Ezekeil

The Book of Ezekiel is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament of the Bible. It was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and one of the Jewish exiles taken to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem in 597 BCE. 

The book opens with a powerful vision of God’s glory—flashing lights, wheels within wheels, and living creatures. This shows that God is majestic, holy, and not limited to one place (like the temple in Jerusalem). Even in exile in Babylon, God is still present and in control. 

God speaks through Ezekiel to explain why Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed: because of the people’s idolatry, injustice, violence, and unfaithfulness. They worshipped other gods, mistreated the poor, and ignored God's laws.

Ezekiel often acts out these messages in symbolic ways (like lying on his side for days or shaving his head) to grab attention.

Ezekiel also announces judgment on other nations that were proud or cruel to Israel. This shows that God is not just the God of Israel—He’s Lord over all nations, and all are accountable to Him.

After Jerusalem falls, the message turns to hope:

• God promises to bring the people back from exile.
  He will give them a new heart and spirit so they can follow Him.
  The vision of dry bones (chapter 37) shows God can bring the dead (spiritually and nationally) back to life.

God is holy and just, and sin has consequences.
God is also merciful and faithful, and He offers restoration and new life.
Even in times of destruction or exile, God is still with His people.
True transformation comes from receiving a new heart and spirit from God.

Scripture Reading