1. Introduction to Ezekiel
Unit 7, Lesson 1

2. Psalm 137:1-4 1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?

3. I. Ezekiel’s Background
A. Came from a priestly family
B. Taken with the first wave of exiles in 597 BC (10 years before the fall of Jerusalem)
C. Preached and explained judgment on Judah
D. After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel’s message changed to one of hope.

4. II. Ezekiel Breakdown
a. Prophecies of judgment against Judah (Chapters 1-24)
b. Prophecies of judgment against nations (Chapters 25-32)
c. Prophecies of restoration and healing for Judah (Chapters 33-48)

5. III. A Tough Job Seeing God’s ______________.
Hearing God’s _____________.
Eating the ______________
Becoming God’s ________________.

6. A. Seeing God’s Vision
Read Ezekiel 1 and ILLUSTRATE Ezekiel’s call using the poster board your group brought
Task Breakdown:
Create the background for the cherubim and wheels (use verses 4, 22, and 26-28); 1 student
Create the 4 cherubim (use verses 5-14); 2 students
Create the 4 wheels (use verses 15-18); 1 student

7. What does it mean? Which part of the vision means: God’s presence
God’s ability to be everywhere at the same time
God’s sovereign rule over all creation
God’s all-seeing, all-knowing nature
God’s power, splendor, and majesty

8. A. Seeing God’s Vision Together answer the following questions:
Read Ezekiel 2-3:9. Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens” or “God toughens.” Why would Ezekiel need to be tough?
What would God do to prepare Ezekiel for the reception he would receive from the people?
In what kind of situations are you called to be strong and tough like Ezekiel?