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Ezekiel saw visions of God while in captivity,  

God can use you in your situation, be sure to hearken diligently,  

Captivity did not stop Ezekiel from conducting divine activity, 

God can use you in your situation, He can use you significantly.  

God showed Ezekiel the valley of dry bones,  

Can those bones live? Only God knows,  

Have active faith, faith that’s not like dry bones, 

Can those bones live? The laws of life are in God’s laws.  

Ezekiel prophesied against sinful nations,  

God’s warnings come from a heart with the best intentions,  

Ezekiel saw symbols and God gave him interpretations,  

God’s warnings are accompanied by Christ’s intercessions.  

Though it is planted, will it thrive and grow?  

We often fail in our efforts when they are contrary to God’s law,  

Though you strive to fight, will you win the war? 

Have faith and you will reap from the good that you sow.  

Hebrews 11:32-35 (KJV) – “³² And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” 

Introduction 

The name “Ezekiel” means “God will strengthen” or “God strengthens.” This reflects the theme of divine support and resilience, central to Ezekiel’s role as a prophet delivering messages of both judgment and hope. Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian Exile. It was a period of profound crisis for the Israelites following the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE.  

Ezekiel’s ministry spanned from around 593 BCE to 571 BCE. Ezekiel was born into a priestly family, making him both a priest and a prophet. His father was Buzi. He was exiled to Babylon along with other Jewish captives after the initial deportation in 597 BCE. He lived in a settlement near the Chebar River. 

The meaning of the name “Buzi” (Ezekiel’s father) is less clear but is often interpreted as “contemptible” or “despised.” This name might signify humility or lowliness, contrasting with the prominent role Ezekiel himself would play. This shows us clearly that you do not have to be the son of a well-known great person to become great. Ezekiel’s father’s name meant contemptible or despised, but Ezekiel became a mighty prophet that people still read his book to this date.   

The Book of Ezekiel addresses themes of divine judgment against Israel and the nations due to their sins. It promises future restoration and renewal. It explains why the exile happened and assures the people of eventual redemption and restoration. Ezekiel’s messages include calls for repentance, urging the Israelites to return to faithfulness and righteousness. The Book of Ezekiel was composed during Ezekiel’s prophetic career, roughly between 593 BCE and 571 BCE. The text reflects the events and visions Ezekiel experienced during this period. 

Ezekiel’s prophecies are known for their vivid and symbolic visions, such as the vision of the valley of dry bones and the chariot vision (Merkavah). The book also includes symbolic acts performed by Ezekiel to illustrate his messages. The book includes oracles against Jerusalem, various nations, and promises of future restoration, including a vision of a new temple and a renewed land. 

In the “Hall of Faith, (Hebrews 11)” the faith and endurance of various figures from the Bible is recounted. These verses highlight the achievements and sufferings of faithful individuals, including prophets and martyrs. Ezekiel’s life and ministry reflect the kind of faithfulness and endurance praised in Hebrews 11. Ezekiel remained steadfast in delivering God’s messages despite the suffering and challenges faced by the exiled Israelites. 

Ezekiel, like other Biblical figures, played a critical role in God’s plan. He endured hardship and delivering messages of both judgment and hope. His faithfulness in proclaiming God’s Word despite personal and communal suffering aligns with the attributes celebrated in Hebrews 11. The vision of future restoration and the promise of renewal in Ezekiel’s prophecies connect with the themes of hope and fulfillment seen in Hebrews 11. Just as the faithful in Hebrews 11 are commended for their hope in God’s promises, Ezekiel’s prophecies reflect hope in the eventual restoration of Israel and the realization of God’s promises. 

Ezekiel’s Prophetic Call 

Ezekiel 1:1-3 (KJ21) – “¹ Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River of Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. ² On the fifth day of the month (which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity), ³ the Word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.” 

Prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God when he was among the captives by the River of Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. God worked through Ezekiel when he was a foreign captive. When God wants to work in you, no boundaries and chains can block Him. The hand of God was there by the River Chebar upon Ezekiel. The Israelites had angered God to the point that God allowed them to be taken into captivity. But Yahweh’s love for them would not allow Him to leave them unattended. He had to raise a prophet for them to deliver to them His divine blessed message.  

The Vision of the Four Living Creatures and the Wheels 

In his prophetic call, Ezekiel saw a stormy wind coming from the north, a great cloud with flashing fire and brilliant light, and the appearance of four living creatures (Ezekiel 1:4-14). Each creature has four faces (a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) and four wings. Their legs are straight, and their feet are like those of a calf (Ezekiel 1:6-8).  

Beside each creature is a wheel intersecting another wheel, and the wheels are full of eyes all around. These wheels move with the creatures, and the spirit of the creatures is in the wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21). Above the creatures is a firmament, and above that, a throne with the appearance of a man. The vision concludes with a description of the likeness of the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 1:22-28). 

God spoke to Ezekiel, addressing him as “son of man,” and commissions him as a prophet to the Israelites. He was told to speak to the people whether they listen or not (Ezekiel 2:1-7). Ezekiel was given a scroll that is eaten, symbolizing that he must internalize the words of God. The scroll is sweet in his mouth but becomes bitter in his stomach, representing the mixed nature of the message (Ezekiel 3:1-3). 

