“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The book of the prophet Ezekiel is one of the strangest and at times disturbing books of the Bible — but all that wild imagery has a very serious message.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
The book of Ezekiel contains some of the strangest imagery in the Bible. However, though parts of it can be difficult to understand, the constant theme is that God is sovereign over nations, people, history, and all creation.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Glory
- Timeline: Roughly 593-573 BC
- Written: Traditionally attributed to Ezekiel
Key Verse
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)
Soli Deo Gloria
Chief among the theological themes in the book of Ezekiel are God’s holiness and sovereignty. These are conveyed by frequent contrast of His bright glory against the despicable backdrop of Judah’s sins.
Like other prophets, Ezekiel sounded a message of hope to accompany his warnings of judgment. Ezekiel concludes his prophesy with the news of a coming day when God would restore proper worship in a new temple.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Ezekiel 1-7
- Day 2: Ezekiel 8-14
- Day 3: Ezekiel 15-21
- Day 4: Ezekiel 22-28
- Day 5: Ezekiel 29-35
- Day 6: Ezekiel 36-42
- Day 7: Ezekiel 43-48
Similar Messages, Differently Told
The messages of Jeremiah and Ezekiel are quite similar, though they spoke to people hundreds of miles away from one another, who were facing different stages of God’s judgment.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
