Topical Bible: Ezekiel: His Popularity

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ezekiel, a major prophet in the Old Testament, is a figure of profound significance whose messages and visions have captivated readers and scholars alike. His popularity stems from his unique prophetic style, vivid imagery, and the depth of his theological insights. Ezekiel's ministry took place during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile, which adds a layer of historical and spiritual intrigue to his writings.

Historical Context and Ministry

Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, a decade before the final destruction of Jerusalem. His prophetic ministry began around 593 BC and continued for at least 22 years. The book of Ezekiel is structured around his visions and prophecies, which address both the immediate circumstances of the exiles and the broader spiritual condition of Israel.

Prophetic Style and Imagery

Ezekiel is renowned for his dramatic and symbolic actions, which serve as powerful visual aids to his messages. For instance, he is commanded to lie on his side for an extended period to symbolize the siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:4-6). His visions, such as the famous "Valley of Dry Bones" (Ezekiel 37:1-14), are rich in symbolism and have captured the imagination of readers for centuries. These vivid portrayals contribute significantly to his popularity, as they offer profound insights into God's plans and purposes.

Theological Themes

Ezekiel's messages are deeply theological, emphasizing the holiness and sovereignty of God. He frequently uses the phrase "Then you will know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 6:7), underscoring the divine purpose behind the events he describes. His prophecies often focus on themes of judgment and restoration, reflecting God's justice and mercy. The vision of the new temple (Ezekiel 40-48) is particularly significant, symbolizing the future hope and restoration of Israel.

Impact and Legacy

Ezekiel's influence extends beyond his immediate historical context. His prophecies have been interpreted in various ways throughout history, influencing Jewish and Christian eschatological thought. The imagery and themes found in Ezekiel have parallels in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, which echoes his apocalyptic visions.

Ezekiel's Role in the Canon

Ezekiel's inclusion in the biblical canon underscores his importance as a prophet. His writings provide a bridge between the pre-exilic and post-exilic periods, offering insights into the spiritual and social dynamics of the time. His messages continue to resonate with believers, offering hope and a call to faithfulness in the face of adversity.

Contemporary Relevance

In modern times, Ezekiel's messages remain relevant as they address themes of exile, identity, and divine sovereignty. His call to repentance and his visions of restoration speak to the enduring human condition and the hope of redemption. Ezekiel's popularity endures as his writings continue to inspire and challenge readers to seek a deeper understanding of God's will and purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 33:31,32
And they come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... that those who enjoyed an exceptional popularity may have ... Ezekiel, whose
characterizations of the false prophets are ... a wall of fire to his country, standing ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

First Ministry in Jud??a --John's Second Testimony.
... "I must decrease""in popularity, in power ... conviction that God was true"true to his
promise that ... by measure indicates a partial, scanty bestowal (Ezekiel 4:16 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxv first ministry in judaeajohns.htm

First, for Thy Thoughts.
... the premises, neither affects nor neglects popularity; but in any ... in his malice,
and increaseth in his mischief, give ... for the iniquity of the time (Ezekiel 9:4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/first for thy thoughts.htm

Eccles. 12:12 Simplicity in Preaching.
... preach to an ordinary congregation about the seals and vials and trumpets in Revelation,
or about Ezekiel's temple, or ... What is one secret of his popularity? ...
/.../chapter iii eccles 12 12 simplicity.htm

In the Days of Queen Esther
... mountain of the height of Israel." Ezekiel 17:22 ... To secure popularity and patronage,
legislators will yield to ... Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 49 in the days.htm

The Early Ministry in Judea
... kingdom can come (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25 ... hasten from Judea seems to have
been his knowledge of ... of public safety owing to John's undue popularity (Jos. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/ii the early ministry in.htm

The Christian's Book
... It is the most lasting in its popularity of all books ... 1 Samuel 16:3,11-13), Isaiah
(1:1), Ezekiel (1:1 ... to the Christ and the New Testament records His coming as ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vi the christians book.htm

A Warning Rejected
... Babylon?""Thomas Guthrie, The Gospel in Ezekiel, page 237 ... make a still higher bid
for popularity and patronage ... His sermons must not touch popular sins, but be ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

Jesus' Conception of Himself
... good deeds to diabolical power (Mark 3:28-30), and as, after the collapse of popularity,
he rebuked ... Ezekiel was regularly addressed in his visions as ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv jesus conception of himself.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... of prophets and preachers, as Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel ... Not to mention that popularity
and applause cannot but ... who alone qualifies him for his ministerial labors ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm