Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is shaped around the visions, symbolic actions, and prophetic messages of a priest living during the Babylonian exile. It first addresses the fall of Jerusalem, the judgment that comes because of the people's sin, and the defilement of the temple; then it moves to oracles against surrounding nations and finally to promises of hopeful renewal. The vision of the dry bones, the promise of a new heart and a new spirit, and the declaration that God will dwell among his people again are among its most striking sections. Even with its difficult imagery and detailed visions, Ezekiel is not only about disaster; it weaves together holiness, responsibility, repentance, and restoration. For that reason, the book is read to understand both God's justice and a forward-looking hope in the midst of collapse.

Author and context

The book is traditionally attributed to Ezekiel, a priest-prophet who ministered among the Judeans taken into Babylonian exile. Within the text are historical markers tied to exile, the region of the Kebar River, and the fall of Jerusalem, which place the book in the sixth century BCE. Modern scholars generally agree that the book substantially preserves words and visions associated with Ezekiel, while also discussing whether its final form may have been arranged by disciples or later editors. For that reason, Ezekiel is often understood both as the work of a strongly personal prophetic voice and as a carefully shaped literary whole.

Reading tip

When reading Ezekiel, it helps to approach it not as plain modern narrative but as prophetic and visionary literature shaped by the exile. Its symbolic actions, repeated formulas, and detailed temple descriptions require patience. It is useful first to track the large movement of the book: judgment, words to the nations, then renewal and hope.

Chapters

• Ezekiel 1
• Ezekiel 2
• Ezekiel 3
• Ezekiel 4
• Ezekiel 5
• Ezekiel 6
• Ezekiel 7
• Ezekiel 8
• Ezekiel 9
• Ezekiel 10
• Ezekiel 11
• Ezekiel 12
• Ezekiel 13
• Ezekiel 14
• Ezekiel 15
• Ezekiel 16
• Ezekiel 17
• Ezekiel 18
• Ezekiel 19
• Ezekiel 20
• Ezekiel 21
• Ezekiel 22
• Ezekiel 23
• Ezekiel 24
• Ezekiel 25
• Ezekiel 26
• Ezekiel 27
• Ezekiel 28
• Ezekiel 29
• Ezekiel 30
• Ezekiel 31
• Ezekiel 32
• Ezekiel 33
• Ezekiel 34
• Ezekiel 35
• Ezekiel 36
• Ezekiel 37
• Ezekiel 38
• Ezekiel 39
• Ezekiel 40
• Ezekiel 41
• Ezekiel 42
• Ezekiel 43
• Ezekiel 44
• Ezekiel 45
• Ezekiel 46
• Ezekiel 47
• Ezekiel 48

Who wrote the book of Ezekiel?

The book is traditionally attributed to Ezekiel, the priest-prophet. At the same time, some scholars think its final form may have been arranged by disciples or later editors who preserved Ezekiel's words.

What is the book of Ezekiel about?

Ezekiel describes God's judgment on his people in the age of exile, the fall of Jerusalem, and the reasons behind it. It also emphasizes repentance, a new heart, the regathering of the people, and the hope that God will dwell among them again.