“And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.” – Ezekiel 1:26-28 (ESV)
The Book of Ezekiel is one of the most visually stunning, theologically profound, and prophetically significant books in the entire Bible. Written by a priest-turned-prophet during Israel’s darkest hour—the Babylonian exile—it contains some of Scripture’s most awe-inspiring visions of God’s glory, as well as sobering messages of judgment and breathtaking promises of restoration.
Ezekiel’s ministry was marked by dramatic symbolic acts, supernatural visions, and unwavering obedience to God’s calling. He witnessed the glory of the Lord departing from Jerusalem’s Temple, proclaimed God’s judgment on a rebellious nation, and foresaw a glorious future when God would breathe new life into spiritually dead Israel and dwell among His people forever.
If you have ever felt spiritually dry, distant from God, or uncertain about His presence, Ezekiel’s visions will remind you that God’s glory is real, His promises are certain, and His power to resurrect the dead is limitless.
In this comprehensive study, we will explore who Ezekiel was, examine his extraordinary visions, uncover the central themes of his prophecy, and discover how this ancient book speaks powerfully to believers today.
Who Was Ezekiel the Prophet?
A Priest Called to Be a Prophet
Ezekiel was born into a priestly family around 622 BC in Jerusalem. His name means “God strengthens” or “God will strengthen”—a fitting name for a man whose ministry would require extraordinary spiritual fortitude.
As a descendant of Aaron through Zadok, Ezekiel was trained from childhood to serve in the Temple. He would have been intimately familiar with:
- The sacred rituals and sacrifices
- The layout of the Temple
- The theology of God’s holiness and presence
But God had different plans. In 597 BC, when Ezekiel was about 25 years old, he was among the 10,000 Jewish captives taken to Babylon during King Nebuchadnezzar’s second siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:14-16). This included the royal family, craftsmen, warriors, and Temple officials.
Five years later, in 593 BC, while living as an exile by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, Ezekiel received a life-changing vision of God’s glory. At age 30—the age when priests traditionally began their service—Ezekiel was called not to serve in the Temple, but to serve as God’s prophet to the exiles (Ezekiel 1:1-3).
Ministry During the Babylonian Exile
Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry lasted approximately 22 years (593-571 BC). His message was directed primarily to:
- The Jewish exiles in Babylon – who needed to understand why Jerusalem fell and what God’s future plans were
- The remnant still in Jerusalem – who falsely believed the city would never fall
Unlike Isaiah and Jeremiah, who ministered before and during the exile, Ezekiel prophesied during and after Jerusalem’s destruction. His ministry can be divided into three phases:
- Chapters 1-24: Warnings of Jerusalem’s coming destruction (before 586 BC)
- Chapters 25-32: Prophecies against surrounding nations
- Chapters 33-48: Messages of hope, restoration, and future glory (after 586 BC)
The Historical Context of Ezekiel’s Ministry
The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile
To understand Ezekiel’s urgency, we must grasp the historical crisis Israel faced:
- 605 BC – First Babylonian invasion; Daniel and nobles taken
- 597 BC – Second invasion; Ezekiel and 10,000 others exiled
- 586 BC – Final siege; Jerusalem and the Temple destroyed
For the Jewish people, the destruction of the Temple was not merely a political or military disaster—it was a theological crisis. The Temple was where God’s glory dwelt (1 Kings 8:10-11). If the Temple was destroyed, did that mean:
- God had abandoned His people?
- The covenant was broken forever?
- Babylon’s gods were stronger than Yahweh?
Ezekiel’s visions answered these questions with resounding clarity: God’s glory is not confined to a building. He is sovereign over all nations, and His purposes will prevail.
Prophesying to a Rebellious Nation
God repeatedly calls Israel a “rebellious house” throughout Ezekiel (2:3, 5, 6, 7, 8; 3:9, 26, 27, etc.). Despite centuries of prophetic warnings, the people:
- Worshiped idols
- Oppressed the poor
- Committed abominations in the Temple itself (Ezekiel 8)
Ezekiel’s calling was difficult: preach to people who would not listen (Ezekiel 3:7). Yet God promised to make him as hard as a diamond against their resistance (Ezekiel 3:9).
