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Book introduction

The book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel was a priest taken to Babylon in the first wave of exiles. His visions are strange and vivid: God’s glory on a chariot throne, the glory leaving the temple, a valley of dry bones coming to life, and a new temple with a river flowing out.

Major prophets · 48 chapters

Read Ezekiel 37Start at chapter 1

Who wrote Ezekiel?

Most of the book is in Ezekiel’s own voice and dated with care. Most scholars accept that it comes largely from him, with some editing.

When was it written?

Ezekiel’s visions are dated 593–571 BC.

See Ezekiel on the Bible timeline

Main themes

God’s glory
It leaves the temple before the fall and returns in the final vision.
Personal responsibility
Each person answers for their own sin.
A new heart
God promises a new heart and his Spirit within.

Outline of Ezekiel

  1. Chapters 1–3Ezekiel’s vision and call
  2. Chapters 4–24Judgment on Jerusalem
  3. Chapters 25–32Words to the nations
  4. Chapters 33–39Restoration and the dry bones
  5. Chapters 40–48The new temple

Key verses

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, declares Lord Yahweh. So repent and live!

Ezekiel 18:32

I will give you a new heart, and I will set a new spirit within you. I will take away the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

This is what Lord Yahweh says to these bones: I am about to bring breath into you, and you will live.

Ezekiel 37:5

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

Where to start

Start with the dry bones in chapter 37, then the new heart in 36:24–28.

Read Ezekiel 37

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