1. EZEKIEL Prophet of Restoration & Hope

2. EZEKIEL: THE BOOK  Named for the prophet who speaks  His name means “God strengthens” or “God is strong”  Contains mostly oracles about the fall of Jerusalem & its eventual restoration  Little narrative, but much info about the prophet himself

3. EZEKIEL: THE MAN  Taken to Babylon in 597 B.C., 10 yrs. before fall of Jerusalem  A priest (1:3)  Married, but wife died on the day siege of Jerusalem began  Called to prophesy through a spectacular series of visions (chaps.1-3)  Prophesied 20+ years  Prophesied in Babylon, but often addresses conditions n Jerusalem (e.g., chap. 8)

4. EZEKIEL: PLOT  God explains to Ezekiel why Jerusalem will fall  Promises to restore the people, the monarchy, & Jerusalem

5. EZEKIEL: MAJOR THEMES  God is present everywhere. Even in exile, He has not forgotten His people, & He also knows their sins.  Considerable detail about the restoration of the nation & Temple following destruction. A strong message of Hope.  Each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. (chap. 18)  Ezekiel is a “Watchman” for Israel. His task is to speak; the results are up to those who hear.

6. EZEKIEL: KEY VERSE “And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is there.” Ezekiel 48:35

7. EZEKIEL: LESSONS FOR TODAY  1. In order to serve God, we must first “____________ the ____________.”  2. God’s ______________ & human __________ cannot coexist.  3. Each of us is _______________ responsible for our lives.  4. With God all things are __________________.