Ezekiel was appointed as a watchman for Israel. He was responsible for warning the wicked and the righteous of their deeds and the consequences (Ezekiel 3:16-21). Ezekiel was also shown visions of the glory of the Lord departing from the temple, illustrating the gravity of Israel’s disobedience (Ezekiel 8-11). 

Ezekiel 3:17 (KJV) – “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me.”  

God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman over Israel, emphasizing his responsibility to warn the people of impending judgment. The work of a watchman is to guard the master’s property. Here we can see that God made Prophet Ezekiel a guardian over His people, the Israelites. His job was to ensure that they were well taken care of. Taking care of them meant delivering God’s message faithfully unto them.  

A watchman guards against intruders trespassing on the master’s property. Ezekiel was to help guard the Israelites against any intruding evil. He was to do this by telling them the truth. Truth guards because God is truth, and God is the ultimate protection.  

Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones 

Ezekiel 37:1 (KJ21) – “¹ The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, ² and caused me to pass by them round about; and behold, there were very many in the open valley, and lo, they were very dry. ³ And He said unto me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, Thou knowest.” ⁴ Again He said unto me, “Prophesy upon these bones and say unto them, ‘O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. ⁵ Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. ⁶ And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.’” ⁷ So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. ⁸ And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them. ⁹ Then said He unto me, “Prophesy unto the wind. Prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, ‘Thus saith the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.’” ¹⁰ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. ¹¹ Then He said unto me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried and our hope is lost. We are cut off from our parts.’ ¹² Therefore prophesy and say unto them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. ¹³ And ye shall know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, ¹⁴ and shall put My Spirit in you and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land. Then shall ye know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it, saith the Lord.’” 

Ezekiel received a vision from God where he witnessed the resurrection of dry bones, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. In the vision of the dry bones laid a message of hope and restoration for the Jewish nation. In the Bible we have records of people being raised from the dead. Jesus, when He was on this earth, raised Lazarus from the dead.  

Lazarus had been dead for four days and his body had started to decompose. But he was still not yet in a skeleton state when Jesus raised him. We have many accounts in the Bible of the dead being raised, and the ones who were raised were those who were freshly dead.  

Death has five stages, and the final stage is skeletonization. The fresh stage takes 1-2 days. At that stage, the body temperature drops, and rigor mortis sets in. Bloat stage takes 2-6 days. Here the body begins to swell due to the buildup of gases. Active decay takes 1-3 weeks. At this stage, major decomposition of soft tissues occurs; the body begins to collapse. Advanced decay takes 3 weeks to several months. In advanced decay, most soft tissues are decomposed; the body loses mass rapidly.  Skeletonization happens several months or years after a person has died. Remaining tissues decompose, leaving only bones.  

In the vision, Ezekiel saw these bones coming to life. When a person’s body has reached the skeletonization stage, the people who were closest to him might have even forgotten him. The bones that Ezekiel saw were beyond the stage of skeletonization as they were dry bones. This means that they had not been in contact with the flesh of the body for quite some time. These bones were stored in a valley. A valley is a low-lying area of land situated between hills or mountains, typically formed by the erosion of the surrounding terrain. In other words, the bones were not just in a grave, they were in the lowest part of the land.  

Imagine God taking skeletons from the lowest part of the land and bringing them back to life. First and foremost, it requires humility, sacrifice and great determination for someone to do that. God always goes out of His way to save and bless humanity. God could have spoken to the bones, but He did not do that. Instead, He commissioned Prophet Ezekiel to do it. Ezekiel was to rely on God’s power to do that. Ellen G. White says, “His biddings are enablings.” God did not leave Ezekiel clueless when he encountered the dry bones. He guided him on what to do. By following God’s guidance step by step through the entire procedure, the dry bones were converted to living people.  

When God tells you to do something, He gives you the power to obey that command. You will be successful because He has enabled you to do what He has bid you to do. It is a stupendous privilege when God gives us the commission to minister to His people. When we present God’s Word to people, we bring life to them like Ezekiel did with the dry bones because God’s Word is life. Through us, God will do mighty works for He wants the light from us to shine brighter than a blazing campfire on a moonless night.  

The symbol of dry bones signifies that the person being revived is beyond hope. When a person dies, we feel sad mainly because we have no hope of seeing them again. When someone stays lifeless in the grave for a long time (to the point of skeletonization), we can never imagine that person being resurrected. God in His impeccable and overflowing love, has not given up on anyone. If God has not given up on you, why should you give up on yourself? It makes no sense.  

Prophesying Against Tyre 

Ezekiel 28:2 (KJV) – “Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God.”  

In Hebrew, the name Tyre in Hebrew is צֹור (Tsor), which means “rock” or “stone.” This reflects the city’s geographical and architectural features, as Tyre was originally situated on an island with a rocky coastline. In Phoenician, the city’s (Tyre’s) name was similar, 𐤑𐠀𐡅 (ṣwr), which also means “rock.” This name underscores the city’s fortified nature and its importance as a maritime and trading hub. 

Tyre had several notable kings throughout its history. One of the most famous was Hiram I, who ruled during the time of King Solomon of Israel (10th century BCE) and is mentioned in the Bible as a contemporary and ally of Solomon. Another notable monarch was Pygmalion, who ruled during the late 4th century BCE, around the time of Alexander the Great’s siege of Tyre. 

