Ezekiel ben Buzi was a Judean priest and prophet exiled to Babylonia in 597 BCE alongside King Jehoiachin. Settled near the Chebar Canal, Ezekiel began experiencing visions of G-d around his thirtieth birthday, the age he would have started serving in the Jerusalem Temple. These visions, known for their often bizarre imagery, marked the beginning of his prophetic role.
Key visions include the throne chariot of YHWH, YHWH's decision to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, the restoration of dry bones, and a vision of a new temple. Ezekiel interpreted the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the exile as acts of YHWH, asserting that the people's alleged wrongdoing and defilement necessitated this judgment. He adopted the role of a watchman, warning the people of danger and their own misconduct.
Ezekiel conveyed his messages through vivid oracles and symbolic actions, such as cutting and dividing his hair, refusing to mourn his wife's death, and enacting the siege of Jerusalem. He strongly emphasized individual responsibility for sin and righteousness, arguing against the notion that the current generation suffered solely for the sins of past generations.
Although his book presented challenges for some in rabbinic Judaism due to apparent conflicts with Mosaic Torah, efforts were made to reconcile these differences, leading to its inclusion in the Tanak. Ezekiel's visions profoundly influenced later Jewish mystical traditions (Merkavah/Heikhalot) and concepts of apocalypticism and resurrection in both Judaism and Christianity.
The Book of Ezekiel: Chapter Outline, Historical Timeline, Cast of Characters
Orientation to the Book of Ezekiel
1. The Initial Oracular Account of Ezekiel’s Inaugural Vision (1:1–3:15)
5. Autobiographical Vision Account: Sixth Year (592/591 BCE), Sixth Month, Fifth Day (8:1–11:25)
6. Oracular Accounts In Ezekiel 12:1-15:8
7. Oracular Accounts In Ezekiel 16:1-19:14
8. Ezekiel’s Oracles Concerning the Punishment of All Israel (20:1–23:49)
10. Ezekiel’s Oracles concerning Tyre and Sidon (26:1–28:26)
11. The First Oracular Account: Concerning Egypt (29:1–32:16)