Could you please explain to me the concept of the prophet Ezekiel?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I was wondering if you could explain the concept of the prophet Ezekiel to me. I would like to know his beliefs and what he was trying to achieve. Can you please answer this in terms I can understand. Thanks.

Sarah

Answer

Dear Sarah,

Zedekiah was the king of Judah when the prophet Ezekiel was taken captive into Babylonia by the Chaldeans in the year 598 BC. The Book of Ezekiel was written while he was in captivity. Ezekiel was a great prophet. He spoke much of visions, warnings and predictions concerning the guilt of the people and the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in 588 BC. He also spoke of the Divine judgments on the seven surrounding nations (see chapters 25-32). He follows his portrayal of the apostate condition of Judah that led to its captivity with predictions and promises concerning the means by which the glory of the Jewish nation could be restored (see chapters 33-48). Although there is much imagery in the Book of Ezekiel that makes it somewhat difficult to understand, nevertheless, many of the teachings in the book are clear and unequivocal. Ezekiel claims the highest degree of inspiration, e.g. the phrase “thus saith Jehovah” is reiterated again and again throughout the entire book.

Gramps