Ezekiel 1

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Ezekiel’s Vision

When Ezekiel was called by the Lord to be a prophet, he saw a great vision of God. A visible manifestation of God such as this is called a _______________.
Complete this brief outline of Ezekiel’s prophecy: a. Chapters 1-24 The D___________ of God’s Glory b. Chapters 25-32 The S___________ of God’s Glory c. Chapters 33-48 The R___________ of God’s Glory
Where was Ezekiel being held a captive when God gave him this vision? In what year had he been taken captive? What king had been taken into captivity with him? How old was Ezekiel when he was taken captive? How old was he when he was given the vision?
Were most of the prophecies in the book of Ezekiel given before or after the final fall of Jerusalem to Babylon? What is the overall theme of the prophecy of Ezekiel?
What was the main message the Lord was communicating to Ezekiel in this great vision?
What was the significance of the description of the “whirlwind (storm wind) from the north”?
The 4 living creatures with their 4 faces and 4 wings along with their fast-moving wheels with rims full of eyes emphasize the ___________________ of God, while the burning coals, fire and lightning speak of God’s _______________.

A visible manifestation of God is called a theophany. Specifically, Ezekiel saw a visible manifestation of the glory of God (v 28).
A brief outline of this book of Ezekiel would be: a. Chapters 1-24 The Departure of God’s Glory b. Chapters 25-32 The Scope of God’s Glory c. Chapters 33-48 The Return of God’s Glory
Ezekiel had been taken captive in 597 BC and was being held captive in Babylon when God gave him the vision. He was 25 years old when taken captive, and 30 at the time of the vision. King Jehoiachin had been taken captive along with Ezekiel.
Most of the book of Ezekiel contains prophecies that were given before the final fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. This is important to remember when discerning the meaning of this great vision. The overall theme of the prophecy of Ezekiel is the glory of God.
The main message the Lord was communicating to Ezekiel for His people was that He must judge His wayward people. The nation of Judah had forsaken the Lord and His Word. They had broken God’s covenant with them, and therefore they were subject to God’s sure judgment.
The enemies of Judah, including the Babylonians, always swept in (v 4) and attacked Jerusalem from the north. Even the sound “like the noise of an army” is described here (v 24).
The description of the living creatures emphasizes the omniscience of God, while the burning coals, fire and lightning speak of His judgment.

Discuss the significance of Ezekiel receiving this vision from God while being a captive with the Jewish people in Babylon. Consider how the captives must have been encouraged by God’s continuing communication with them, even after they had experienced His judgment. Why would the appearance of the likeness of a rainbow (v 28) have been a further encouragement?

CHALLENGE

How often are you prompted to “bow down” in worship before our awesome and almighty God? Are you prepared to be totally humbled when someday you face the Lord in all His glory?

“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.’” Ezekiel 1:28b