Ezekiel Structure

The structure of the book of Ezekiel is not complex. Chapters 1-24 focus on prophecies regarding the deconstruction of Jerusalem. From chapters 25-32, the prophecies are against the neighboring nations, while from chapters 33-48, the prophecies focus on restoring Jerusalem's hope, salvation, and restoration. However, Ezekiel has never prophesied outside Babylon. Therefore, the ministry of Ezekiel started before Jerusalem's fall and continued for a short period after restoration.

At the beginning of Ezekiel's ministry, he foreshadowed the destruction of Jerusalem's temple and city by prophesying against the people, after which he foreshadowed the new Jerusalem illustrated through establishing a new complex temple. The mission of Ezekiel is complex as he deals with rebellious people who are stubborn and unwilling to understand his teachings (Dumbrell, 2002). He was, therefore, returned by the spirit to a different location where he continued to experience the presence of God through visions confirming that God had not abandoned him. However, Ezekiel did not elaborate on his prophecies and did not speak unless the spirit led him to talk/ act. For instance, God ordered him to warn the Israelites that rebelled against him that they would be punished for their sins if they failed to repent (Dumbrell, 2002). Although God's presence had abandoned Israel due to the elders' defilement of the temple, Ezekiel kept pushing to make them understand the divine word from God to protect them from God's wrath. From chapters 25-32, Ezekiel focuses on prophesying against the neighboring nations to show the connection between the start of the siege and Ezekiel's revelations and illustrate that God oversees the actions of all nations, not only Jerusalem (Dumbrell, 2002). The last oracles focus on the divine restoration of God's presence in Jerusalem. Ezekiel referred to the Israelites as a flock of sheep that had been subjected to suffering and oppression under the hands of the shepherd, and hence God would restore their possessions and feed them. The prophecy of restoration is also viewed through the perception of Jerusalem as a valley of dry bones that would be recreated and given back life through divine power (Dumbrell, 2002). Thus, the structure of the book of Ezekiel revolves around the rebellion of the Israelites, the departure of God's presence, and the restoration and salvation.

However, all the prophecies revolve around the three visions that Ezekiel had. The first vision illustrates his exile to Chaldea, the second vision involves the spiritual relocation to Jerusalem, and the last vision is about the restored sanctuary in Jerusalem (Dumbrell, 2002). The first vision could be interpreted as diminishing God's glory from the doomed temple and city and its destruction. In contrast, the second vision illustrates the re-establishment of God's glory in the city and reconstructing of a new nation (Dumbrell, 2002). Thus, the three visions are interconnected. Ezekiel believed there was little hope for the Israelites to be rescued in the earthly realm and centered his ministry on a spiritual context, stating that Israel's salvation would come from heaven.

The ministry of Ezekiel started before Jerusalem's fall and continued shortly after restoration. Thus, Ezekiel's structure revolves around the rebellion of the Israelites, the leaving of God's presence, and the restoration and salvation. Ezekiel believed there was little hope for the Israelites to be rescued in the earthly realm and centered his ministry on a spiritual context, stating that Israel's salvation would come from heaven.

 References

Dumbrell, W. J. (2002). The faith of israel: A theological survey of the old testament. Baker Publishing Group.