redemption. We see this even in his restoration and plans for the temple in the final chapters (40-48). He reestablishes who he is and promise that they will not be in exile forever. (34:11-16)

3. Point of Passion

We certainly see God’s heart as a husband, married to these people who have betrayed him. We see it in the story of Hosea, but we see it once again in the story of Ezekiel. The language used to describe the depths of prostitution of his bride is extremely graphic and gruesome. “Prostitutes charge for their services, but not you! You give gifts to your lovers, bribing them to come have sex with you.” (16:33) In reading this, we not only understand his need for judgement, but possibly even want to see it happen. It is deserved. But while the Lord has every right to judge the people as he does, his heart still longs to draw them back to themselves. 

This is something that is hard for us to grasp as human beings. It’s hard for us to grasp within a family. To have a wife that would freely prostitute herself out among multitudes of men would be heart break, but it is our call within our families to not only forgive, but to long for restoration. Our minds quickly go to punishment and restitution- but this should not be our heart. If the God of the universe can seek redemption and mercy for his prostituting creation, how much more should we seek to love and forgive and heal our broken families?