The Book of Ezekiel, attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, stands as a major prophetic work in the Old Testament. Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, experienced the Babylonian exile and received his prophetic call by the river Chebar. His ministry unfolded during a time of profound upheaval, marked by the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the people. The book is characterized by its visionary content, using symbolic language and dramatic imagery to convey messages of judgment, restoration, and the divine presence. Ezekiel’s role as a watchman, visionary, and messenger serves as a unique contribution to the prophetic tradition.
Ezekiel 1: The Vision of the Glory of God
[1:1] In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
[1:2] On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin—
[1:3] the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him.
[1:4] I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,
[1:5] and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance, their form was human,
[1:6] but each of them had four faces and four wings.
[1:7] Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.
[1:8] Under their wings on their four sides, they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings,
[1:9] and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
[1:10] Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
[1:11] Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side; and each had two other wings covering its body.
[1:12] Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 2: Ezekiel’s Call
[2:1] He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.”
[2:2] As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
[2:3] He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day.
[2:4] The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’
[2:5] And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
[2:6] And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.
[2:7] You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.
Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry begins with a profound vision of the glory of God, marked by intricate and symbolic imagery. The vision of living creatures and wheels within wheels captures the majesty and mystery of the divine presence. Ezekiel’s call to prophesy to the rebellious Israelites emphasizes the challenges he will face and the urgency of delivering God’s messages, regardless of the people’s response. The book unfolds as a rich tapestry of visions, prophecies, and symbolic acts that convey God’s judgment, promise, and the restoration of His people.