Ezekiel’s Extraordinary Visions of God’s Glory
The Throne-Chariot Vision (Ezekiel 1)
Ezekiel’s inaugural vision is one of the most complex and awe-inspiring passages in Scripture. He saw:
1. Four Living Creatures:
- Each had four faces: man, lion, ox, eagle (representing all creation)
- Four wings
- Moved in perfect unity with the Spirit
2. Wheels within Wheels:
- Full of eyes (symbolizing God’s omniscience)
- Moved wherever the Spirit directed
3. The Expanse and the Throne:
- Above the creatures was a crystal-like expanse
- Above that, a throne of sapphire
- Seated on the throne: a figure with human appearance, blazing with fire and radiant light
This vision revealed God’s transcendence, mobility, and sovereignty. Unlike pagan gods tied to specific locations, Yahweh’s glory could go anywhere—even to Babylon.
The culmination of the vision:
“Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” – Ezekiel 1:28 (ESV)
Ezekiel’s immediate response: worship and submission.
Application: When we encounter God’s glory—through Scripture, worship, or prayer—the only appropriate response is humble reverence.
The Glory Departing from the Temple (Ezekiel 10-11)
In chapters 8-11, Ezekiel was transported in a vision to Jerusalem, where he witnessed abominations being committed inside the Temple:
- Idol worship
- Secret rituals
- Leaders turning their backs on God’s altar
Then, in one of the Bible’s most sobering moments, Ezekiel watched as the glory of the Lord departed:
“Then the glory of the LORD went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.” – Ezekiel 10:18-19 (ESV)
The glory moved from:
- The Holy of Holies (Ezekiel 10:4)
- The Temple threshold (Ezekiel 10:18)
- The eastern gate (Ezekiel 10:19)
- The Mount of Olives (Ezekiel 11:23)
Theological Significance: God was leaving the Temple because of persistent sin. Jerusalem’s destruction was now inevitable. Yet this was not the end—God promised to return (Ezekiel 43:1-5).
The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37)
Perhaps Ezekiel’s most famous vision is the valley of dry bones, a powerful prophecy of Israel’s resurrection:
“The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry.” – Ezekiel 37:1-2 (ESV)
God asked, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel wisely replied, “O Lord GOD, you know” (37:3).
Then God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. As he spoke:
- The bones came together
- Flesh and skin covered them
- The Spirit (breath) entered them, and they stood—a vast army
Interpretation: This vision symbolized Israel’s spiritual and national restoration. Though they appeared dead and hopeless in exile, God would:
- Bring them back to their land
- Give them new hearts
- Put His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Application: No situation is too dead for God to resurrect. He can bring life to:
- Dead relationships
- Spiritual dryness
- Hopeless circumstances
The New Temple and God’s Return (Ezekiel 40-48)
The final chapters of Ezekiel describe a glorious new Temple in intricate detail. In this vision:
- Measurements are precise and symbolic
- The land is redistributed among the tribes
- A river flows from the Temple, bringing life wherever it goes (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
Most significantly, the glory of the Lord returns:
“And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory… As the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” – Ezekiel 43:2, 4-5 (ESV)
Fulfillment: This prophecy points to:
- The return from exile and rebuilding of the Temple (partial)
- Jesus Christ dwelling among us (John 1:14)
- The ultimate fulfillment in Revelation 21-22, when God dwells with His people forever in the New Jerusalem
Key Themes in the Book of Ezekiel
God’s Holiness and Judgment
Ezekiel emphasizes that God’s holiness cannot coexist with sin. Judgment is not vindictive but necessary to uphold His righteous character.
Individual Responsibility
Unlike the common saying, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge,” Ezekiel declared:
“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” – Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV)
Each person is accountable to God for their own choices.
Hope and Restoration
Despite severe judgment, Ezekiel’s message ultimately offers hope:
- God will restore Israel (Ezekiel 36-37)
- He will give them new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26)
- His glory will return (Ezekiel 43)
The Good Shepherd Promise (Ezekiel 34)
God condemned Israel’s wicked leaders as false shepherds who exploited the flock. He promised:
“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” – Ezekiel 34:15-16 (ESV)
This prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
Symbolic Acts: How Ezekiel Communicated God’s Message
Eating the Scroll (Ezekiel 3)
God gave Ezekiel a scroll filled with “words of lamentation and mourning and woe” and commanded him to eat it. Remarkably, it tasted sweet as honey (Ezekiel 3:3).
Meaning: God’s Word—even messages of judgment—is precious and sustaining. Ezekiel had to internalize God’s message before proclaiming it.
The Siege of Jerusalem Enacted (Ezekiel 4-5)
Ezekiel acted out Jerusalem’s coming siege:
- Built a model of the city and laid siege to it
- Lay on his side for 390 days (Israel’s sin) and 40 days (Judah’s sin)
- Ate rationed, defiled food
- Shaved his head and burned, struck, and scattered the hair
These dramatic acts symbolized the horror and humiliation awaiting Jerusalem.