But in the context of Ezekiel 28, the king of Tyre that is referred to is the Devil and it might also be a literal king. The chapter addresses the king of Tyre, criticizing him for his pride and self-deification. The language used reflects the king’s arrogance and the ensuing judgment. For instance, Ezekiel 28:2 condemns the king’s claim to be a god and his pride.  

Ezekiel 28:11-19 describes the king of Tyre in highly exalted and metaphorical terms, such as being in Eden, the anointed cherub, and being perfect in beauty and wisdom. These descriptions are often seen as hyperbolic and symbolic, depicting the king’s elevated status and subsequent fall. This is a prefiguration or typology of Satan’s fall. The attributes and descriptions are seen as paralleling the story of Lucifer’s pride and subsequent fall as described in other parts of the Bible, such as Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12.  

Ezekiel’s prophecy concerning Tyre did come to pass, but the fulfillment was complex and occurred over an extended period. The prophecy, found in Ezekiel 26, 27, and 28, predicted significant judgment and destruction for the city. Here’s how the prophecy’s fulfillment unfolded: 

• Ezekiel 26 – This chapter foretells the complete destruction of Tyre. Ezekiel prophesies that Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, would lay siege to the city and bring about its downfall. 

• Ezekiel 27 – This chapter provides a lament for Tyre, describing its fall as a loss for the nations that traded with it, emphasizing the city’s former splendor and its subsequent ruin. 

• Ezekiel 28 – This chapter contains a dual prophecy—one against the king of Tyre, criticizing his pride and self-deification, and another describing the city’s eventual desolation and the loss of its economic and political influence. 

Historical Fulfillment 

Nebuchadnezzar’s Siege – The initial part of the prophecy about Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Tyre is partially fulfilled. Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Tyre from 586 to 573 BCE. However, Tyre was not completely destroyed by him. The city withstood the siege, and Nebuchadnezzar’s forces did not entirely obliterate it. 

Alexander the Great’s Conquest – The more complete fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy occurred during the time of Alexander the Great. In 332 BCE, Alexander besieged Tyre, which had been rebuilt and was a prominent city on an island. Alexander’s army constructed a causeway to the island and captured the city after a lengthy and brutal siege. The siege resulted in significant destruction and a considerable loss of life, fulfilling the prophecy’s prediction of Tyre’s downfall. 

Desolation – The prophecy also foretold that Tyre would become a place for the spreading of nets, indicating desolation. Following Alexander’s conquest, Tyre’s prominence diminished. While it was rebuilt and continued to exist, it never regained its former status as a major maritime power. 

The word Tyre might have been used in this context to refer to Satan and his kingdom because of its meaning. It means rock. This signifies its stability, as we often hear the sayings, “Firm as a rock,” or “Solid as a rock.” Sin can make one think that they are stable, especially when they seem to prosper in their sins. Such people tend to misuse God’s mercy and love.  

Satan did and still does the same thing. In the end, Satan’s kingdom will be destroyed just as the kingdom of Tyre was destroyed. The punishment that Satan will face for causing all these problems will be extremely great but at the same time just.  

Prophesying Against Egypt 

Ezekiel 29:2 (KJV) – “Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt.”  

Ezekiel 29:2 calls for a prophecy against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and against Egypt as a whole. The reasons for this prophetic judgment can be understood in the context of the biblical narrative and historical events involving Egypt. Here’s a detailed look into what Egypt did to call for such a prophecy: 

The prophecy against Pharaoh is partly due to his boastful claims and arrogance. Pharaoh had viewed himself as a deity, asserting that he was the Nile and a god-like figure. This hubris was seen as an affront to God. Ezekiel 29:9 further emphasizes that Egypt’s pride in its own strength and resources was a significant reason for the prophecy.  

The Egyptians believed they were self-sufficient and independent, not recognizing their dependence on God. It is a grievous error to fail to acknowledge God and think of yourself as powerful enough to accomplish anything, even the slightest action like moving your finger or tongue. It is quite common to hear people saying things like, “I did it by myself.”  

We do not have power on our own over anything or to do anything. Peter was so overconfident that he would not deny Jesus but when the test came, he failed. He denied Jesus three times. Most Christians can attest that when they portray overconfidence in themselves not to fall in a certain temptation, they end up falling to a worse degree than they had ever thought. God might have allowed this to happen to make you know that He is the One in control. He does this so that you can learn your lesson and turn to Him for help.  

Egypt’s role as an adversary to Israel is highlighted here in Ezekiel 29:6. Egypt was a frequent antagonist of Israel, often aligning against the Israelites and contributing to their suffering. In Ezekiel 30:4-5, Egypt was involved in conflicts and alliances that negatively affected Israel. Its political and military actions were perceived as harmful to the people of God. When you fight against the people of God, you are fighting against God. When you fight against God, you are wasting time fighting a losing battle because you cannot win against God.  

Ezekiel 29:18 refers to Egypt’s involvement in the siege of Tyre. Egypt’s efforts in assisting Tyre against Babylon were viewed unfavorably. This is because Tyre was also an enemy of Israel, and such alliances were seen as acts of defiance against God’s will. Egypt’s idolatry and rejection of the true God are mentioned as reasons for divine judgment (Ezekiel 30:13-14).  

