Ezekiel
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1
The book of Ezekiel is a very visual book with fantastic visions, parables, and object lessons acted out by Ezekiel himself. The overarching message was, “Then you shall know that I am the LORD;” a phrase repeated over 100 times in different variations.
Ezekiel the priest was “among the captives by the River Chebar” in Babylon. He was one of 10,000 nobles, priests, soldiers and craftsmen taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar in the year 597 BC. Daniel and his three friends were taken earlier in 605 BC. Jerusalem and Judah were still intact, but not for long because the people had forgotten that the LORD was their God and were worshiping heathen idols.
Psalm 137 tells us that the captives in Babylon sat down by the rivers and wept when they remembered Zion. God called Ezekiel to prophesy to the captives in Babylon about the utter destruction of Jerusalem. When that judgment was fulfilled, they would know that the LORD is the only true God. “For I am the LORD. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass.” (Ezekiel 12:25)
The Lord also gave promises of restoration and salvation, calling the people to return to Him in repentance. Jerusalem and the Temple were restored, providing even greater proof that the Lord is God.
Ezekiel’s message needs to be heard and proclaimed today as much as ever. Our only hope to escape God’s judgement is to receive His mercy and grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Over the next two weeks we will touch on some of the highlights of God’s message of hope through Ezekiel.
Gracious Father, may we never forget that you are the LORD. May we always turn to you for forgiveness and proclaim your name so that all the world may know that You are the LORD. Amen.