The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife (Ezekiel 24)
In the most personally painful act, God told Ezekiel that his beloved wife—“the delight of your eyes”—would die suddenly. God commanded him not to mourn publicly.
Meaning: Just as Ezekiel lost what he treasured most, Israel would lose the Temple—and their grief would be too overwhelming for normal mourning.
Understanding “Son of Man” in Ezekiel
God addresses Ezekiel as “son of man” over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, ben adam simply means “human being” or “mortal.”
Purpose: This title emphasized Ezekiel’s humanity and frailty in contrast to God’s glory and power.
Connection to Jesus: Centuries later, Jesus would adopt “Son of Man” as His favorite self-designation, connecting Himself to:
- Ezekiel’s prophetic role
- Daniel 7:13-14’s vision of the divine Son of Man
- His own humanity and mission
Lessons from Ezekiel for Today’s Believers
Experiencing God’s Presence in Exile
You may feel spiritually “exiled”—distant from God, far from where you want to be. Ezekiel reminds us: God’s glory is not limited by geography. He meets us wherever we are.
Personal Accountability Before God
No one can coast on family faith or blame others for their spiritual condition. Each person must choose: Will I follow God or rebel?
The Promise of Spiritual Renewal
God’s promise to Israel applies spiritually to us:
“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
Through Jesus Christ, we experience this new birth (John 3:3-8).
How to Study the Book of Ezekiel
Reading Plan and Key Passages
- Week 1: Ezekiel 1-3 (The call and commission)
- Week 2: Ezekiel 8-11 (Glory departing)
- Week 3: Ezekiel 18, 34, 36 (Individual responsibility, Good Shepherd, New heart)
- Week 4: Ezekiel 37, 40-48 (Dry bones, New Temple)
Meditation on God’s Glory
Spend time meditating on Ezekiel 1 and 43. Ask:
- What does this vision reveal about God’s character?
- How does encountering God’s glory change my perspective?
- Where do I need God’s transforming presence today?
Conclusion: The Transforming Power of Encountering God’s Glory
The Book of Ezekiel confronts us with the overwhelming reality of God’s holiness, justice, and redemptive love. It reminds us that:
- God’s glory is real and majestic beyond our comprehension
- Sin has devastating consequences, but God’s judgment is always just
- No one is beyond God’s power to restore—He can resurrect dry bones and renew hardened hearts
Whether you find yourself in a season of exile, spiritual dryness, or longing for God’s presence, Ezekiel’s message is clear:
“And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name… And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.” – Ezekiel 36:23 (ESV)
Encounter God’s glory. Let it transform you.
Amen.
Related Bible Verses (Quick Reference)
- Ezekiel 1:26-28 – Vision of God’s glory
- Ezekiel 3:3 – The scroll tastes sweet
- Ezekiel 18:20 – Individual responsibility
- Ezekiel 34:15-16 – God as Good Shepherd
- Ezekiel 36:26 – A new heart
- Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Valley of dry bones
- Ezekiel 43:2-5 – Glory returns to the Temple
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQPage Schema)
Q: Who was Ezekiel in the Bible?
A: Ezekiel was a priest and prophet who ministered to Jewish exiles in Babylon during the 6th century BC. He is known for his dramatic visions of God’s glory and symbolic prophetic acts.
Q: What is the main message of the Book of Ezekiel?
A: Ezekiel proclaims God’s holiness, justice in judgment, and promise of restoration. Despite Israel’s rebellion and exile, God will resurrect His people and dwell among them forever.
Q: What does the vision of dry bones mean?
A: The valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) symbolizes Israel’s spiritual death in exile and God’s promise to resurrect and restore them as a nation with new life and His Spirit.
Q: Why is Ezekiel called “son of man”?
A: God addresses Ezekiel as “son of man” (ben adam) over 90 times to emphasize his humanity in contrast to God’s divine glory. Jesus later adopted this title for Himself.
Q: What is the significance of God’s glory departing from the Temple?
A: The departure of God’s glory (Ezekiel 10-11) signified that God was judging Jerusalem for its sin. Yet He promised to return (Ezekiel 43), ultimately fulfilled in Christ and the New Jerusalem.
Q: How can I apply Ezekiel’s message today?
A: Ezekiel teaches us to revere God’s holiness, take personal responsibility for our faith, and trust His power to resurrect spiritually dead situations and renew our hearts.