Do not partner with anyone whose mission is to rival against God. Be loyal to God like how men are loyal to their barbers. Partner with God in everything that you do. In your business, in employment, in your family, in your education etc. If you do so you can be certain that you are on the path to eternal prosperity. Do not be on the same team as Satan. This means that you should not work in a company that goes against the principles of God’s Word no matter how lucrative the salary is.  

In one of our Bible study sessions, a lady who works for a media company told us that betting companies offer the highest commissions to sales media people. She went on to tell us that those people earning all that money from betting companies do not know how that money ends up. Most of them involve themselves in partying heavily and profligate living.  

In another Bible study session, a friend mentioned someone he knows who is working for a tobacco company. He said that the person was such a committed Christian in university and the university church elder for that matter. After getting that job, he started compromising on the Sabbath and stopped going to church. All that culminated in alcoholism and drunkenness. The Devil’s trap has many lucrative things. Do not fall inside it. In fact, you may not even know what the trap is. You need the power of God to make you leap successfully over those traps.  

The worship of false gods and the failure to recognize the sovereignty of Yahweh led to Egypt’s downfall. Pharaoh is described as a “young lion” among the nations, but his idolatry and false claims led to his eventual defeat and desolation (Ezekiel 32:2). 

The prophecy against Egypt was fulfilled in several stages. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who is mentioned in the context of Egypt’s downfall, was the instrument through which this judgment was executed. Egypt faced invasions and defeats by Babylon and later by other powers such as the Persians. The prophecy includes the prediction of Egypt’s desolation. Historically, Egypt’s power and influence waned significantly after these prophetic events, leading to a period of diminished prominence. 

Symbolic Acts and Parables 

Ezekiel performed various symbolic acts and parables as directed by God to convey profound messages to the people. For example, Ezekiel shaved his head and beard, divided his hair, and portrayed the siege of Jerusalem using a brick (Ezekiel 4-5). 

Ezekiel 4:1-8 (AMP) – “¹ Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you and inscribe on it [a diagram of] the city of Jerusalem. ² Then lay siege against it, build a siege wall, raise a ramp against it; set up [enemy] camps and place battering rams all around it. ³ Further, take an iron plate and place it as an iron wall between you and the city, and set your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel. ⁴ “Then lie down on your left side (toward the north) to bear [symbolically] the wickedness and punishment of the house of Israel. You shall bear their wickedness and punishment for the number of days that you lie on your side. ⁵ For I have assigned you the years of their wickedness and punishment, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days [representing three hundred and ninety years]; in this way you shall bear [symbolically] the wickedness and punishment of the house of Israel. ⁶ When you have completed these [days for Israel], lie down again, but on your right side (toward the south), and you shall bear the wickedness and punishment of the house of Judah forty days. I have assigned you one day for each year. ⁷ Then you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared and prophesy against it. ⁸ Now behold, I will put ropes on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege.” 

God is long suffering towards us (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, we should be patient with other people. Being the followers of Christ, we are required to walk as He walked. Picture that you are one of the disciples physically walking with Jesus as He leads the way. As you walk with Him, you encounter the same things on the path that He encounters.  

If there is a mountain that you would have to go over on the way, you will have to climb it together. If there are oceans that need to be crossed, you will cross them together. If there are thorns on the way, you will experience them together. When you are walking with a human friend, the walk becomes less challenging than it would have been if you had walked alone. If you are climbing a mountain together or doing other excursions, your friend will encourage you to continue. Therefore, you will not give up easily.  

Walking with your human friend is often easy even though your human friend has no power to give you. Jesus Christ has all the power (Matthew 28:18). After stating that He has all power, He commanded His disciples to go and teach all nations (because His power would be with them). In those days, it was not easy to go from one country to another as it is now, especially across seas. One would get tired of traveling to all nations. However, with the power of Jesus it was easy for His followers to go to distant lands and spread the gospel. God is all powerful and He will give you His power to serve and glorify Him. With His power, you will do more than you have ever imagined.  

Ezekiel was God’s prophet. God bears our sins. God wanted to give Ezekiel a little experience of how it feels to bear other people’s sins. God told Ezekiel that he will bear the wickedness and punishment of the people for the number of days that he will lie on his side. Human beings are the burden of Jesus Christ. Genuine followers of Christ ought to have other people as their burden. This calls for sacrificial living. When you agree to follow Christ, you have agreed to live a life of sacrifice.  

Many people might read this and get scared and be reluctant to join Christianity. The good news is that the sacrificial life which you have agreed to is the most blessed life you can ever have. This is because selflessness and humility bring you exceptional joy. Most of us think we are going to be happy when we satisfy our desires.  

We buy the best meal from our favorite restaurants, and we think that it is going to bring us happiness. After we are done eating it, we crave another one and it doesn’t always make us as happy as we had previously expected. If the meal is unhealthy, it will contribute to boosting bad moods in us. Some people are angry, and they don’t know why they are angry. Their anger might have resulted from eating unhealthy meals. When I eat less, I find myself more energetic compared to when I eat more. When we share in the affliction of others, we help them in improving their lives. As we share in their troubles, our troubles are lessened. The light we shine on them is reflected to us.  

