Class Notes:

Ezekiel — Summary Teaching Outline

I. Historical Background

• Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile.
• Taken captive in 597 BC.
• Ministered to Jewish exiles in Babylon.
• Contemporary of Jeremiah and Daniel.
• Priest and prophet.

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II. Major Themes

1. “They Shall Know That I Am the LORD”

• Central theme of the book.
• Occurs about 70 times.
• God reveals His sovereignty through judgment and restoration.

2. Personal Responsibility

• Ezekiel appointed as a watchman.
• Individuals accountable for sin and repentance.
• Key idea: “The soul who sins shall die.”

3. Visions and Signs

• Ezekiel uses symbolic acts and visions.
• Signs point to coming judgment on Jerusalem.

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III. Israel in Exile

• Lost national identity.
• Babylon attempted to erase Jewish culture and religion.
• Psalm 137 reflects sorrow over Jerusalem.

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IV. Structure of Ezekiel

Chapters 1–3

• Ezekiel’s vision and prophetic call.
• Vision of God’s glory and cherubim.
• Ezekiel appointed as watchman.

Chapters 4–24

• Judgment against Jerusalem.
• Symbolic acts and warnings.
• Temple corruption and idolatry.
• Glory of God departs from the temple.

Chapters 25–32

• Judgment on surrounding nations.

Chapters 33–37

• Restoration of Israel.
• Valley of Dry Bones.

Chapters 38–39

• Gog and Magog.

Chapters 40–48

• Vision of future temple and city.
• “The LORD is there.”

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V. Ezekiel’s Vision (Chapter 1)

• Four living creatures (cherubim):
  • Man = intelligence
  • Lion = sovereignty
  • Ox = service
  • Eagle = swiftness
• Vision emphasizes God’s sovereign rule.

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VI. Ezekiel’s Call (Chapters 2–3)

• Sent to a rebellious people.
• Told many would refuse to listen.
• Eats the scroll of lamentation and woe.
• Appointed as a faithful watchman.

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VII. Temple Corruption (Chapters 8–11)

• Ezekiel sees hidden idolatry in the temple.
• Priests and leaders involved in false worship.
• God’s glory departs because of covenant unfaithfulness.

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VIII. Key Lessons

God’s glory and presence are central themes.

God is sovereign over history.

Sin and idolatry bring judgment.

God holds individuals responsible.

Faithfulness matters even when people reject the message.