1. Introduction and Call (Ezekiel 1-3)
The opening vision, containing both a surplus of imagery and an overall confounding quality, affirms nevertheless a central theological point: God is present to God’s exiled people in Babylon. God’s glory is apparently not confined to the Jerusalem TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged… More or the land of Israel. Further, the elaborate call narrative that follows this vision makes clear that God has called a prophet and priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More, Ezekiel, to deliver a message of severe judgment to the stubborn people of Israel. They may not hear or respond to this prophetic voice, but they will recognize it as God’s announcement.
2. Prophecies against Jerusalem, Judah, and the Temple (Ezekiel 4-24)
Prophetic words and symbolic acts foretell the doom of Jerusalem and its coming fall (the second siege by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C.E.). The glory of God leaves the Temple (10:18-19, 11:22-25) in the second vision of the book.
3. Prophecies against the Nations (Ezekiel 25-32)
All the nations surrounding Israel are judged including Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. Babylon itself is a glaring omission.
4. More Prophecies concerning Israel (Ezekiel 33-39)
Between the sections concerning the nations and the final vision of future salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More for Israel, these chapters deal with Jews in exile, Israel and its future, its leaders, land, mountains, and enemies (past and future). Hope for restoration and blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God’s favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More is offered to the people.
5. Vision of Future Restoration (Ezekiel 40-48)
The priest-prophet has an extended vision of consolation, salvation, and blessing in the future for Israel. There is a loving, long description of the restored Temple in all its glory, where God will dwell as a center of a new Israel, and this restoration will include blessing for the whole world (chapter 47).