Ezekiel 5:1-17 (AMP) – “¹ And you [Ezekiel], son of man, take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor and shave your head and your beard. Then take scales for weighing and divide the hair [into three parts]. ² You shall burn one third with fire in the center of the city, when the days of the siege are completed. Then you shall take one third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and one third you shall scatter to the wind; and I will unsheathe a sword behind them. ³ Also take some of them and bind them in the edges of your robes. ⁴ Again take some hair and throw them into the fire and burn them in the fire; from it a fire will spread to all the house of Israel. ⁵ “Thus says the Lord God, ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the center of the nations, and countries are around her. ⁶ And she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the [pagan] nations and against My statutes more than the countries that are around her; for Israel has rejected My ordinances and has not walked in My statutes.’ ⁷ Therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘Because you have more turmoil than the nations which surround you and have not walked in My statutes, nor kept My ordinances, nor observed the ordinances of the nations which surround you,’ ⁸ therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I, I Myself, am against you, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. ⁹ And because of all your abominations, I will do among you that which I have not done, and the like of which I will not do again. ¹⁰ Therefore, fathers will eat their sons among you, and sons will eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments on you and I will scatter to all the winds the remnant of you. ¹¹ So, as I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations, therefore I will also diminish you and withdraw, and My eye will have no pity and I will not spare [you]. ¹² One third of you will die of virulent disease or be consumed by famine among you; one third will fall by the sword around you; and one third I will scatter to all the winds, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them. ¹³ ‘Thus My anger will come to an end and I will satisfy My wrath on them, and I will be appeased; then they will know [without any doubt] that I the Lord have spoken in My zeal when I have spent My wrath on them. ¹⁴ Moreover, I will make you a desolation and a disgrace among the nations which surround you and in the sight of all who pass by. ¹⁵ So it will be a disgrace, a taunt, a warning and an object of horror to the [pagan] nations who surround you when I execute judgments against you in anger and in wrath and in raging reprimands—I, the Lord, have spoken. ¹⁶ When I send against them the deadly arrows of hunger which were for the destruction of those whom I will send to destroy you, then I will increase the famine upon you and break your staff of bread. ¹⁷ Further, I will send against you hunger and wild beasts, and they will bereave you of children; virulent disease and bloodshed also will pass through you, and I will bring the sword on you. I, the Lord, have spoken.’” 

In this passage, God commands the prophet Ezekiel to perform a symbolic act as a representation of His coming judgment on Jerusalem. Ezekiel is instructed to take a sharp sword and use it as a razor to shave his head and beard, an act of extreme mourning and humiliation. The shaved hair is then divided into three parts, each symbolizing the fate of the people of Jerusalem: 

First Part: Ezekiel is to burn one-third of the hair in the center of the city, symbolizing those who will perish in the city due to famine and disease during the siege. 

Second Part: Another third is to be struck with the sword all around the city, representing those who will be killed by the sword during the Babylonian invasion. 

Third Part: The final third is to be scattered to the wind, symbolizing those who will be exiled and dispersed among the nations. God also declares that He will unsheathe a sword behind them, indicating that even in exile, they will not escape violence and death. 

God goes ahead to instruct Ezekiel to take a few strands of the hair and bind them to the edges of his robes, representing a small remnant that will be preserved. However, even some of these will be cast into the fire, symbolizing further destruction that will spread to all of Israel.  

No matter how sinful the world is, God always has a remnant among His people. They might be a few, but they are there. Such people, God holds them as His own special possession and favors them greatly. It does not take much to be among those whom God holds as peculiar treasures, whom He has placed on eagles’ wings. All it takes is submission to God’s will and yielding to His control.  

God explains that Jerusalem, which He set at the center of the nations, has rebelled against His laws more wickedly than the surrounding pagan nations. As a result, He will execute a severe judgment in Jerusalem in the sight of the nations, unlike anything that has occurred before or will occur again. The judgment will include horrifying acts such as parents eating their children and vice versa, reflecting the extreme conditions during the siege.  

These prophecies came to pass. Since the Jews did not learn their lesson during the Babylonian siege, similar events happened to them during the Roman siege. We can see the evidence in the writings of the secular historian Flavian Josephus. In his book, “The Jewish War,” Josephus describes the extreme conditions in Jerusalem during the Roman siege, where starvation was extremely severe that some inhabitants resorted to eating their own children. He recounts the story of a woman named Mary of Bethezuba, who, driven by starvation, killed and roasted her infant son, consuming part of the body and offering the rest to others. When you obey God, God uses you as an example of a blessed life. When you disobey God, God uses you as an example of a cursed life.  

The Parable of the Vine: A Warning Against Rebellion 

Ezekiel 17:7-10 (AMP) – “⁷ There was [also] another great eagle with great wings and many feathers; and behold, this vine (Zedekiah) bent its roots toward him and sent out its branches toward him, away from the beds where it was planted, for him to water. ⁸ It was planted in good soil where water was plentiful for it to produce leaves and branches and to bear fruit, so that it might become a splendid vine.”’ ⁹ Thus says the Lord God, ‘Ask, “Will it thrive? Will he (Nebuchadnezzar) not uproot it and strip off its fruit so that all its sprouting leaves will wither? It will not take a strong arm or many people to uproot it [ending Israel’s national existence]. ¹⁰ Though it is planted, will it thrive and grow? Will it not completely wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the beds where it grew.”’” 

Nebuchadnezzar was the great eagle being talked about here and he had great wings, meaning he had a great ability to fly. He had a rich plumage of many colors, which means that him and his kingdom were very attractive to look at.  

