The Book of Ezekiel

Theme: A survey of the Bible - Ezekiel:

1. Its background and setting:
   Judah and the Neo-Babylonian Empire: 3 distinct deportations, Jewish exile in Babylon comfortable but a disgrace. First part of book (1-32) Judgment and Doom, Last part (33-38) Hope and Restoration
2. Its major themes and purpose:
   The Nature of God, holiness and transcendence, majestic vision of the chariot Verse 1:28, sovereign rule Ephesians 1:11 - God is always true to His Covenant - Human sin and individual accountability - Idolatry - blame shifting: Ezekiel 18. God's judgement on the foreign nations: He is the King of the world not just a local deity. True leadership among God's people - false shepherds leading the people astray: Chapter 34. Hope and Restoration: God was present in Babylon, God the personal King and Shepherd, new hearts, new temple (New Covenant Church), New Testament Christianity in Old Testament form - God will be close to His people.
   Purposes: 1st To inform the Jewish people of the final impending doom of Jerusalem, 2nd Telling the people of future days of hope and glory (condemnation and consolation)
3. Its key verses and Christology:
   18:3-32
   36:26-27
   37:1-14
   Christ the True Shepherd chapt 34 - John 10. David, His Servant chapter 37:24
4. Its lessons and applications:
   (1) a bright future Romans 8:28
   (2) we must be faithful to proclaim God's Word to our generation
   (3) we must be thankful for the Word of God - we must act upon the things we hear Eze 33:30-33
   (4) Escatological hope: we are now exiles but we will be brought to the land of promise