Ezekiel
The Prophet of Visions and Symbolic Acts
Name Information
- Meaning: "God strengthens"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Ezekiel was a priest turned prophet during the Babylonian exile. Called by God while living among the exiles, he delivered messages of judgment against Judah and the nations, followed by promises of restoration. Known for vivid visions and dramatic sign-acts, Ezekiel proclaimed God’s glory, holiness, and plan to renew His people.
⏰ Babylonian Exile (c. 593–571 BC)
Roles
- Prophet
- Priest
- Visionary
Relationships
- King: Jehoiachin
- Enemy: False prophets of Israel
Story
Ezekiel was a priest taken to Babylon in the first wave of exile under King Jehoiachin.
In his 30th year, he saw visions of God by the Kebar River and was called as a prophet.
Warned the exiles that Jerusalem would fall despite false assurances from other prophets.
Used dramatic sign-acts to capture attention and illustrate prophetic truths.
Saw God’s glory depart from the temple, signifying judgment.
Later prophesied hope, including God’s promise to give His people a new heart and Spirit.
Received a vision of a restored temple and the return of God’s presence.
Spiritual Significance
- Called to be a prophet among the exiles in Babylon.
- Received visions of God’s glory and the heavenly throne (Ezekiel 1).
- Performed symbolic acts — lying on his side for many days, shaving his head, and packing for exile — to illustrate God’s message.
- Prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and later its restoration.
- Saw the vision of the valley of dry bones, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual renewal.
- Described in detail a future temple and the return of God’s glory.
Christ Connection
Ezekiel’s vision of the Good Shepherd (Ezekiel 34) points to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gathers and cares for His people.
The promise of a new heart and Spirit is fulfilled through Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The return of God’s glory to the temple foreshadows Christ’s presence with His people forever.
What We Can Learn
- God strengthens His servants for difficult callings.
- Symbolic actions can powerfully communicate God’s truth.
- Even in judgment, God promises restoration and renewal.
- God’s presence is the source of true hope and life.
Memory Verses
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
— Ezekiel 36:26Then you will know that I am the Lord.
— Ezekiel 37:6The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the gate facing east.
— Ezekiel 43:4
Key Passages
- Ezekiel 1–48
- Ezekiel 1:1–28
- Ezekiel 36:24–28
- Ezekiel 37:1–14
- Ezekiel 40–48
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