The “vine” symbolizes Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, and the nation of Judah itself. The “vine” was meant to remain loyal to Babylon (symbolized by the first eagle), but instead, it “bent its roots” toward another great eagle, representing Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, seeking an alliance with Egypt against Babylon. 

The Bible says that Nebuchadnezzar will uproot that vine and strip off its fruit so that all its sprouting leaves will wither. It goes on to say that it will not take a strong arm or many people to uproot it. It won’t take much to uproot the vine because its roots have not grown deep enough. This allegory of the vine that is easily uprooted is like the chaff that the wind drives away that is used in Psalm 1:4 to describe the ungodly. It is also like the heath in the desert that is compared to the people who put their trust in other people (Jeremiah 17:5-6).  

The vine that is easily uprooted means, when one lives in disobedience to God, being hard hearted to obey His commands, it does not take much effort to bring them down. Your sins will cause your downfall, no matter the lofty position you assume in society. 

Ezekiel 17:11-21 (KJV) – “¹¹ Moreover, the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, ¹² “Say now to the rebellious house, ‘Do you not know (realize) what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Hear this, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took its king [Jehoiachin] and its princes and brought them with him to Babylon. ¹³ And he took a member of the royal family [the king’s uncle, Zedekiah] and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. He also took the important leaders of the land, ¹⁴ so that the kingdom would be in subjection, unable to restore itself and rise again, but that by keeping his covenant it might continue. ¹⁵ But Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar by sending his ambassadors to Egypt so that they might give him horses and many troops. Will he succeed? Will he who does such things escape? Can he indeed break the covenant [with Babylon] and [still] escape? ¹⁶ As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘surely in the country of the king (Nebuchadnezzar) who made Zedekiah [the vassal] king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke, in Babylon Zedekiah shall die. ¹⁷ Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company will not help him in the war, when they (the Babylonians) put up ramps and build siege walls to destroy many lives. ¹⁸ Now Zedekiah dishonored the oath by breaking the covenant, and behold, he gave his hand and pledged his allegiance, yet did all these things; he shall not escape.’” ¹⁹ Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “As I live, I will bring down on his own head My oath [made on My behalf by Nebuchadnezzar] which Zedekiah dishonored and My covenant which he broke. ²⁰ I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare; and I will bring him to Babylon and will enter into judgment with him there for his treason which he has committed against Me. ²¹ All the choice men [from Judah] in all his troops will fall by the sword, and those that survive will be scattered to every wind; and you will know [without any doubt] that I the Lord have spoken.”” 

The King of Babylon (King Nebuchadnezzar) went to Jerusalem and took King Jehoiachin. He took Jehoiachin and his princes to Babylon. He also took the king’s uncle Zedekiah and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. He also took the important leaders of the land, so that the kingdom would be in subjection to him, unable to restore itself. King Nebuchadnezzar made a covenant with Zedekiah. He did not want the kingdom to die completely. Instead, he wanted the kingdom to continue by keeping his covenant. King Nebuchadnezzar did not want the kingdom to restore itself and rise again. 

However, Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, so that they may give him horses and many troops. By rebelling against God and against Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah would die in Babylon. Pharaoh with his mighty army would not help Zedekiah in the war against the Babylonians. God promised to spread His net over Zedekiah and cause all his troops to fall by the sword, and those that survived to be scattered to every wind.  

Ezekiel’s Vision of the Dry Tree 

Ezekiel 17:22-24 (KJV) – “²² Thus says the Lord God, “I Myself will take a twig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. ²³ I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel, that it may grow boughs and bear fruit and be a noble and stately cedar. And birds of every kind will live under it; they will nest [securely] in the shade of its branches. ²⁴ All the trees of the field will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will fulfill it.”” 

God will take a twig from the lofty top of the cedar and set it out. God will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. God wants it to grow boughs and bear fruit and be a noble and stately cedar. Birds of every kind will live under it; they will rest securely in the shade of its branches. God brings down the tall tree, exalts the low tree, dries up the green tree and makes the dry tree flourish.  

God says He will take a “twig from the lofty top of the cedar” and plant it. The “cedar” often symbolizes the royal house of David, representing kingship and authority. The “twig” refers to a descendant of David, specifically the Messiah, whom God will establish as the ruler. This is a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ, who is from the lineage of David. 

God will plant this “twig” on the “mountain heights of Israel,” signifying the establishment of a strong and enduring kingdom. The “mountain” often represents the place of God’s presence and rule. The reference to the tree growing, bearing fruit, and becoming a “noble and stately cedar” speaks to the strength, expansion, and influence of Christ’s kingdom. The birds nesting in the tree symbolizes people from all nations finding refuge and security in this kingdom.  

God declares that He will “bring down the tall tree” and “exalt the low tree,” indicating that He will humble the proud and elevate the humble. This is consistent with the biblical theme of God lifting the humble and bringing down the powerful who are opposed to Him. The imagery of drying up the green tree and making the dry tree flourish further emphasizes God’s sovereign power to reverse human expectations and accomplish His purpose. 

Ezekiel’s Vision of the New Temple 

Ezekiel 43:4 (KJV) – “And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.”    

Ezekiel received a vision of a future temple, providing detailed descriptions of its measurements and features. 

Purpose of the Temple: 

Divine Presence: 

Ezekiel 43:7 (KJV) – “And He said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever, and My holy name shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcasses of their kings in their high places.” 

