December 5, 2021 - Ezekiel 3:8-21

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                                                                                                     December 5, 2021

Introduction to Ezekiel

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. Ezekiel’s name means “God is my strength.’

2. Ezekiel was a priest. Ezek. 1:3

3. Some commentators believe Ezekiel 1:1 means that he was 30 years old. In which case he would have began serving in the temple in Jerusalem had he not been a captive in Babylon.

4. There were 4 deportations of Judah to Babylon:

• 605 BC (Included Daniel) Dan 1:1-2

• 598/597 BC (King Jehoiachin and Ezekiel) 2 Kings 24:8-16

• 586 BC The temple was destroyed at this time.

• A rebellion a few years after the temple was destroyed.

5.’Son of man’ is used 93 times in reference to Ezekiel.

6. Ezekiel was written by Ezekiel to the exiles who lived in Babylon.

7. Themes in the Book of Ezekiel

• Gods’ judgment on His people. Ezek. 1-24

• God’s judgment on the nations. Ezek. 25-32

• God’s restoration of His people. Ezek. 33-48

8. Overview of Ezekiel by Tim Mackie.

Chapters 1-33 https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ezekiel-1-33/

Chapters 34-48 https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ezekiel-34-48/

9. Ezekiel begins in the 5th year, 4th month on the 5th day after the deportation of Jehoiachin. (593 BC)

10. Ezekiel lived during the greatest time of crisis of Judah:

• Nearly all the people were eventually taken captive to Babylon.

• The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed.

11. The people were guilty of serving other gods, even within the temple.

12. Ezekiel wrote to expose Israel’s moral depravity and absence of spiritual concern. Mark Rooker

13. After the destruction of the temple, Ezekiel’s message turned to a message of hope.

14. The phrase ‘the word of the Lord came to me’ occurs 46 times.

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                                                                                                      December 5, 2021

 Lessons Learned

Ezekiel 3:8-21

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. The vision of the glory of the Lord in chapter 1 was 5 years after he was taken into exile. Ezek. 1:2

2. Ezekiel’s call to service came immediately following his vision of the glory of the Lord. See chapter 2.

3. Ezekiel was:

·        Sent to the people of Israel. 2:3

·        You shall speak my words to them. 2:7

4. In chapter 3 Ezekiel is told he has been equipped for the task and given instructions for what he is to do.

5. Ezekiel was warned that he is being sent as a prophet to a ‘rebellious house.’ 2:5,7

6. The scroll that Ezekiel ate in 3:1,3 is the Word of God. It was ‘sweet as honey’ in his mouth.

7. Ezekiel is again told that the people of Israel have a ‘hard forehead’ and a stubborn heart.’ 3:7

8. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:19-20

9. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20

10. "I am convinced that one of the greatest things we can do is to memorize Scripture."  Billy Graham

11. A vision of God’s glory changes your perception when you look out at the lost world.

12. God prepares people to minister to our spiritual needs.

13. Ignoring God results in God’s discipline being administered in your life.

14. Our responsibility is to warn of the consequences of sin and proclaim the forgiveness that is available in the gospel of Jesus Christ.