Who Was Ezekiel in the Bible — Meaning Explained
Ezekiel was a priest and prophet taken captive to Babylon, where God called him to proclaim judgment and future restoration to Israel.
Ezekiel was a priest and prophet taken captive to Babylon, where God called him to proclaim judgment and future restoration to Israel.
"Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God." — Ezekiel 1:1 (KJV)
What "Who Was Ezekiel in the Bible?" Actually Means
Ezekiel was a priest of the line of Zadok, exiled to Babylon in 597 BC with King Jehoiachin. Five years into the exile, by the river Chebar, God appeared to him in a magnificent vision of His glory and called him to be a prophet to the rebellious house of Israel. For more than twenty years Ezekiel ministered to the exiles. The first half of his book pronounces judgment on Jerusalem for idolatry and unfaithfulness; the second half, after the city's fall, turns to hope — God will give His people a new heart, a new spirit, and bring them back to their land. His famous vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) pictures God breathing life into the nation. Ezekiel's book closes with a stunning vision of a future temple and the glory of the LORD dwelling forever with His people.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Ezekiel 1:1
"Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God."
Ezekiel 36:26
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 37:5
"Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live."
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