Worship and Sacrifice: 

Ezekiel 43:18 (KJV) – “And He said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.” 

Restoration: 

Ezekiel 37:27 (KJV) – “My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 

Description of the Temple: 

Ezekiel 40:2-4 (NKJV) – “² In the visions of God He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city. ³ He took me there, and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze. He had a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand, and he stood in the gateway. ⁴ And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare to the house of Israel everything you see.” 

Dimensions and Layout: 

The Outer Wall and Gateway: 

Outer Wall: The temple complex was surrounded by an outer wall that measured 500 cubits by 500 cubits, creating a square perimeter around the temple area (Ezekiel 40:5). 

Eastern Gate: The main entrance to the temple was the eastern gate, which had a threshold, steps, and guardrooms. The gateway is 25 cubits wide and 50 cubits long (Ezekiel 40:6-16). 

The Courtyards: 

Outer Court: After entering through the eastern gate, there was an outer court with thirty chambers along the perimeter. The court is paved, and the gates of the outer court face east, north, and south (Ezekiel 40:17-19). 

Inner Court: Inside the outer court is the inner court, accessible via gates from the north, south, and east. The inner court is higher than the outer court, with steps leading up to it. The inner court is higher symbolizing that the closer you get to God, the higher you will go in life. The inner court contained the altar and the priests’ chambers (Ezekiel 40:28-37). 

The Temple Building: 

The Porch (Entrance Hall): The entrance to the temple itself included a porch, measuring 20 cubits wide and 11 cubits deep (Ezekiel 40:48-49). 

The Holy Place: Inside the temple, the Holy Place is 40 cubits long and 20 cubits wide (Ezekiel 41:2). 

The Most Holy Place: The innermost part of the temple is the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), measuring 20 cubits by 20 cubits, with walls that are 6 cubits thick (Ezekiel 41:3-4). 

Side Chambers: Three Stories of Side Chambers: Surrounding the temple on three sides are three stories of side chambers, which were used for storage and other purposes. The side chambers increase in width with each ascending level (Ezekiel 41:5-11). As you get closer to God, you go higher. As you go higher, you gain more capacity to store God’s blessings just as the storage (side) chambers would increase in width with each ascending level.  

The Altar and the Vestibule: 

The Altar: In the inner court, directly in front of the temple, is the altar, which is central to the worship in the temple (Ezekiel 40:47). 

This vision of the temple in Ezekiel is highly detailed and symbolic, representing a restored relationship between God and His people. The measurements and descriptions emphasize the order, holiness, and separateness of this future temple, which differs from the previous temples in Jerusalem. 

Rituals and Offerings: 

Ezekiel 44:15-16 (KJV) – “¹⁵ But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD: they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD: ¹⁶ They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.” 

Ezekiel’s Vision of the River of Life 

Ezekiel 47:1-12 (AMP) – “¹ Then he [my guide] brought me back to the door of the house [the temple of the Lord]; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house (temple) toward the east, for the front of the temple was facing east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar. ² Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by the way of the gate that faces east. And behold, water was spurting out from the south side [of the gate]. ³ When the man went out toward the east with a measuring line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water that was ankle-deep. ⁴ Again he measured a thousand [cubits] and led me through the water, water that was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand [cubits] and led me through the water, water reaching the hips. ⁵ Again he measured a thousand [cubits]; and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be crossed [by wading]. ⁶ And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river. ⁷ Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. ⁸ Then he said to me, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah (the Jordan Valley); then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the Dead Sea shall be healed and become fresh. ⁹ It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be a very great number of fish, because these waters go there so that the waters of the sea are healed and become fresh; so everything will live wherever the river goes. ¹⁰ And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it [at the banks of the Dead Sea]; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be dry places to spread nets. Their fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great [Mediterranean] Sea. ¹¹ But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh [and wholesome for animal life]; they will [as the river subsides] be left encrusted with salt. ¹² By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They shall bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.” 

This passage describes a vision of a miraculous river flowing from the temple in Jerusalem, gradually increasing in depth as it moves eastward. The river symbolizes God’s life-giving presence and blessing: 

Water from the Temple: The water originates from the temple, which represents the dwelling place of God. The flowing water signifies the life, healing, and restoration that comes from God. There are blessings in church. There are blessings in fellowship that are always ever flowing and overflowing. The blessings that come from worshiping God are non-stop, that is why the water is not stagnant, it keeps on flowing.  

Increasing Depth: The increasing depth of the water as it flows suggests the ever-growing and expanding influence of God’s grace and blessings. God’s grace and blessings never end. The more Ezekiel walked in the water, the more he got covered by the water. At the beginning his entire body was not covered, only his legs were covered.  

When Ezekiel walked, the water kept on increasing and it continued to cover more parts of his body. When we walk with God, we receive healing. The healing and the blessings keep on increasing as we increase in depth and breadth of the study of God’s Word.  

Healing Waters: As the river flows into the Dead Sea, it transforms the salty, lifeless waters into fresh water, teeming with life. This symbolizes the power of God to bring life and healing even to the most desolate and dead areas and people. The salty water turning to fresh shows how purified one’s life gets when they get close to God.  

God is life. Therefore, when God connects with something or someone, He brings life to that thing or to that person. Nothing created by God is useless. Therefore, involve God in everything that you do so that He can bring life to your ventures.  

Fruitful Trees: The trees growing on both sides of the river represent prosperity and continual nourishment from God. Their leaves and fruit symbolize spiritual sustenance and healing for the people. 

Overall, this vision points to a future time when God’s presence will bring unparalleled blessing, healing, and life to His people and their land. 

Ezekiel 47:13-23 (AMP) – “¹³ Thus says the Lord God, “This shall be the boundary by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall have two portions. ¹⁴ You shall divide it as an inheritance, each one equally with the other. I lifted up My hand and swore to give it to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you as an inheritance. ¹⁵ “And this shall be the boundary of the land on the north side: from the Great [Mediterranean] Sea by way of Hethlon to the entrance of Zedad, ¹⁶ Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; [as far as] Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. ¹⁷ So the boundary will extend from the [Mediterranean] Sea to Hazar-enan at the border of Damascus, and on the north, northward, is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. ¹⁸ “The east side, from between Hauran, Damascus, Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border to the eastern sea you shall measure. This is the east side. ¹⁹ “The south side, southward, from Tamar [near the Dead Sea] shall extend as far as the waters of Meribath-kadesh, to the Brook of Egypt and to the Great [Mediterranean] Sea. This is the south side toward the south. ²⁰ “The west side shall be the Great [Mediterranean] Sea, from the south border to a point opposite Lebo-hamath [north of Mount Hermon]. This is the west side. ²¹ “So you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. ²² You shall divide it by lot as an inheritance among yourselves and among the foreigners who stay among you, who give birth to sons among you. They shall be to you as the native-born [in the country] among the children (descendants) of Israel; they shall be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. ²³ In whatever tribe the foreigner resides, there shall you give him his inheritance,” says the Lord God.” 

In this section, God outlines the boundaries of the land that will be inherited by the twelve tribes of Israel. The boundaries are described in detail, and the division of the land reflects the restoration of Israel to its promised inheritance: 

Joseph’s Two Portions: Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each receive a portion, reflecting the division of Joseph’s inheritance into two tribes. 

Divine Allocation: The land is divided by lot among the tribes, demonstrating that the division is according to God’s will and plan. 

Inclusion of Foreigners: Remarkably, this passage includes a provision for foreigners living among the Israelites to receive an inheritance alongside the tribes. This inclusion emphasizes God’s justice and the openness of His kingdom to all who live among His people.  

It is a blessing to have a close friendship with genuine Christians. It is like a yawn that spreads across the room, effortlessly passing from one to another. It is like laughter at a comedy show – once it starts, it’s impossible not to join in. It is like a spark that lights a fire; once it catches, it spreads quickly and brightly. It is also like a smile that spreads through a crowd—simple, genuine, and impossible to resist. 

Ensure the people in your inner circle are genuine Christians who are always yearning to know more about God and to follow His will.  

Ezekiel 48:1-9 (AMP) – “¹ Now these are the names of the tribes: from the north end, beside the way of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, as far as Hazar-enan, which is on the northern border of Damascus, beside Hamath, and running from the east to the west, Dan, one portion. ² Beside the border of Dan, from the east side to the west side, Asher, one portion. ³ Beside the border of Asher, from the east side to the west side, Naphtali, one portion. ⁴ Beside the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west side, Manasseh, one portion. ⁵ Beside the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west side, Ephraim, one portion. ⁶ Beside the border of Ephraim, from the east side to the west side, Reuben, one portion. ⁷ Beside the border of Reuben, from the east side to the west side, Judah, one portion. ⁸ “And beside the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the allotment and contribution of land which you shall set apart and offer, 25,000 cubits in width, and in length like one of the [tribal] portions, from the east side to the west side; and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it. ⁹ The allotment [of land] that you shall set apart and offer to the Lord shall be 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width.” 

This section continues the description of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Each tribe receives a specific portion of land, with the details laid out from north to south: 

Tribal Inheritance: Each tribe receives a portion of the land, emphasizing the restoration and reestablishment of Israel according to the divine plan. 

The Portion for the Sanctuary: The land set apart for the Lord, where the sanctuary will be located, is highlighted. This area is central to the vision, underscoring the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people. 

Ezekiel walked in faithful obedience to God through God’s enabling, demonstrating a steadfast commitment despite challenging circumstances. His life reflects how we can live our own lives in faith by trusting in God’s power and guidance, even when faced with trials or uncertainty.  

Just as Ezekiel’s obedience was rooted in his reliance on God’s strength, we too can find assurance and courage in our faith by depending on God’s promises and allowing His Spirit to lead and empower us. By embracing God’s call and surrendering to His will, we can navigate our own journeys with the same unwavering faith and dedication that characterized Ezekiel’s walk with God. 

GOD BLESS YOU! 

Prayer 

Dear God, I thank You for enabling me to come across these lessons from the book of Ezekiel. I ask You to forgive me for all the sins that I have committed. Help me to take heed of all Your warnings. Give me the strength to overcome temptations. Purify me Lord. Make me a new being and help me not to miss out on eternal life. Give healing to my soul and body. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Activity 

1. Reflect on what God is warning you from doing and ask Him to give you the strength not to do it. 

2. Reflect on the areas of your life that seem lifeless. Write them down and ask God to put life into them. 

3. Commit or recommit your life to Jesus Christ. 

Author: Mark Alex   

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